THE CITY QUILTER IS QUITE A YARN TO TELL (c) By Polly Guerin

You’re doing what? Quilting you say! Why my dear, isn’t that one of those fuddy-duddy crafts that your grandmother did in those old fashioned days of yore? On the contrary, there is something quite modern about the resurgence of women, and some men for that matter, taking up quilting in this modern age. Why do they do it? Perhaps it is something crafty that sophisticated New Yorkers find appealing to soothe their frazzled computer nerves, or just to create something beautiful that they can finally hold in their hands and admire their achievement. A wide span of people from all age ranges seem to be attracted to the craft of quilting including young designers to senior citizens, tourists and shoppers who are exploring this all-American craft and calling it their own today.

AND THEN THERE IS THE CITY QUILTER There is another reason the craze for quilting is getting its due recognition and that is The City Quilter, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea district at 133 W. 25th Street, between sixth and seventh avenues, which also has as a neighbor the prestigious fashion college, The Fashion Institute of Technology, where as professor in the Fashion Merchandising Department, I taught for many years. A destination for quilters, students, theater and costume designers and fabric lovers from around the world, the more than 4,000 bolts of cotton fabric it stocks are not just granny prints, but some are even contemporary works of art, sophisticated, contemporary and even exotic. The store also offers hand-dyed cottons, wool, wool felt, flannels and silks.

UNIQUE NEW YORK EDITIONS New York related fabrics, patterns and kits are a special focus and the City Collection includes Olde New York, NYC Subway, Times Square and Susy’s New York to name a few. The place is spilling over with color not only in the racks of textiles but in threads, ribbons and accessories to accommodate the quilter’s craft. In addition there is a large collection of books, sewing notions and gifts and more than 150 different quilting classes offered throughout the year, from one-day seminars on silk ribbon embroidery to multi session instruction on quilting technique. It also helps that the City Quilter sells patterns and supplies for making all kinds of non-quilt items, including handbags and toys.

THE CITY QUILTER ALSO INVITES YOU TO VISIT THEIR ART QUILT GALLERY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN NEW YORK CITY AND MEET THE OWNERS CATHY IZZO AND HER HUSBAND DALE RIEHL. 212.807.0390.