If this is the year you vowed to make all your Christmas gifts, I have some bad news: You have about 60 days. The good news? Utah has a long crafting tradition, and the local crafting community is ready to help.
So grab your shopping list, clear some space on the dining room table, and prepare to develop a very specific new personality trait. Let’s get making!
Needlepoint, Cross-Stitch, and Embroidery
Yes, there’s a difference. And I was reminded that if I confused any of them, I’d get emails.
- Needlepoint: Both new to the scene, Edith’s Mary in Provo and The Needlepoint Shoppe in Midvale offer modern takes on this classic craft. Both carry canvases, threads, and other supplies, plus classes for all skill levels. If you finish a project and have absolutely no idea what to do with it next, check out @FinishingByAmy on Instagram for local finishing services.
- Cross-stitch and embroidery: For patterns, kits, and supplies, I love the selection at Pine Needles in Gardner Village. It’s also a massive quilting store with tons of kits, fabric, quilting notions, and knowledgeable staff. Shout out to the employee who called me brave for buying a tough cross-stitch pattern as my first project. No, I haven’t finished it yet.
Fabric Stores
Any good sewist knows not all fabric stores will have what you need for your specific project.
- Apparel fabric: Check out Salt Lake Sewciety for high-quality apparel fabric, patterns, specialty tools, and everything you need to make something for your friend’s closet.
- Quilting fabric: For a huge selection, your go-to should be the Fabric Center in West Jordan. I also love the curation at Harmony in Provo. Fair warning: You’ll probably leave with fabric for a project you weren’t planning to make. That’s just how it works. Accept it.
- Bag-making supplies: If you’re planning to make a bag for someone on your list, I’d recommend Sewtopia in Salt Lake City. Choosing the fabric is the fun part, but don’t forget the stabilizers, hardware, and straps.
Paper, Wood, and Beads
Scrapbooking has gotten a rebrand as junk journaling, and the wood crafts my mom made at Relief Society are making a comeback.
- Scrapbooking and paper crafts: Support Utah-based businesses and shop online from Echo Park Paper Co., Stampin’ Up!, and Simple Stories for coordinated collections of paper, stickers, and embellishments.
- In-person paper supplies: For classic scrapbooking supplies, check out Pebbles in My Pocket in Orem (note: the store is not wheelchair accessible). Despite not being a traditional scrapbooking store, I also love City of Industry for pens, notebooks, and stickers.
- Wood crafts: The Wood Connection in Murray offers unfinished wood projects, seasonal decor, and kits for the kinds of crafts you might remember from childhood.
- Beads and jewelry-making: Whether you’re making bracelets for everyone you know or attempting a pair of earrings that look like they belong in a boutique, these shops can help you find the supplies to make it happen. For walls of beads, findings, and tools, check out Heart Beads Jewelry in Murray or The Bead Fairy in Sandy.
I know there are a million other craft stores I missed (I didn’t even TOUCH on knitting and crocheting!).
