Store

Victoria Chase, Deborah Barnes and Nancy Small opened Village Yarn & Tea Shop on Oct. 9, 2004, much to the delight of Shoreline knitters. Half of the newly constructed space is dedicated to fibers and knitting paraphernalia, the other half a light-filled tea shop. It's an inspired combination — non-knitters can have a spot of tea (try the orange- and cream-flavored Dreamsicle or apple butter Chai tea) and knitters can sip a cup while working away on a sweater. Tea and pastries are available daily, but on Sundays, in addition to choosing yarn for your next project, you can also enjoy a full afternoon tea. For $18.95, you'll get finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, cheese, fruit and more. There are three seatings (11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; reservations required).

Chase has made an effort to include affordable fibers along with the gorgeous, spendy designer yarn lines that I inevitably make a beeline for. The shop also offers a variety of classes including beginning knitting, classes for kids and knitting sweaters for your "pampered pooch."

By Kathy Schultz
NWsource shopping columnist