Since the days of the Wild West, Denver has had a can-do swagger, but now it's gone completely DIY thanks to Fancy Tiger Crafts at 59 Broadway. Stocked with a large, well-chosen selection of eco-friendly and socially-conscious yarns, "free-range fabrics," patterns, and supplies for all the needle arts, the store also offers a weekly roster of workshops. Sock knitting or yarn spinning 101, anyone?
Above: We hear tell that wool spinning (by wheel or hand spindle) is as addictive as knitting. Shown here, Fancy Tiger Crafts has all the raw goods. And for the perfect first project with wool roving, have a look at Alexa's recent post DIY: Wooly Napkin Rings.
Above: The community table is the setting for Open Crafts Night (Tuesdays), Open Spin Night (the first Monday of every month), and Man Made ("a gentlemen's craft society" every first Monday). Get the full schedule and sign up for classes at Fancy Tiger Crafts.
Above: The fabric selection ranges from denims, linens, and felts to a wide array of organic cotton prints. Take part in one of Lucky Tiger's zippered pillow workshops ($30, plus materials) and in two hours you'll have the finished goods.
Above: Fancy Tiger Crafts sells its own yarn from Heirloom Romney wool raised, milled, and dyed in the U.S. It comes in 20 hues; natural heather gray, is shown here. Also on offer, yarns made by Brooklyn Tweed, Malabrigo, Blue Sky Alpacas, Spud and Chloe, Sweet Georgie, Imperial Stock Ranch, Brown Sheep, Studio Donegal Tweed, and many others.
Above: Jacquard Acid Dyes are for use on wool, cashmere, and silk. Powdered dyes that get mixed with hot water and white vinegar (hence the "acid" in the name), they're available in 40 colors.
Above: A sampling of sewing ribbons.
Above: Buttons are displayed in stacked tubes.
Above: For those outside of Denver, Fancy Tiger Crafts has an Etsy shop where you can buy the in-house yarn, as well as needle-felting kits, beginner hand-sewing kits, and knitting patterns. This Cottontail Rabbit Needle Felting Kit is $15.
Above: Fancy Tiger Crafts' classroom has a knitting-pattern-inspired linoleum floor. Dozens of classes are offered, including workshops devoted to making men's ties, beginner baby quilts, and kids' pajama pants.
Obsessed with (easy) household projects? So are we. Check out Dip-Dyed Wick Poufs, Rope as Curtain Rings, and hundreds of other DIY and Remodeling posts.