The Yelp Elite Squad was at MakerSpaceCT in downtown Hartford this past week to help make Yelp…read moreHearts for the Capitol Hearts project. While we were there, Chief Operating Officer Mark Colbert gave us the Pro Tour of MakerSpaceCT. We encountered many other friendly and talented people while we were there. Count me among the impressed. You wouldn't believe all the things you can do as a paying member. Wood working. Steel working. 3-D Printing. Podcasting. Computer work. Clothing design. Robotics. Robot fighting. Ping pong. That's right -- ping pong. All sorts of fancy equipment and knowledgable people. I'm sure I missed lots of other things. In addition, you can sign up for classes to develop skills. Those skills may help people in their careers or personal lives. Five Stars

I am beyond excited to learn that this place exists! A place…read moreto learn. Grow your talent, and if you already know what you're doing the place to actually have your talent shine. This place has so much cool things from sewing machines 3D printing metal working and woodworking. State-of-the-art computer lab. You say you don't know how to do any of that will they have some of the best in the business to teach you. They have classes and also memberships somewhat like a gym. They also provided with additional cost the materials for each area. You can also bring in your own stuff to work with. They also provide safety gear which is a plus. We watched the state of a dark wood cutter cut out custom parts for Capital Hearts event that was going on later on this month. It's pretty cool to see the design go from the computer to the machine to the wood. Which we ended up painting at the end. I definitely want to be checking this place out at a later date to maybe do some 3D printing for some future cosplay they also even provide sewing machines as well. I love the fact that you can actually take classes in Woodworking and Welding as well learn 3D printing and advanced 3D printing with movable items.

This is definitely the most comprehensive makerspace I've ever been to!…read more There's been some recent staff changes, and things seem to be in a bit of flux, but the space is amazing, and I personally would love to become more active here when I am in the 518. I'd like to see some new equipment, and have some of the existing equipment repaired or replaced. But, there's really good bones, here. Having opted for a family membership with my partner, we've brought my spawn here several times. The kids space is pretty well set up. It would be nice if it were staffed a little more. I'd actually say that's one of the things the space lacks, is clear staffing. Everyone I've met so far has been friendly, and helpful. Very nice. The location is really central. Parking is the only real pain, weekends are pretty convenient. Lots of nearby food and beverage. Nibble moved in right next door. It's a great space.

Such an interesting and beautiful space. Went for an event and was able to explore all of the…read moreinteresting things going on, from 3d printing to video game making to all sorts of clever crafting. I would love to see more event happen here. DJs, themes, random parties. I know it would tend to serve a niche audience full of tech geeks and hipsters, but bring it on!

This is a great makerspace, run by the Brown University engineering department. It is mostly used…read moreby Brown and RISD students, but theoretically open to all. Great selection of tools and scrap materials to help start any type of project. Staffed by an excellent group of monitors who are very knowledgeable and pretty attractive as well.

Bristol Bazaar is an overstimulation for all of your senses. There are sparkling lights to see,…read morethey have plush things to touch, they have handmade soaps to smell, they have tasty samples to taste, and of course all of the excitement to hear. Bristol Bazaar is a collection of vendors selling their handmade merchandise at the same place. They are open all year, six days a week. With the holiday season in full force, you will find ornaments and tree toppers galore. They have screen printed and embroidered t-shirts and hoodies. There are toys, keychains, jewelry, plants and more. The best part about shopping or browsing at Bristol Bazaar is the checkout process. There's no need to make an individual purchase at each vendor, instead you can collect all of the goodies in your shopping basket, then cash out at the register. This helps keep things moving, and less people standing around. The items are marked with barcodes, so the makers receive their portion of the sale. If you're looking for a unique handmade gift, Bristol Bazaar is the place to go!

"What of the neighbours and the prophets in bars? What are…read morethey saying in our public bazaars?" (The Clash) The Bristol Bazaar is one of the most colorful and visually appealing marketplaces I've ever seen. It was a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns. What a cool concept - a rotating ever-changing roster of over 65 local makers and artisans in a beautiful space with a built-in coffee bar and cocktail lounge (Yellow King Bristol). And if that isn't enough, they also offer crafting workshops, special events, and a classroom. Their website summarizes their mission - "We are looking for entrepreneurs who make their products by hand and are looking to make their side hustle, a full-time gig". Well said! We had a blast strolling through the Bazaar and marveling at the creativity and talent of the local makers. Everything here is made by hand by the sellers- no reselling is allowed. We walked out with a jar of caramel sauce from La Famiglia Tedesco for a certain caramel loving grand-daughter and a jar of Bloody Mary mix from Bloody Good Mud for a certain Bloody Mary loving Yelper. Because the roster of makers can change every month, you'll never really run out of new stuff to look at.

Awesome place. Had a strange interaction with a staff member. Happy to share feedback if anyone…read morewants to reach out.

