(Budget Travel) -- A new generation is redefining the craft fair. No more crocheted tea cozies: These fairs rock.
PORTLAND, OREGON
December 16
Crafty Wonderland has so many applicants (70 at last count) that vendors are rotated monthly. Button-making and gift-wrapping clinics are offered at the DIY table. 830 E. Burnside St., second Sunday of every month. A special holiday sale on December 16 will be held at Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
December 8-9
Jessi Cerutti underestimated how hungry St. Louis was for cutting-edge crafts when she put together the twice-annual Rock n Roll Craft Show. "I thought it would be a rinky-dink fair, but we ended up with 50 vendors," says Cerutti. A slate of bands play -- but the monkey mascot is what won us over. 2727 S. 12th St.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
December 8
The energy at the Handmade Market is hard to beat: The bar serves mimosas, the DJ spins techno and many vendors make wares on-site. Among the merch: Clothespin's hand-dyed onesies and storybook art by Bee's Knees Industries. 1035 N. Western, second Saturday of the month, October-March.
NEW YORK CITY
Weekends May-December
Brooklyn Indie Market only has 20 vendors, but the talent is huge. There are tote bags made from old sails, skirts fashioned from vintage velvet jackets and dog-treat pouches that resemble wallets. Smith St. at Union St., weekends May-December, with special holiday hours on Thursdays and Fridays. E-mail to a friend 
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