THE FABRIC WORKSHOP AND MUSEUM Imagine walking into a cave made entirely of felt. Soft stalactites drip from charcoal grey ceilings, and miniature felt benches provide room for you to sit down and take in the scene. You’re all alone until you notice a video about the size of a sheet of paper playing on the wall. The black and white image of a man shifts back and forth as his nasally voice, incomprehensible to the casual listener, plays out over speakers. Creepy? Hell yes. Ingenious artwork? That depends on who you ask.
The Fabric Workshop and Museum completely ignores conventional artistic practices. Experimenting with new materials and media techniques, artists at the museum fuse tactile, visual and audio mediums to create truly unique works of art.
Filled with interactive exhibits, the casual visitor can pull, poke and prod much of the artwork — quite a contrast from the “Do Not Touch” policies of conventional galleries. One example of this is a plant reminiscent of the kind you'd find in a Tim Burton film. What look like branches twist from a stone base forming a bush-like creation. The giant plant includes plastic green leaves that droop from the branches. But this is no ordinary flora. Pull a chain and, magically, cylinders hidden amongst the leaves shoot up flames in a musical pattern. Few places in Philly, let alone the country, cater so nicely to pyromaniacs and spelunkers alike. This museum is certainly worth a three dollars visit. — Ryan Carty
Where: 1214 Arch Street (about 2 miles from campus) Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Weekends 12-5 p.m. Cost: $3
ROSIE'S YARN CELLAR Even if you’ve never picked up a pair of knitting needles, it’s easy to be jealous of your scarf-and-sweater-crafting friends. As for those of you who could whip up a cable-knit blanket in your sleep, you’re probably still looking for a spot in Philly where you can stock up on supplies. Novices and experts alike should head over to Rosie’s Yarn Cellar (2017 Locust), a small Center City shop with a big inventory. The store abounds with yarns for every project and price range, from inexpensive cottons to luxurious cashmere blends. If you’re looking for some advice from seasoned knitters, check out the collection of knitting-related books and magazines or sign up for one of the various in-store group classes. Instruction is available for all skill levels, so whether you’re a total beginner or a knitting veteran, you’ll soon have an abundance of self-made yarn creations to show off. — Laura Johnson
