experience the artisan life in hoboken

as i continue my quest to find the best in hoboken for local shopping and anti-mass consumer flavor, i have discovered a lovely store at 211 bloomfield street, samper artisans, that offers much more than yarns and knitting supplies. step inside this homey brick building to meet owner and artisan mercedes colyer, a hoboken native and pattern maker for the nyc fashion industry for many years. once inside, you will discover many unique treasures and gift ideas -- vintage clothes, jewelry, hand knit items -- while feeling that you stepped into someone's happy home. mercedes keeps her workspace in the center of the store so we chatted casually as i looked around.

she opened artisans years ago after working in the fashion world. mercedes is a master creator. i watched her work on several dresses, one of a kind retro-inspired clothes created in her in-store workplace. she explained that her love of crafts (needlecraft/knitting) converged with her love of vintage clothing, bags, shoes and collectibles. you can find cozy 100% woolen hand knit sweaters, hats, blankets and pillows.

mercedes recently expanded to producing one of a kind clothes, tailored to your size and liking, as well as selling fabrics, accessories and needles for sewing.

visit samper artisans and be cured of the mall, mass produced and online shopping habit forever!!