Patchwork Show at Jack London Square

     If there is one event in the Bay Area where I can really get into trouble, financially speaking, it's the Patchwork Show at Jack London Square in Oakland.  The Patchwork Show is a collection of local vendors who sell handmade products from art and clothing to food. The show was founded by Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson who call it a "modern handmade festival" (see their website at www.patchworkshow.com). The show has been going on in various areas, especially California, twice a year.  And just last year the show came to Oakland, a test of the handmade market in the Bay Area.  Needless to say, demand is thriving.
     To give you a better sense of what you'll find at the show (and won't be able to live without), I'll walk you through my own path of destruction.  My first stop was at MisoHandmade where I found tote bags with a silhouette of my favorite dog breed (pug) sewn onto the front.  I also found a set of magnets of funny pug close-ups, a set of magnets with crafting quips, pro-pet pins, and a squeaky donut for the pug himself.  Next was Bottle of Clouds where I found hand cut and hand painted wooden pins by Min.  Her designs are cute, classy, unique, and very Bay Area.  I chose one with a picture of a scooter and a heart.  Then on to OopisNein where I found a few more "plushies" for the pug in my life, two cute little creatures artist Gretchen Lewis calls "Baby Octopods."  I picked up one-of-a-kind scarves from Lazy Lotus and Harlequin Feltworks, handmade stickers from Bird vs Bird and PapaSupply, and a wall hanging of the mounted head of a monster called "Uniworm" from Ghoulie Girls.  I was also tempted by handbags, shirts, art, jewelry, and knick knacks.
     What will impress you the moment you enter the show is the detail each artist has put into their business.  This detail starts with the materials used for the products (antique metals, repurposed maps and wood, handmade paper...) and extend down to things as small as the business cards.  Each card is a work of art in itself, and it is a fun challenge to collect one from every booth for a scrapbook of future shopping.  Each piece from every vendor is of the highest quality.  The designs are fresh, unique, and full of local flavor.  If you want a necklace, a wallet, or a scarf that set you apart and beg for compliments, this is the first place to look.  And almost every vendor has a shop on Etsy so you can continue shopping after the show.  This is an event that proves that the American craft scene is alive and thriving.  You can visit the show's website at www.patchworkshow.com (seriously, this is your second chance to CHECK IT OUT) to get a feel for the designs you'll encounter, pictures of the event, locations and times, and other info.
     The Jack London show is held in the old Barnes and Noble building right down by the water.  And this May's event coincided with the Jack London farmer's market, so shoppers could take a break and pick up a few pieces of fruit, a slice of stone fired pizza, or some freshly baked bread.  Shoppers could also take a break and enjoy the free yoga session on the water's edge.  I personally enjoyed having lunch on a bench watching the ships pass.  And I definitely needed to take a time out.
     Overall, Patchwork is a show that reinvigorates shoppers.  I usually can't help making frequent outbursts about how cute, unique, or new an item is at every single booth I visit.  Much to the joy of the vendors.  The artists' use of their material is brilliant.  There handiwork is exceptional.  And everyone is so happy.  These are people who do what they love, make what they sell, and support their local economy.
      If you missed May's show, you have another chance to redeem yourself.  The next show is on November 24th from 11 to 5pm.  Christmas shopping.  Check it off.  Oh, and you better start saving NOW.

Photos (top to bottom): My sister Hilary wearing one of the felt scarves from Harlequin Feltworks; a view of the farmer's market with the water in the distance; unique finds at this year's event; and the Jack London Pavilion where the event took place.