I am suddenly unable to use the crafting equipment. I have read others postings that they just reloaded a save and that fixed it for them, but I have no idea when it broke and where my last hours of saves have taken place, I am unable to return to the cities and test if it works. This character is now officially dead until someone fixes this problem.

Suddenly, I am able to use the items. I long held A while standing near the object and it eventually decided to allow me to use it.