Exploring Eagle Rock

16

Author: Christina LeBlanc

A small sign posted on the side of the building reads “WEAVING,” a misleadingly small indication that this Highland Park hole-in-the-wall is in fact, Pets with Fez Weaving Studio. Hidden behind potted plants and antique statues, the storefront stands out against the dollar stores and tattoo parlors, with wrought iron chairs and the smell of incense spilling out onto the sidewalk.

The man seated outside the store is Babajan, the weaving instructor and the inspiration for much of the store’s history. Inside Nanette can be found sitting amongst the various assortments of artwork, Buddhist statues, Russian china and other assorted valuables collected locally throughout the years.

Nanette and Babajan are the owners and sole employees of Pets with Fez. The store has been at its current location in Highland Park for 10 years, before which it was located in South Pasadena. Nanette runs the front of the store and collects all the artwork and antiques displayed around the small room. Friendly and welcoming, she gives off the cozy feeling that you are simply visiting a relative. Looking around the room, it is clear that she has meticulously collected other people’s chatkas to create a gallery of folk art that just stuns the viewer.

Babajan is the master weaver and he certainly looks the part. With a full, curved mustache and a slight accent, it is clear that he is not your typical Los Angelino. The back of the store is his domain, with multiple looms set up and baskets overflowing with brightly colored yarn. Works from his assorted students are in progress on the looms, half-finished scarves pulled tight across the bulky wooden machines.

Weaving is traditional for Babajan, who grew up in a Kurdish and Assyrian family in which weaving was a prominent skill. Living in Asia for many years, he was able to further study the art, with education in Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran and India.

His mastery in weaving is nationally renowned and he is currently one of the only practicing Persian rug weavers in the United States. The skill is meticulous and detailed, requiring patience and skill. Currently working on a large piece, Babajan has worked for the Smithsonian and has assisted many museums across the country with their exhibits.

The primary focus of Pets with Fez, however, is the classes it offers to the general public. Weaving is the third oldest art form in the world and Babajan wants to ensure its continuation for years to come. Offering classes in weaving, spinning, tapestry and Persian rug weaving, the studio is on an open class schedule, which allows pupils to come in as often as they want whenever they can.

The yarn used at the studio is also for sale for students skilled at knitting and crocheting. Nanette and Babajan have a $2 sale basket of yarn aimed directly towards students with a restricted budget. Also tailored towards students, Weaving 1 costs $320 with all materials included, and the other classes are all reasonably priced.

The homestyle atmosphere and bargain prices make Pets with Fez a great dive for any Oxy student looking for a creative outlet. Whether just stopping by to look at the collectibles or to learn Persian rug making, it is an easy diversion from the everyday drudgery of campus life.

Within walking distance to campus, Pets with Fez is an overlooked escape from the city into a hodgepodge world of ancient arts, kitschy knick knacks and interesting people, resulting in an unforgettable store. When you stop at Pets with Fez, don’t forget to look for Suzuki, the dog with the fez.

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