Brittany Martin is a friend of Metroblogging DC and submitted this review of this past weekend’s Crafty Bastards event in Adams Morgan
“Get awesomized!” was the tantalizing pitch that the Washington City Paper used to lure customers to the 4th annual Crafty Bastards indie craft fair on Sunday. Clearly the advertising worked – the Marie Reed Center was packed with shoppers looking for hand-made goods to break the monotony of the mass-produced. Over 100 vendors plied their wares, including accessories, clothing, concert posters, and plushies in the shape of weeping burnt toast.
As my shopping companion and I moved from booth to booth, we frequently let out squeals of “Oh! I know them from the internet!” and we were not alone. More “big name” craft vendors made a visit to DC for this year’s event than in the past – attracting artisans from Georgia, Chicago, Boston, and elsewhere. Two of my favorite booths were such folks-from-away: the whimsical and super-delightful Gladys Makes Things and Barry’s Farm.
Many local talents were also on display (if perhaps fewer than in past years) including De*Nada Designs. Virginia Arrisueno of De*Nada makes great bags which I am seeing more and more girls carrying these days – a testament to her good design and constant presence at DC design and craft scene events (I regret that yesterday, I passed up the chance to pick up a tote emblazoned with a pattern of skeleton keys, daggers, and guns).
One complaint about the vendors at Crafty Bastards was that there was the usual paucity of goods on sale for those of the male persuasion. Though there was no shortage of cute hipster boys strolling around, most vendors offered them the predictable American-Apparel-tee-with-screenprint and not much else. Remember, crafters: boys carry wallets and bags, wear scarves and hats in the cold, and so on. Similarly, I would love to see more DC boys rocking the handmade goods.
In spite of the heat and sunshine, many of the shopkeepers and shoppers dressed up for the event – in a display of great vintage dresses, stylish coifs, scarves, and flat skimmer shoes in every color of the rainbow. Most of them complimented their hip getups with the muslin totes handed out at the entrances bearing the Crafty Bastards logo, stuffed with purchases and indie cred.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
I live and work in the District of Columbia. I write at We Love DC, a blog I helped start, I work at Technolutionary, a company I helped start, and I’m happy doing both. I enjoy watching baseball, cooking, and gardening. I grow a mean pepper, keep a clean scorebook, and wash the dishes when I’m done. Read Why I Love DC.
