What’s sew good about America? The place is overflowing with handcraft delights of course! Sorry, that one had grandma in stitches. But seriously, if you want to go exploring, rummaging and browsing through the USA for some truly unique handmade gifts and trinkets, or even learn how to whip up some marvels of your own, these US holidays might seam too good to be true.

Snuggle up to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, filled with over 150 quilts in three galleries. Changing over a dozen times a year, the display is a range of traditional and avant-garde quilting styles, showing the skills and talent of artisans who spend hundreds of hours piecing together a masterpiece. There are even workshops in 2010 if you really want to know how to make an American quilt. In the comfy rooms of the Paducah Comfort Suites, you can test out your creation, then in the morning toddle on downstairs for a 20-item deluxe continental breakfast.

Bored of plastic mass-manufactured junk? Craft is a great way to explore your creative streak while picking up great gifts and decoration. You can stock up on inspiration and supplies at the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale from November 26-December 6 in Toronto, Canada. There are masses of seminars, displays and handmade trinkets. If you’re in town another time, you can always try a scrapbooking workshop at Scrapbooks By Design — it’s a great way to meet fellow crafties. When you’ve had enough of fiddly work, unwind at the Pantages Suites Hotel and Spa, where you and a friend can book the BFF Package, which includes a mini mani and mini pedi for two, chick flicks, popcorn and snacks.

Before factories in China pumped out a kewpie doll every half second, toys and furniture took time and skill to make, just like in the days of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter of yore. Take a walking tour of this eclectic area, visiting shops and galleries containing unique handcrafted goods, rustic furniture and folk art. Then get physical on the tennis courts of the Hilton Del Mar Hotel San Diego.

If Tiffany and Swarovski aren’t your cup of tea, and you’d prefer something completely unique, then the Pasadena Bead and Design show is the place you want to be from 14-17 January 2010. You can lose youself amongst the 300 exhibitors, workshops and showcases of all things crafty, ranging from handmade beads to glass art and textiles. The show is held within the Hilton Pasadena, ideal as inspiration with its design motifs, handcrafted stone fountains and really, really comfy beds.

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