Shopping - Boston 2009 - page 205

Present at the Creation: Craft Shows
New England is a hotbed of fine crafts, and the Boston area affords many
opportunities to explore the latest trends in every imaginable medium and
style. Prominent artisans often have exclusive relationships with galleries; an
excellent way to get an overview is to attend a show and sale. The best-known
exhibitions are prestigious weekend events that benefit nonprofit organiza-
tions. Crafts at the Castle ( & 617/523-6400, ext. 5987; www.fsgb.org/catc.htm)
takes place in late November or early December at the Hynes Convention Cen-
ter. CraftBoston ( & 617/266-1810; www.craftboston.org) is in April or May at
the Seaport World Trade Center.

Tips

magnets for anyone with a thing for stationery. Be sure to check out the handmade
paper from around the world. A crafty friend swears by the Boston location, but all
three are delightful. 338 Boylston St. & 617/536-3444. www.paper-source.com. T: Green Line to
Arlington. 1810 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. & 617/497-1077. T: Red Line to Porter. 1361 Beacon
St., Brookline. & 617/264-2800. T: Green Line C to Coolidge Corner.
Pearl Art & Craft Supplies The Central Square branch of the national dis-
count chain stocks everything you need to do it yourself, from pens and pencils to
stamps and stencils to cards and canvas. 579 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.

&

617/

547-6600. www.pearlpaint.com. T: Red Line to Central.
Windsor Button The name doesn't come close to telling the whole story of this 70-
plus-year-old business. It's known for its impressive range of yarn and knitting and
crochet patterns and accessories; the helpful staff is a great resource for everyone from
beginners to experts. Also in stock are thousands of buttons, from utilitarian to ultra-
fancy, as well as ribbon, trim, notions, and needlework kits. Closed Sunday. 35 Temple
Place. & 617/482-4969. www.windsorbutton.com. T: Red or Green Line to Park St., or Orange Line to
Downtown Crossing.
DISCOUNT SHOPPING
City Sports The regional athletic-apparel retailer City Sports carries clothing,
footwear, and some sports equipment. The crowded lower level of this store—also a
regular retail location—stocks a constantly changing selection of out-of-season mer-
chandise at excellent prices. 11 Bromfield St. & 617/423-2015. www.citysports.com. T: Red or
Orange Line to Downtown Crossing.
DSW Shoe Warehouse Here you'll find two large floors of discounted women's and
men's shoes, boots, sandals, and sneakers. Check the clearance racks for the real deals.
385 Washington St. & 617/556-0052. www.dswshoe.com. T: Red or Orange Line to Downtown Crossing.
Eddie Bauer Outlet Not what you might expect from an outlet—the prices aren't
breathtaking (they're lowest during January and August end-of-season sales), but the
quality and selection are good. 500 Washington St. & 617/423-4722. www.eddiebaueroutlet.com.
T: Red or Orange Line to Downtown Crossing.
Filene's Basement New England's most famous discount retailer opened at
Downtown Crossing in 1908 (it's now a subsidiary of a Midwestern chain). At press
time, that location, the only one where the celebrated automatic-markdown pricing
policy applies, was closed for construction and not expected to reopen until 2009. The