Vancouver craft stores for do-it-yourself presents
Whether you’re feeling creative or just want save some money this Christmas, Vancouver is home to plenty of craft stores that sell everything from wool and woodcuts to paper and patterned fabric. Check out these shops for all the materials you need to turn into one of Santa’s elves and make DIY delights for the holiday season. [Photo © Yellow Pages / Pages Jaunes]
Spool Of Thread Sewing Lounge Inc
101-649 15th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6Pop into nearby Matchstick Coffee to wake up before you head to Spool of Thread and get lost amongst the swathes of fabric featuring traditional patterns and cutesy designs. The staff here are keen on sewing and will happily help you pick out a suitable material for your project. Alternatively, sign up for classes that cover making pillow covers, tote bags and purses – all sessions are ideal for gift-making and you’ll get some guidance if you’re not so sure about your sewing skills.
Urban Source
3126 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7Offering alternative art supplies, Urban Source has been repurposing industrial manufacturing off-cuts for more than two decades. Inside you’ll find buckets of quirky materials from chunks of plastic to vintage maps. The Main Street store is kid-friendly, with everything positioned at grabbing-height, and it’s the ideal place to head if you’re planning on working on a project with little ones over the holidays.
Dressew Supply Ltd
337 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6Tucked away on West Hastings, Dressew feels a bit like a yard-sale version of a craft shop; stuffed full of bargain odds and ends galore. It’s the ultimate place to visit if you are intending to make a costume for a holiday party or want to create your own decorations. Inside the multi-floor shop you’ll find a basement crammed full of fabric and rows of sparkly ribbon, appliqué add-ons and accessories. While you’re in the Gastown neighbourhood, pop around the corner to Button Button on Homer Street to pick out some cool buttons for your creation.
Paper-Ya
9-1666 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2Granville Island’s little paper paradise offers a range of beautiful origami books and Japanese-style paper products for a range of crafts. As a bonus, they also stock covetable notebooks and cute gifts, just in case your efforts don’t turn out as planned and you want a Plan B for your gift list.
The Regional Assembly of Text
3934 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2Looking for a fast homemade present? Font fans and print geeks will love this tribute to all things text, where you can buy screen-printed or handmade goods. If you have do-it-yourself intentions but are squeezed for time, try making your own pins with their badge making machine; personalize it for a loved one with an inside joke or a funny photo.
Blim Arts Society
115 Pender St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6Chinatown’s colourful Blim Arts Society stocks imported Japanese fashion and clothes designed by owner Yurika Iga. If you want to take the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to gift giving, head to the back of the shop to discover the in-store screen-printing studio. Take a class and create printed totes, tees and towels. If you’re already a pro, book some studio time to use the facilities and paints for the afternoon.
Collage Collage
3697 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N6Crafty kids will love this charming Mount Pleasant spot. Collage Collage hosts hands-on crafting parties for youngsters to make and create everything from wooden dolls to friendship bracelets. Adults can also join in the fun; check out one of the themed classes or book your own crafternoon party and try making felt jewellery or Christmas decorations.
Wool Is Not Enough
1683 13th Avenue E, Vancouver, BC V5N 0A5Wool is Not Enough (a.k.a The Little Big Yarn Shop) began as a small stall in a mall. Today, owner Shoshana has created a warm and cozy little place to pick up specialist yarns and easy-to-follow patterns, with seasonal colours in stock and a fantastic bargain bucket for cut-price yarns.
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