Cathy Izzo, expert quilter and former TV producer, left showbiz seven years ago to open The City Quilter, Manhattan’s one-stop quilting shop. Recently, she moved to new digs in Chelsea, with three times as much space. And based on personal experience, Izzo firmly believes that given the desire and motivation, even “the sewing-challenged” can learn to quilt. “I came from a family of sewers,” she recalls, “but when I would sew a button on a shirt and then stand up, the shirt would be attached to my pants!” In addition to its wide selection of fabrics, sewing notions, books, patterns and software programs, The City Quilter offers over 40 different daytime, evening and weekend classes. For the mother and daughter (at least 12 years old) who might like to learn together, Izzo recommends an introductory class that teaches basic hand quilting or machine sewing. Even if you are not inclined to attend a class, the shop is still a fun place for mother and daughter to browse. The fabrics, including Japanese, African and batiks from Bali, have a sophisticated, contemporary look and are ablaze with oranges, yellows and reds. “There’s so much grayness in New York. When you walk in, I want you to have that blast of color,” Izzo says. And there are always finished quilts on view, as well as samples of class projects created by the instructors.
The City Quilter is now at 133 West 25th Street, near Whole Foods and Buy Buy Baby, and is just a short bus ride from Chelsea Piers. Store hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm; closed Mondays. (212) 807-0390; www.cityquilter.com.
