The Red Sweater

In Local News…There’s a new yarn store in town — Fiber Arts Northwest!

– UPDATE: This store has since closed –

Along with a large collection of spinning wheels, looms, dyes, and a fantastic selection of books and bamboo needles, Valerie carries only the best in yarn - Manos, Plymouth Turino Silk, Rowan Calmer and Felted Tweed (I don’t know of any other place in the city that carries this gorgeous and versatile yarn), Merino Frappe, fancy balls of Skacel, blends of wool/flax and wool/silk/mohair and many others. There are also pure silks and cottons, ready for dyeing. These aren’t just yarns, these are art supplies. I guess that’s why she named it Fiber Arts Northwest.

The details —
at the Riverplace Marina, on the shore in front of the boats
0315 SW Montgomery Street, Suite 340 [map]
Portland, Oregon 97201
503-224-3536
web site: www.fiberartsnorthwest.com

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM
Friday - Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM
Closed on Sundays (January - March)

Thanks Sue for telling me about this place! I’m thinking about taking one of her classes on either weaving, spinning or felting (or all three!)

Happy knitting people! I’m off to the coast to rest and recharge.

Ann’s Yarn Gallery in Tigard

I decided to spend my lunch hour hunting down a yarn store I hadn’t been to yet - Ann’s Yarn Gallery in Tigard. It’s actually just 15 minutes or so away from work, though it’s not the kind of store that carries everything you need. The Yarn Garden is that kind of store (when their stock is filled) - you need yarn, whatever it is, The Yarn Garden typically has it. Ann’s is more of an eclectic boutique with lots of sales. I met Ann herself, a pleasant English woman, who was, understandably, a little scattered as she taught a class and ran the store single-handedly. (Why is it I feel like yarn store owners are celebrities? I guess just because I’d like to be one of them).

I gave Ann $43 and in return she gave me 5 skeins of Alice Starmore’s Scottish Campion, 1 coordinating skein of Jamison (just to mix up the bad blood), 4 skeins of cream Classic Elite Waterspun, 1 burgundy skein of Brown Sheep Handspun, an 1 grape-colored skein of Brown Sheep Prairie Silk. Sales are fun. I did, however, promise myself sometime ago that I would stop buying yarn that I didn’t have a specific project in mind for, especially as I’m trying to shrink my overflowing stash. I may have to come to the conclusion that it’s okay to just own the pretty ball of yarn and hold it and play with it - I don’t always have to make something with it - is that reasonable or am I insane? (there is a theme for the day)

Art Fibers - they have my vote!

You’ll find the store on the second floor, up an unassuming and narrow staircase, in a little room, walls filled with completely unique, hand painted and imaginative yarns. If you like Colinette, this is a yarn store for you. I found myself overcome with creativity. Really overcome as I couldn’t think straight, but moved from swatch to swatch, excitedly touching each one and imagining the possibilities. The store encourages personal design and helps you create a pattern with your yarn purchase. I personally didn’t have time because we got to the store with only 2 hours until close and I spent all of those 2 hours browsing and comparing colors and fiber types. Finally settling on 6 different yarns I came home with a scarf, a hat or two and a sweater. Gorgeous. If you’re in San Francisco, this is a must see store. Also, check out their web site - they will send 5 yard samples so you can make a swatch before buying.