FEATURE
NEW YORK
BY DIANA ENG
Shop your heart out for all that’s crafty in the Big Apple.
Whether you’re a resident of NYC or a visitor, you’ll find plenty of shops to explore in Manhattan.
This borough has every store imaginable, with any material you may need for any craft. Here
are a few fabulous places to shop: some famous, and some well-kept secrets.
M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
mjtrim.com
This is the famed, must-see trim store that you may
recognize from Season 1 of Project Runway. When you
walk through the door, you’re overwhelmed with all
the choices: ribbon, lace, appliqué, cording, buttons,
feathers, purse handles, and closures. The staff
is knowledgeable, helpful, and expert with the store’s
massive inventory. I had a wonderful chat with
Auticia, who’s worked at M&J for over 30 years with
celebrity clients from movie stars to governors.
Food Match: You can “craft” for lunch at Craft (craftrestaurant.
com), owned by famed Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio.
Toho Shoji
990 Sixth Avenue (one block from M&J)
tohoshoji-ny.com
This jewelry supply store sells parts for your traditional
projects and your wildest craft designs. They offer
demonstrations periodically, so check online for a
schedule. My favorite item was the new Free Metallico,
a fine wire lace ribbon that’s like stretchable chain
maille, now being used for jewelry and flowers.
Food Match: Head a few blocks south to Koreatown for an
authentic Korean meal, pastries, or frozen yogurt at Pinkberry
(
pinkberry.com). Be sure to try the secret topping, mochi!
Photography by Doug Eng
