Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Traveling expenses

Maybe I just don't get out of the city often enough. I mean, after almost sixteen years of living in New York, I guess I've grown accustom to buying my craft supplies from either the high-end shops or the warehouse-style "discount" stores. Craft stores aren't exactly plentiful in New York, and the selection can be almost dismal at times.



So every time I set foot in Michael's or in Hobby Lobby, I'm astounded by the variety of materials that are available. Craft foam? Whoever heard of that, and what's it for? Colorful jumbo pipe cleaners? I've never seen those in New York. Faux marble columns? Oh, wait. I can't even comprehend why or when anyone would ever need one of those, so never mind. And Crayola sells other things besides basic crayons and markers? Not where I shop, they don't.

So of course I made Grandma stop at Michael's when I was visiting. I promised I would speed shop, but I should never make promises I know I can't keep. I just had to see the new Martha Stewart line, of course. But I had no idea what would greet me just inside the front door: a full row of Martha. Whoa.


I managed to find a few things I really needed. Oh yes, needed. I'm a sucker for great packaging. I passed up a few other items as well. For example, my mental crystal ball tells me there will be some tissue paper flowers in my near future, a la Sally's lovelies. And the magazine holders would have followed me home were it not for their size in comparison to the size of my carryon bag. Oh, and there were a few other things as well. But I exercised restraint. At least a little bit.

Ok, not much. Did I miss anything good in my rush? Because I'm going back in about a month, so please tell me if there's a big hole in my stash here. Oh, and how great is it that they have baker's twine in six different colors? Someone at Martha has been reading our minds. Or our blogs. They certainly knew what I like, at least. Really, I would have been satisfied with just the red and white, but once again the packaging got me.

I think the store was bigger than the Martha aisle. I seem to recall a cavernous space that stretched out into the distance ahead of me endlessly. But none of the other aisles registered with me. I guess I really didn't need craft foam at all, did I? I mean, Martha didn't seem to have it in her aisle, so why would anyone else need it?

Hmmm. I don't recall seeing any faux marble columns either. Hurray for Martha!

18 comments:

  1. That Martha stuff is great, isn't it! I want it allllllll!

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  2. i went to one a few weeks ago. it was really hard to restrain myself... as it is i spend a bunch. great line of stuff that martha has there.

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  3. LOL, Liesl! I might not live in The City, but I sure know what you mean about visiting big stores like Michael's: I can't control myself, I have difficulty imagining who would use certain items and I can NEVER "speed shop" (I guess this summer I'll be looking at the Martha stuff myself, eh?). I love your blog, Liesl!

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  4. I saw the new Martha line in Michael's recently, and I'm with you: She has read our minds! I know that stuff is flying off the shelves! I restrained myself from buying anything until I use up more of what I already have (which is not nearly as attractive), but I'll be making a list before my next visit. Thankfully, I live 90 miles from the nearest Michael's!

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  5. Anonymous2:17 PM

    Leisl, you rock! I just received my pattern today, and I kid you not: you could give Amy Butler a run for her money! Your eye for detail work on the pattern itself is beautiful, the design for the bag itself is gorgeous, and to add the cherry to the top of the sundae, the packaging is classy! Thanks so much for making all of us so happy--I can't wait to get started! While you're at it, please have another bowl or two of celebratory ice cream--you deserve it! Thanks again--

    Cara

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  6. you know you can buy it online too, right?

    [ :) - and don't knock the NY mom/pop outrageously expensive ribbon emporiums... at least you HAVE them... heh heh]

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  7. Anonymous10:56 PM

    i know what you mean!!! i'm the same way in sf.
    next time, check out her cute little cellophane colorful bags for gifted confections. sooo cute. & actually moderatly priced.

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  8. Yes, the Martha Line is fab. Glassine paper and glittery pink stick-on lettering came home with me!

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  9. Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. And Cara, you totally made my day with your comment. I'm really glad you like the pattern, and thank you for telling me!

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  10. Anonymous2:39 PM

    just wanted you to know i just got my pattern and wow!!! you really did a fabulous job with it! and even full size patterns, yahoo!
    thanks for all your hard work
    i hope i dont leave multiple comments...blogger was acting weird

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  11. I have the same experience! Urban living is fabulous EXCEPT for the lack of craft and hardware stores - I always go a little batty when I get around all those goodies!

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  12. Hi,

    I just got my pattern. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't wait to buy fabric and get started!!!!

    heather
    knittingontherocks.blogspot.com

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  13. If you're ever really dying to get a Michael's there is one in NYC - on Northern Blvd. in Queens, close to the R train. When it opened (a couple years ago, I think), I rode my bike there several times a week. Love it!

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  14. I have all new affection for the town in which I live after your post. There is a Michael's here!

    Love your blog. :)

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  15. Yep -- whenever I think I don't need a thing and my studio is overflowing, I make the mistake of browsing Martha's stuff. And then my wallet is suddenly empty and my basket full!

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  16. Anonymous6:18 PM

    Where are you? Did you give up blogging?

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  17. Anonymous6:56 AM

    you think New York has crafting store woes, then I suggest a little visit to Melbourne, Australia. Here we can only dream of Martha Stewart products because they will never be available down here. Here our local craft store is so horridly kitsch that even calling it kitsch is being far too nice!! but enough of my woes, I guess what I am really saying is I'm jealous! hope you get to explore more next time.

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  18. Anonymous7:59 AM

    love your picnic Keep up the good blogging, I have found another good little shop called www.thehandcraftedclockandgiftcompany.co.uk a bit of a mouthfull but well worth a look

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