THERE'S something enchanting about fabric stores. It could be the vibrant colors that spring from shelves crammed with bolts of fabric — or just the sense of possibility. Or maybe it's because no matter what you end up with, there's so much pleasure to be had along the way.

It's not just a fabric thing, either. Abby Pecoriello is a firm believer in the power of crafts to subdue whatever ails the spirit. College apps stress? The young Manhattanite made beaded rings. Work-related blues? Handmade charm bracelets.

And when Pecoriello had her daughter, Lily, and was navigating all those new mom insecurities, she decorated baby tees, whipped up fleece hats and knotted impossibly soft "swanky blankies." Soon, she had converted her mommy-and-me playgroup into a bunch of happy, crafty mamas who met each Thursday to whip up craft projects and share playground gossip

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