By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: Craftworks
Address: 243 West Main St., Northborough
Owner: Ande Lockwood
Contact information: 508-393-9435
www.craftworkscoop.com
What is the Craftworks store like?
“Craftworks is actually two stores in one,” said Ande Lockwood, owner of the shop. “The gift shop is an artisans’ cooperative, featuring American-made, hand-crafted, juried products from over a hundred artisans. About 16 of them work here. When people come in, they can meet the artist, share their passion, and discuss special orders.
“The yarn shop offers some of the most beautiful yarns you’ve ever seen. We carry some yarns from large manufacturers, such as MalaBrigo, Anzula and Plymouth, but we specialize in hand-dyed yarns from more than a dozen independent dyers and spinners. These artisans are from Shrewsbury, Mendon, West Boylston, Hubbardston, southern New Hampshire, and quite a few from New York.
“We also have one of the area’s most extensive assortments of decorative and specialty buttons, including inventory from an Acton store that closed. We have buttons for any kind of project. If you are replacing the buttons on a sweater or jacket, check our selection.”
“If you are looking for that unique handmade special gift, or are involved in fiber activities, this is a must-go-to shop for you. We look forward to greeting you, and thanking you for supporting our small business,” she said.
What items would be good for holiday gifts or home decorating?
“There’s a wide variety of unique handmade products. Jewelry is very popular, as are our wood-crafted items. There are delightful gift packages of handmade botanical hand creams, lotions and soaps, as well as specialty foods. Our knitters make beautiful baby sweaters and gifts, including sets of scarves, hats and mittens.
“A trend this year is ‘upcycled’ products, made from items that have lost their use, for example tote bags made from jeans or mittens made by felting the yarn from old sweaters. Instead of throwing something away, our craftspeople turn it into something new.
“We have a good variety of tree ornaments, and a lot of home décor items with seasonal themes such as Santas and snowmen. Our quilter makes a lot of seasonal table runners,” Lockwood said.
“We offer gift certificates that can be redeemed for gift shop or yarn shop products, or for fees for any of our fiber art classes.”
What holiday activities are planned at the store?
“Sabine of Sabine Cuisine is coming in on Friday, Dec. 11, to do a presentation on food for easy entertaining. We’ll be a stop for the Northborough Holiday Trolley, sponsored by Northboro Local First, on Saturday, Dec. 5, with children’s crafts, refreshments and a chance to meet our crafters. We will also host a trunk show with yarns and garments made from yarns from Avalon Springs Farm in Maryland through Dec. 15.”
What classes do you offer?
“We offer knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, rug hooking, needle felting and rug punch, basically anything that pertains to fiber. The class schedules are on the website; there are copies in the shop and the library as well. Many of our classes are beginner or intermediate, and many have what we call a ‘rolling start’ so you can start any time that works for you.
“Classes are generally four to six weeks long, and we also offer a number of one-time workshops.”
Craftworks is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on Thursdays; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. During the holiday season, the store is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights until 8 p.m.