Cross stitching

[versonic.livejournal.com]

Do any of you cross stitch? And if so, where do you go to buy your supplies?

I'm preferably looking for someplace in Cambridge/Somerville/on the 77, but I also work and go to school in the Fenway and Columbia Point areas, so if you have a better idea around there, I'm open to it.

Thanks!

Comments

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

It's out of the the area you mentioned, but there is a nice sewing shop in Downtown Boston, Windsor Button, that has cross stitching supplies. They even have an online shop http://www.windsorbutton.com (http://www.windsorbutton.com).

[versonic.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've heard of them. I think I'll probably go to the place out in Arlington first, but this may work! Thanks!

[lemonlies.livejournal.com]

I'm not really much help as I buy most of my stuff mail order from http://www.herrschners.com/ or from a shop in Winthrop that allows me to special order.

If you find good suggestions, I'd love to know. I'm kinda sick of having people look at me funny when I'm trying to find Kreinik fine braid.

[versonic.livejournal.com]

I feel like Playtime is probably the best option locally from what I've seen and what I'm hearing now... It's kind of hard to find the first time, but otherwise, it should be good...

[cfox.livejournal.com]

I got an unhelpful reply last time I asked the staff at Playtime when they would restock a particular color of DMC floss that they were out of; next time I will try escalating.

I like Playtime for lots of other things, but their floss is disordered and poorly lit, and their patterns, kits, etc. all pretty sad.

[versonic.livejournal.com]

That was my main criticism of Playtime last time I was there. The staff didn't seem particularly nice.

For lack of better options, though, I'll probably head there again.

[cfox.livejournal.com]

Downstairs much worse than upstairs, which is why escalating might actually help.

[teratomarty.livejournal.com]

Playtime Crafts (http://www.rhinestones.com/playtimecrafts.htm) in the centre of Arlington is great. It's one block off the 77 bus route, sort of behind the fire station. In addition to a good selection of floss colours, they have needles, hoops, fabric and anything else you might want.

Sew And Vac (http://www.singersewandvac.com/) in Davis Square has a limited selection of embroidery floss and notions.

[versonic.livejournal.com]

I've been to Playtime and liked it - I'll probably end up going back out there. Took me forever to find it the first time! But, yes, you're right - they do have a pretty good selection of colors.

[chenoameg.livejournal.com]

There used to be a cross stitch store right on Mass Ave in Arlington. (on this side of the cinema) I don't remember the name, or if it's still there.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

oh yeah, you're right.... I can't remember the name of it either and i didn't notice if it was there when i walked up to to the Fox Library the other day. It might be/have been where that wine store is now?

[versonic.livejournal.com]

Huh, well I'll take a look when I go out to Playtime and if it's there, I'll let you know!

[rmd.livejournal.com]

Is that also the storefront that was a yarn store that closed a year or so ago?

[syntheticnature.livejournal.com]

I think that was "The Knitting Room" on Lake Street, just off Mass. Ave. - different place.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

Is the "Fabric Corner" still there at Mill St and Mass Ave in Arlington? I don't recall if they sold DMC floss or not.

[fenicedautun.livejournal.com]

The one in Arlington has gone mail order only. For mail order, I use abcstitch.com (which is in Grantham NH). If I'm looking for just floss/metallic/beads (something light), I use Pawprints Cross Stitch which will charge you just actual shipping (often just one stamp) and will mail order any specialty floss you like.

(Generally I've found LNS's (local needlework shops) have poor selection and service. ABC in NH and there's one in RI as well that are decent, but generally for supplies I find I'm better off with the internet.)

Also, way cool to have this many stitchers in DS. Maybe we should all meet up at the library for one of the Monday night stitch sessions...

[fenicedautun.livejournal.com]

Sorry to edit my own reply, but the one in Arlington I was referring to was the one on Mass Ave before you hit the Capitol.

[neuroacorn.livejournal.com]

I'd totally be up for a stitching night! I haven't done cross-stitch recently, but I'd love to get back to it.

I also tend to go to a Michael's type place for pattern books but good to know about these local places for floss and such!

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

I go to various Michael's or AC Moore stores. But then, I have a car. There's an AC Moore at Assembly Square mall. Michael's is in that mall beyond Wellington, in Everett? near the Costco/Target/Home Despot.

[she-of-emeralds.livejournal.com]

Windsor Button in Downtown Crossing, if you're ever around there?

Results

[versonic.livejournal.com]

Just in case anyone comes to look at this later, here is what I found:

Play Time does have a relatively large amount of embroidery floss, but as someone else stated, it is in the back corner of the basement where there isn't very much light. You kind of have to take the floss out of the bin, turn around and angle it towards the light, which is . . . not ideal.

Also, their hoops and aida cloth isn't right next to the floss? Which is strange?

I realize this is picky, but I really wanted black cloth, and they didn't have any - only white and cream. So, I need to find that somewhere else or order it off the internet, which is fine but it means that instead of stitching at the airport, I am updating this.

Thanks for everyone's help!