Slipstitch Needlecraft Expansion

Claudette Brady is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

My name is Claudette Brady

In 1995, I moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn and immediately feel in love. Over the past 20 years I have been active in the community on various levels: I re -invigorated my Block Association and coordinated our Greenest Block in Brooklyn entry; coordinated It’s My Park Day for clean-up efforts at Von King Park. I served as a member of the Community Board, and was a part of the coalition or group for Landmark Designation of the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District Expansion and the Bedford Historic District.

I became gravely ill in 2011, sold my house in Bed-Stuy, and moved to the Bronx with my Mom to recuperate. I started Slip Stitch Needlecraft on-line while I was in the Bronx. After two years in the Bronx, I became home sick for Bedford-Stuyvesant and desperately wanted to return. I was blessed to find an apartment with neighbor on my old block.

In late 2015 I opened a small 400 square-foot Pop-Up brick and mortar store. The welcome by the community was enthusiastic. Due to the reception by the community I made the decision to move to a larger space. I opened the doors at 450 Nostrand Avenue in March of 2016. The first year in the business has had its challenges and its rewards. With the larger space, I offer classes, host events, showcase the work of local crafters and makers, and provide a gathering place for fiber enthusiasts.

With the funds raised, I am seeking to: adjust the merchandize mix to better reflect the needs of the community; renovate and purchase canopies for the outdoor space to host a summer makers markets, and to purchase fixtures for the interior, so that I can accommodate more local makers in the winter months.

Brooklyn has become the Makers capital of the USA, unfortunately, many in our community have been excluded from the various makers markets or do not have the financial means to have a retail outlet; my goal is to be an incubator for these Makers/artisans and provide a low-cost space.

Your dollars will support this burgeoning community.