5 Dayton craft stores worth visiting

For the crafty among us, there is nothing quite like stepping into a craft store. They house infinite possibilities for crafting - everything from yarns to paint, beads to fabric, and all the tools you'll need to work with these raw materials.

If you're a frequent visitor to the big box craft stores in the area, you should definitely check out our local, independent stores for a unique craft shopping experience:

Sew Dayton - Not only can you take sewing lessons at Sew Dayton, you can also buy sewing supplies and fun fabric that you might not find at the bigger fabric stores. Conveniently located next to Press Coffee Bar (caffeine is a pretty important component of crafting, after all), Sew Dayton is a great place to get your craft on in the Oregon District. Want to check out Sew Dayton before taking a class? Try their Stitch n' Sip event on First Fridays.    Check out all of their classes and events by visiting sewdayton.com.

Stash - Most bead stores only let you buy beads, but in addition to selling beads Stash actually buys them as well!  If you bought all the beads you needed for a project and then didn't go through with it, you can actually sell your unused beads to Stash (and then obviously buy fresh ones for the next project, if you're a true bead addict).  Stash also offers beading classes and open sessions where you can bring in any project to work on. Check out their Facebook page for more info.

Strings Attached Yarns - This independent yarn store is the perfect place to find unique yarns you won't find in the big box stores. If you're looking for hand dyed organic cotton yarn, Strings Attached not only has these in stock, they even have an assortment to choose from. Is your knitting game not exactly on point? Strings Attached offers classes to help you get crafty in no time. For more info visit stringsattachedyarns.com.

Heliotrope Art Studio and Bead Store - When you walk into Heliotrope's bead store, it's like magic - wall to wall beads in every color, shape, and size as far as the eye can see. The shop owner is very knowledgeable and can help you find exactly what you're looking for every time. Mr. Marbles, the shop dog, can also help you find the right beads - well, at least the ones on the bottom row. FYI: Heliotrope is cash only. Keep up with Heliotrope on their Facebook page.

Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts - This locally-owned craft store has been around for some time and people love to stop in for every type of craft project. Busy Beaver sells everything from items you'd expect like yarn and beads to more unique offerings like glass and glass working supplies. Not sure how to get started? They also sell how to books on several crafting topics to help you get up to speed. Busy Beaver offers classes, too - check out their Facebook page for more info.

And if you're looking for ways to enjoy the DIY movement without having to make the crafts yourself, checkout the last Third on 3rd of the 2015 season Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Handmade Holiday is also just around the corner on Dec. 4 and 5 at the Old Yellow Cab Company building.

Whether you're crafting up a storm or someone who'd rather shop handmade, Dayton has you covered.

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