Fiber Arts Field Trip NYC: Lunch, Factory Tour & Felting Class

A Guide to the Fiber Arts Field Trip NYC: Lunch, Factory Tour & Felting Class

If you’re into crafts, textiles, or just love discovering hidden local treasures, the Fiber Arts Field Trip NYC organized by BonnaH Co Fiber Arts might catch your eye. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest this is a truly engaging day for adults who want to combine creativity with a dose of New York City charm. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or simply curious about fiber arts, this trip offers a blend of hands-on activities, fascinating factory tours, and some good old-fashioned sightseeing.

What really stands out for us are the private factory tour of M&S Schmalberg’s flower factory—which is over 100 years old—and the culinary treat of a relaxed Italian lunch at Lazzara’s. There’s also the opportunity to create your own needle-felted flower accessories, making the experience both memorable and personal. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the walking involved—if mobility’s a concern, this might be a long day filled with about 12-14K steps.

All in all, this experience looks like a fantastic pick for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, enjoys exploring NYC’s fabric and craft stores, and wants a creative break from the usual tourist sights. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a smaller group (up to 10 people), so you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and interaction.

Key Points

• Creative and educational experience combining factory tours, shopping, and crafting.
• All supplies and instruction are included, making it a hassle-free day for participants.
• A perfect blend of culture, shopping, and hands-on crafting in NYC’s vibrant Garment District.
• Relaxed pace with plenty of breaks, ideal for a leisurely yet engaging day.
• Limited group size enhances the personal touch and interaction.
• Includes subway fare and lunch, offering good value for an almost full-day experience.

Exploring NYC Through Fiber Arts: What the Tour Offers

This tour is a great way to spend a day enjoying New York City’s creative side. Starting at Grand Central Terminal, you’ll meet at the iconic Tiffany Clock in the Main Concourse, a spot that’s easy to find whether you’re coming from outside the city or already in Manhattan. It’s a smart choice for the meeting point, given its central location and accessibility by public transit.

The Factory Tour of M&S Schmalberg

Once gathered, your first real highlight will be stepping into the fabric flower factory of M&S Schmalberg. This family-run business has been around for over a century, and their handmade fabric flowers have adorned celebrities, influencers, and high-end designers alike. The factory tour promises an up-close look at their process, which is especially appealing if you’re interested in traditional craftsmanship and want to see how high-quality, detailed fabric flowers are made.

The review from a previous participant calls the factory tour “incredible,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed the experience. Knowing that these flowers are worn by notable figures lends a sense of artistry and history that adds value to the visit. The factory visit is included in the price, which makes it a great way to learn about NYC’s fashion and craft legacy without extra costs.

Shopping at Pacific Trimming & Mood Fabrics

Next, you’re taken to Pacific Trimming, a shop packed with beads, buttons, ribbons, and all sorts of crafting accessories. For anyone who loves to browse and gather supplies, this store is a treasure trove. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a laid-back lunch at Lazzara’s Pizza Cafe, a cozy spot with white tablecloths and a charming ambiance, perfect for relaxing and refueling.

Post-lunch, it’s time to explore Mood Fabrics, another renowned NYC fabric store with three levels of colorful, inspiring textiles. For fabric lovers or those seeking some creative inspiration, Mood is a fabric paradise that adds a visual feast element to the day.

Creative Crafting at Moynihan Train Hall

The tour culminates at Moynihan Train Hall’s food court for a crafting session, where you’ll get hands-on instruction to make your own needle-felted flower accessories. All supplies are provided, and the setting offers a relaxed vibe to unwind and chat with your fellow travelers while creating something truly personal. The review from an attendee highlights the craftsmanship involved and describes the experience as relaxing and enjoyable.

The Practical Details: Transport, Timing, and Value

The entire experience kicks off at 10:15 am, with the group meeting at Grand Central. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, and includes several stops with enough breaks to stretch your legs and chat. Expect to walk about 12-14K steps, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Transportation between stops is handled via subway fare included in the price, which keeps things simple and budget-friendly. The tour is designed for adults only and is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.

At $51, the price offers solid value considering the included activities—factory tour, shopping, crafting, lunch, and all supplies. However, note that alcoholic beverages and dinner are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore more cuisine options afterward if you wish.

Authentic Feedback: What Past Participants Say

The single review available describes the day as a “wonderful crafty day in NYC,” praising the hosts Bonnie and Hannah for their patience and organization. The factory tour was particularly well-received, with the reviewer highlighting how enjoyable and relaxing the experience was. They recommend the trip for craft enthusiasts and those looking to learn more about NYC’s textile scene.

This positive feedback confirms what the trip’s itinerary suggests: that it’s a thoughtfully curated, engaging experience led by knowledgeable guides who care about making it memorable.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship, textiles, and hands-on activities, then this trip is right up your alley. It’s ideal for adults who want a break from typical sightseeing and enjoy creative pursuits in a relaxed setting. The small group size fosters personal attention, making it suitable for those who like a more intimate experience.

People interested in NYC’s fashion and fabric industry will find the factory tours especially fascinating. It’s also perfect for travelers who value learning about local artisans and want to see behind the scenes of NYC’s historic garment district.

However, be aware that the long walking distance might be a consideration if you have mobility issues or prefer less physical activity. The experience is paced at a comfortable, relaxed level, but it does involve quite a bit of standing and walking.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This fiber arts day trip is a creative and cultural gem within NYC’s busy landscape. The combination of factory tours, shopping for unique supplies, and participating in a crafting class makes it a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of a delicious Italian lunch and all necessary supplies means you can focus on the fun without worrying about extra costs or planning.

If you’re looking for an activity that’s both educational and creatively stimulating, with a hint of NYC history and fashion, this tour hits all those notes. It’s especially suited for craft lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a more personal, small-group experience.

While it’s not a typical sightseeing tour, it offers a different kind of connection—to NYC’s vibrant textile scene and to fellow travelers. For anyone eager to get a taste of craftsmanship and enjoy a leisurely, inspiring day, this could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults and is limited to a small group. It involves walking and crafting with supplies that may not be kid-friendly, so it’s best suited for grown-ups.

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts about 7 hours, with multiple stops and plenty of breaks included.

Do I need to bring anything?
All supplies and instruction are provided, so you only need to show up ready to craft and explore. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking involved.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers factory tour admission, all craft supplies, instruction, lunch at Lazzara’s, coffee or tea plus a snack at Grand Central, and subway fare to and from the Garment District.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Alcoholic drinks and dinner are not included. You’re welcome to join a small post-tour dinner if you like.

Is transportation between stops organized?
Yes, the tour includes subway fare, making it easy to hop between locations without extra planning.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if needed.

What’s the group size limit?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, so you’ll have a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, it involves walking up to 14,000 steps, so mobility considerations should be kept in mind.

How is the overall value for the price?
Given the factory tours, shopping, lunch, supplies, and instruction, many will find this experience quite worthwhile at $51, especially considering the unique access and small group size.

If you’re craving a blend of creativity, culture, and great company, this fiber arts field trip could be a memorable addition to your NYC adventures. It offers a special peek into the city’s textile roots while giving you a chance to make something beautiful yourself.