knitta PLEASE: The Renegade Craft Fair - Chicago 2009

What you won't see:

• sweatshirts embellished with puffy paint
• wreaths or anything with fake flowers, unless they're crocheted
  
• country kitsch (think American flag coat racks)
• handmade advent calendars

What you will see:

• small batch silk-screened clothing
• eco-friendly paper goods
• handmade garments
  
• one-of-a-kind jewelry
• recycled and re-purposed vintage items

The Renegade Craft Fair is not your mother's craft fair.  I know that for sure, because I picked up this awesome postcard from the first table I stopped at and my mom (a very intelligent woman) did not get why it was so funny.  And it simply could not be explained to her.  I tried.  Twice.  First with the PG-13 version and then resorting to Rated R, thinking that might ring a bell.  She. Didn't. Get. It.

Nevertheless, we did enjoy browsing through the clothes and accessories.  We marveled at how so many artists were re-purposing hard cover books (the vintage, almost fabric kind) into journals and purses.  By the time we saw book cover belt buckles, I was baffled.  My mom must have known what I was thinking by the look on my face.  "Didn't you get the memo?"  she mockingly asked as she nudged me on the arm.  No, I didn't.  I thought, great, now I have to keep my eye out for old, colorful children's books at thrift stores too.  What else have I missed since I began my relationship with knitting?  I used to spread myself around a little more, with beading, jewelry, and sewing projects on the side.  And now I'm out of the loop (no pun intended).  Monogomy is overrated.

As a teacher, I should be offended that a book is destroyed in the making of this craft.  As a crafter, I'm disappointed I didn't come up with it first.

What would a hipster craft fair be without limited-edition concert posters?

If you missed the fair in Chicago, you can always check out Renegade Handmade, the retail store that grew out of the Renegade Craft Fair concept. The boutique is a permanent venue for people to sell and shop handmade goods.  Visit online at Renegade Handmade or drop by the store at 1924 W. Division St. in Chicago, you know you want to touch everything anyway.

Not from Chicago? There are also fairs in Brooklyn, LA, and San Francisco (not to mention Holiday sales in December in both Chicago and SF!).  Check out Renegade Craft for details.