The Times has deemed cat ladies newly fashionable — but for the truly devoted, cat ladyhood is hardly subject to the whims of style. And it was the truly devoted who showed up last Saturday for the Brooklyn Craft Company’s first annual Cat Lady Craft Night. They came from as far afield as New Hampshire and Connecticut to gather in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, over chocolate “Meow Mix” and bowls of Goldfish crackers. There, they made cat earrings, cat nail art, cat cards, cat mugs — and, of course, shared stories about their cats.
Click through to see the cat ladies (plus one cat man) and their handiwork.
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Brittany RomneyAre you a crafter? I grew up Mormon, so I have done a lot of crafts. What was your inspiration for your outfit tonight?... Brittany RomneyAre you a crafter? I grew up Mormon, so I have done a lot of crafts. What was your inspiration for your outfit tonight? I have tons of cat-print things. I seek it out. This necktie is from Asos. I didn't want to go full-on tonight, just a few accents. I'm wearing a Catbird ring and a Madewell scarf. It was hard to find cat things at first but not anymore.
Christina WilsonWhat were you thinking while planning your outfit for tonight? I don't get to wear this shirt too often because of my job. I hav... Christina WilsonWhat were you thinking while planning your outfit for tonight? I don't get to wear this shirt too often because of my job. I have to look a bit professional. People already know that I'm a crazy cat lady, and I don't want to add to it. The shirt is from Tokio 7. This is a good environment — it's okay to look crazy.
Sarah MayneDo you have a cat? I have a cat and my roommate has a cat. My cat is way better. His name is Tim, and he's from the streets. [My room... Sarah MayneDo you have a cat? I have a cat and my roommate has a cat. My cat is way better. His name is Tim, and he's from the streets. [My roommate's cat's] name is Tokie, and he used to be a show cat. They don't really get along. Tokie is a diva, and Tim is a badass. Do you have any cat-print clothes? I do, but I'm not wearing any. I have two cat tattoos, like a boss. My dad is also a crazy cat lady. It's in my genes.
Jessica MarquezHow many cats do you have? I have four damn cats. It's kind of embarrassing. Why do you like cats so much? I think I'm ... Jessica MarquezHow many cats do you have? I have four damn cats. It's kind of embarrassing. Why do you like cats so much? I think I'm more of a dog person, and my boyfriend is more of a cat lady. Why isn't he here? One of our cats got stuck in computer cords today. My boyfriend thought the cat broke his leg, so he tried to help and the cat bit him through his nail and the meat of his hand. He had to go to the emergency room. And I'm at an event celebrating cats.
Jacqueline ShawHave you crafted before? I'm an architect, so I haven't crafted, but I've built models and worked with my hands. Do you...Jacqueline ShawHave you crafted before? I'm an architect, so I haven't crafted, but I've built models and worked with my hands. Do you have a cat? I have one cat named Frankie. Two years ago, I was apartment hunting in Clinton Hill, and a woman on the street stopped me and said, "Hey, do you want a cat?" She opened her coat, and she had a baby kitten. She was literally taking them on the street to see who wanted them.
Belinda Black
Debi BlizardWhy do you think being a cat lady is cool now? I actually wasn't a cat person before, and then I got Wizard. He has a little white o... Debi BlizardWhy do you think being a cat lady is cool now? I actually wasn't a cat person before, and then I got Wizard. He has a little white on his nose. I feel like he taught me how to love in a new way. I've been converted to the crazy cat lady kingdom.
Ilona StruzikWhere did your get your cat tights? They were a gift. I also have a cat hat, cat rings, and a cat shirt. Do you have a cat? I ... Ilona StruzikWhere did your get your cat tights? They were a gift. I also have a cat hat, cat rings, and a cat shirt. Do you have a cat? I have a cat. His name is Klause. He is my prince.
Lucy Rose BermanDo you have cats? We have five, I think. Five of our own and a lot of other foster kitties. Wow, that's a lot. My mom runs ... Lucy Rose BermanDo you have cats? We have five, I think. Five of our own and a lot of other foster kitties. Wow, that's a lot. My mom runs a place where they adopt cats, so we have a lot. Do you think cats are better than dogs? At first I was like, "Cats are totally better than dogs." And then I got a dog, and now I can't really say that.
Whitney Reeder, Erin OzerWhat made you guys come out tonight? Erin: Tonight is the perfect combination. Whitney: People call me a crazy cat... Whitney Reeder, Erin OzerWhat made you guys come out tonight? Erin: Tonight is the perfect combination. Whitney: People call me a crazy cat lady all the time. And you own the title. Why do you think it's trendy now? Erin: I'm a little offended it wasn't cool before. Whitney: We were ahead of the curve.
Alyce ColemanWould you say that you are a cat lady? Yes, cats are great. You get a cat and you start getting cat things, like cat shirts an... Alyce ColemanWould you say that you are a cat lady? Yes, cats are great. You get a cat and you start getting cat things, like cat shirts and cat shoes.
Fran WillingWhat makes a cat lady? Someone who likes cats. Do you own any cat-print things? No. I'm not that kind of cat lady.
Brett Bara
Danielle LeggI love your embroidery. I actually feel really guilty bringing this home. My dog is going to be like, "Where is mine?&quo... Danielle LeggI love your embroidery. I actually feel really guilty bringing this home. My dog is going to be like, "Where is mine?" Why do you think it's cool to be a cat lady? Because, if cats were a type of person, they would be hipsters.
Atmosphere
Jane BogartWhat made you make the trek to Greenpoint from Washington Heights? I was super-excited when I saw this online and tried to convi... Jane BogartWhat made you make the trek to Greenpoint from Washington Heights? I was super-excited when I saw this online and tried to convince people to come with me. I'm excited about making my earrings since I love jewelry. I made these because it looks like the cat is wearing a tie. Like a dandy cat. I'm guessing you have a cat. I do! His name is Pluto, and we make-out every morning. He likes to put his hand on my face and kiss me.
Jason NygaardWhat brought you here from Staten Island? I'm doing my girlfriend a favor. And we are eating at the Brooklyn Bowl. Do you...Jason NygaardWhat brought you here from Staten Island? I'm doing my girlfriend a favor. And we are eating at the Brooklyn Bowl. Do you have cats? I have three, and she has three.
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