http://www.renegadecraft.com/

Lauren, aka 'Sheaffer' told me about the Renegade Craft Fair happening this weekend in McCarren Pool, an annual event for craft-makers from all over the country to exhibit their wares. The Renegade Craft Fair was started in 2003 by two craft-makers, Sue Blatt and Kathleen Habbley and takes place in Chicago and Brooklyn; this is the 3rd annual Brooklyn event featuring almost 250 vendors! Armed with bottles of water, watermelon, and a young coconut, Jonathan and I strolled the grounds while trying to keep the 90 degree heat at bay. We hung out for a bit with his friend from Chicago who's in We are the Arm, one of the bands under Achord Recordings, who was there selling t-shirts with his friend. I was left on my own after a bit since J. had to go to work and being the consummate shopper that I am, I made the rounds and got a bunch of great stuff:
--two prints by Wendy Allegree http://www.orangewillow.com/

--fabric remnants from an online store specializing in reproduction vintage and retro themed textiles called Reprodepot. I found a really cute print to use for Sofia's summer dress! http://www.reprodepot.com/
This is probably gonna be used for a tote bag!

--buttons and cards from Miss Chief, a lovely woman based out of Pittsburgh http://www.misschiefshop.com/

--a hand mirror for Christina by Jill Bliss http://www.myfavoritemirror.com/ ; Jill Bliss's site http://www.blissen.com/

--a screen-printed grey t-shirt by J.'s friends
--a beautiful red lacquered wood texture ceramic platter

My favs:
--I was smitten with Margaux's work, under the brand The Black Spot Books, which consists of her photography - vintage polaroid transfers-, vintage leather bound sketchbooks, jewelry, and pillows. I will go to her when I have my new portfolio for a customized book. http://www.theblackspotbooks.com/

--Sveta Dresher's minimalist linen tops and dresses and baby's clothes. She was a bit pricey though I would've loved to get all her dresses! http://www.pip-squeakchapeau.com/

--Helge's hand-embroidered white pillows www.helgenewyork.com

--http://www.somethingshidinginhere.typepad.com/

I will also check out Etsy Labs, am not sure if Buffi mentionned this place to me but it's a community workspace that has classes in patternmaking, embroidery, sewing, etc. and seems like something I might want to get involved in time permitting! http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/

Loaded down with goodies, business cards, and a slight sunstroke I finally left McCarren Pool after 3 hours!