I love "HATCH"! such a wonderful place to go and let your creative juices flow. There is so much…read moreto do and learn here, Free to the public. Hatch offers weekly classes anything from wood working to laser cutting you can do it here. All the staff are volunteers they are very friendly and are willing and on hand to help you out with your product. Hatch also has classes for kids as well. Parents can bring there kids enjoy doing a classes with them. Some of the things you can do at HATCH: Laser Cutting, Sewing, 3D Printing, Soldering, Wood Working, Lego Mindstorms/ Robotics, Arduino, And more. So if you have a Project, Idea, Invention that you want to bring to life. you can make it happen at "HATCH"

I am new but hv seen several issues that require attn. The areas of the facility that r for…read moremachines and more "male" things are everywhere. The tight, cluttered,dirty area in the middle for textiles,sewing etc is cluttered,hazardous,incredibly dirty and even a fire hazard. There is stuff everywhere. 2 knitting machines that are used infrequently. Textiles and fabrics getting dusty and dirty from dust and dirt. The place is for machines. Really sewing and textiles should have their own space. There must be a room available. I love to cook but would nvr use their kitchen, it is filthy! Everything should be covered in plastic and regularly cleaned. 2 entrances which is very dirty,not food safe!

Makehaven: not for entrepreneurs, just hobbyists…read more I am writing this review of the space not because I want to, but because after a week has gone by I am still incensed enough where I must put my thoughts down and also share what I have discovered with the general public less they meet the same frustrations in the Make Haven Space that I have. I use the space not simply for myself but to make clothes for people to buy. So I am writing this review as somebody who is an entrepreneur and artist trying to use the space. I have been a member of Makehaven for 3 years, in my time there it has become very clear that there are two tiers of use in the space. Tier 1: metalworking, woodworking, electronics, 3d printing, beer making. Tier 2: sewing, culinary work, embroidery, knitting. If you plan to use the space for tier 1 or as i like to call it "He-Man" tier, then you are in luck! The space is properly maintained. If something breaks they notice it and fix it in a reasonable time, there is paid staff that is always knowledgeable and around to help. If He-man Tier is what you want a membership for then you will most certainly find what you need. However if you wanted a membership for tier 2, or as i like to call it "the more feminine work" then you are assed out. I have had tons of issues with the sewing space not being properly maintained: whether it is having broken equipment that has no discernible timeline on getting fixed until I inquire. Various machines being "misrepaired" such as someone just dumping oil all over a machine so it was even in the eye hole of the needle: ruined my piece. This comes from a lack of consistency and management of the space in a way that rarely seems to happen with the woodworking or metal equipment. When it comes to the silkscreening station it's even more wretched. I will give you an example from my most recent experience: I had a deadline, and the day before I had planned to screen a few shirts I noticed that a class of no less than 10 people were being taught how to silkscreen. Thats cool. I notice that the person teaching the class is also being observed by paid facilitators- thats also cool it is important that she is teaching right. that night I decided to burn a screen to start printing the next day. The screen went poorly and when I went to clean this screen I suffered through half an hour of frustration before I realized that someone had WATERED DOWN THE CLEANING SOLUTION for cleaning screens, which if you know chemicals then you know it didnt work. This may not seem like a big deal to those who dont silkscreen, but basically everything emulsion related is time [light] based. The longer it takes me to wash a screen, the lower the chance that it will wash out. Screens cost about $40, so if I cant clean this screen I am out $40 and time. So after i get a facilitator (at this point is is 12am) and put the right chemicals in, the screen is only half reclaimed-which is to say ruined. I went to reclaim this screen no more than 11 hours after placing the emulsion. It should have been easy to clean and instead was a huge chore. The next morning i go to print in the printmaking shop and there is RED INK all over the silkscreening station. It was left by the class the day before very clearly because I saw them, use it, and the red ink left behind was the same design that they were using. It was everywhere, It was on the table that you place the clothes, was on the actual machine, and it was subtlety all over the counter. This was all left by the class the day before, a class where someone is teaching people how to use the space-and someone was watching that teacher to make sure it was taught right. So I noticed some of the paint, but I didn't notice all of the paint until some of it ended up on a shirt I was trying to silkscreen. If you have ever used a shared art space then the first thing you know is to CLEAN UP PROPERLY, the fact that little to no attention was paid on clean up is an appalling lack of training on everyone's part. For brevity's sake I will skip the kitchen space, but it is a joke, I got more tools in my kitchen. Fundamentally it comes down to who Makehaven serves. Makehaven brands itself as an incubator for small business. Makehaven gets grants for thousands of dollars to be a space for entrepreneurs. This is not a space for entreprenuers. Or at least not the type who would actually need their space. I need their space because as of right now I cannot afford anything more while I am growing my business. I am poor, I have traditionally had service industry jobs, I am a high school drop out, this place does not cater to me. It caters to middle class suburban 35-70 year old people who have hobbies that they want to pursue. Those same people have no problems with the space not working because it is just a hobby for them. If they ever wanted to take things more seriously they could have there own making space- in fact plenty do. I wrote more but am out of space.

I love this place! It is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon making a custom craft gift (or…read morepersonal use decorative). I am not the most crafty person (far from it), but they were able to help this guy make a beautiful Christmas present (wine carrier in my case) with pre-set or custom designs. They made it fun (full of coffee / tea + cookies), while there is this borderline addictive painting and gluing. Oh and the staff is super helpful and happy to work with you through all your color decisions / gluing troubles. Great for: 1. Friend bonding 2. 7th date 3. lazy day 4. Reunions Bad for: 1. 1st dates 2. Break ups

From the owner: The Makery is a creative space for makers of all kinds. We are a hub for ideas, design, and…read moreinnovation as well as an enriching center for learning, art, culture, and social interaction. We maintain a collaborative, community workspace with the essential tools and expertise for people to develop their skills and bring their ideas to life.