Store

I never thought of uttering "knitting" and "Belltown" in the same sentence, but since Lauren Lindeman opened So Much Yarn in June 2004, it's come up in conversation several times. Though knitters come from all over, Lindeman has filled a niche by providing a spot for the neighborhood's urban condo dwellers and workers — including a bevy of new male and female knitters in their 20s — to congregate. She opens her classroom every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. to lunchtime knitters who want to work on their projects and meet other "fiber fanatics."

Clients liken the knit shop's atmosphere to a spa. The walls are painted soothing, warm tones and the staff is friendly. Store patron Darin Fisher of Sammamish says, "It always smells nice in here, there's soft music and the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming." Along with helpful service, Lindeman offers classes in knitting and crocheting that run from basic beginning courses to project classes for fingerless gloves, traveling vine scarves (these are exceptionally cute) and drawstring bags.

By Kathy Schultz
NWsource shopping columnist