ALEXANDRIA, VA

My kind of Old Town...

Earlier this year I had the chance to return to the Washington DC area. Sure, I was there for a family gathering, but I had to add on a little yarny tourism so I could share my adventures with you!

Misha’s Coffee Roaster and Coffeehouse 

102 S Patrick Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-548-4089

mishascoffee.com

DestiKNITters know every adventure needs to be launched with coffee, and this bustling independent roaster/coffeehouse is the perfect place to start. Sure it may be no frills and down-to-earth, but I rather like the atmosphere. Oh, and they have pie. You know how I feel about pie—even for breakfast (yes!) 

There’s a reason this area is called the “Old Town Boutique District,” so wander the length of King Street and the surrounding blocks, taking in whatever shops pique your interest, such as: 

Red Barn Mercantile

1117 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-0355

redbarnmercantile.com

There’s a little bit of everything here—housewares, gifts, cards, candles—but  nothing that feels like a department or mall store. The infusion of color just feels wonderful to soak in, even if you only end up browsing. Great for gift shopping or finding a little something to treat yourself. 

Stitch Sew Shop

102 N Fayette Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

571-777-8783

stitchsewshop.com

Hey, we support all crafts, not just the yarny kind. Good, quality sewing stores (that aren’t just a few aisles in big box craft stores) are starting to crop up everywhere, and we’re glad for the trend. Rent an hour on one of their machines and workspaces—what a great idea!—or take a class to build up your skills or dip your toes in the world of fabrics.

Now's a good time to check out today’s fiber—or is that fibre—find: 

fibre space

1319 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703-664-0344

fibrespace.com

AlexandriaNews photo

FIRST OFF: fibre space used to be right around the corner from Stitch Sew, but just this month they've moved to a spiffy new home. The new digs boast more parking, one large open space rather than the several rooms of the former location, a second floor for events, and two private classrooms. Talk about making a good thing even better!

Now, about this lovely store: Owner Danielle Romanetti began her fiber career teaching knitting classes on the side. Once she added the retail component, things just took off from there. An integral player in the Old Town business district, this long and narrow space is packed full of fibers, samples, ideas, and happy customers who knit, crochet, and weave. You may also get the chance to say hello to Danielle’s two “shop mascots,” Italian Greyhounds Nemo and Kermit. Fibre space calls itself “a yarn universe”—and the description fits!

the were still in their former space for
my visit...the new one's even better!

Lots of free events like movie nights build community, allowing knitters and crocheters to interact with each other as well as the yarn. Danielle dreams up yarn tastings that partner with local businesses so the experience is always an adventure. Weekly open knitting nights and programs like “Survival Skills Wednesdays” make sure you can get the help you need when you need it. A great MSNBC piece on why Danielle wants you in the shop rather than on your computer can be found here.

again, the former space during my visit

And there’s plenty of reason to venture in.“I carefully curate the inventory,” Romanetti says. “I look for the best quality fiber for lots of price-points.  “You’ll find tried and true workhorse yarns here, but I’m especially interested in bringing unique things my customers can’t find everywhere.”  If you’re looking for souvenir yarn, check out anything by local Neighborhood Fibre Co., where all the fibers are named after DC-area neighborhoods. The shop features sought-after lines like Hedgehog Fibres from Ireland, Woolfolk, and Brooklyn Tweed. You’re bound to find something you “need” from the wide selection organized by gauge. If weaving is your thing, fibre space has started a program in tapestry and rigid heddle weaving as well.

DC can be a pressure-cooker of a place to live and work, so she views the shop’s role as an important counterbalance. “This is stress relief for a busy, high-stress customer base.” Couches, groupings of chairs, and a conversational atmosphere make this a friendly gathering spot for tourists like myself as well as DC natives.

If you need a place to start, here are a few projects to help you unwind:

Hei Snood Cowl

Color progression and texture share the stage in this striking cowl by Olga Buraya-Kefelian (Olgajazzy on Ravelry). Danielle suggests two cakes of Knitwhits’ Freia Handpaints Ombre Sport for this in-store pattern. Make sure you get a bit of staff help picking out your yarn, because you need to make sure you get two that are wound in different directions in order to achieve the lovely color effect that makes this shawl such an eye-catcher.

Knockout Round Shawl

If you’ve been yearning to experiment with color interplay, Ann Weaver’s generous triangular shawl is a great way to explore. The stitching is simple (so you can do other things like watch a knockout round), while the alternating rows of ombre and solid colors make the style for you.  You’ll need either two different skeins of fingering weight ombre like the Fria Handpaints Ombre Petit  or one ombre and a complimenting solid from Neighborhood Fiber Co Studio Sock. The pattern is available in store or through Ravelry.

Jimi Shawlette

Local designer Dee O’Keefe works some contrast magic with any pair of  worsted skeins from Virginia dyer The Fiberist in this smaller-scale top-down triangular piece.  A good first shawl for novices ready to stretch their skills, the pattern comes with extensive tutorials and super-helpful photo instructions. 

Knit-Along: Brick Sidewalk Beanie

An excellent souvenir choice, I’ll be knitting Ann Weaver’s clever hat nodding to Alexandria’s brick walkways. The pattern features instructions for multiple sizes (Mother-daughter hats! Father-son hats!) and works up wonderfully in Neighborhood Fiber Co’s Superwash Merino Studio DK. A locally focused pattern in locally crafted yarn—what could serve as a better tourist treasure than that?

Once you’ve satisfied your yarn cravings, continue your exploration of King Street. My recommendations today head you back in the direction of where you started, but visitalexandria.com can show you a host of other adventures. Still, you won’t have to go far to experience.

Olio

1223 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-299-3004

oliotastingroom.com

I never knew all I didn’t know about oils and infused vinegars! Now such upscale condiments are my go-to hostess gift as well as the occasional in-home splurge. Yes, it really does make a difference. You can customize your own sampler box, or fill a basket with all the jams, crackers, teas, spices, honeys and sauces the store carries.

La Fromagerie

1222 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-879-2467

lafromagerieonline.com

If you like happy hours, this is a great place to experience the slow food movement that’s becoming so popular. Wines and cheeses complement fresh local fare “lovingly prepared.” Sit back and stitch while you sip, or pick up a few bottles from their vast selection to take home.

Alexandria Cupcake

1022 King Street

Alexandria VA 22314

703) 299-9099

alexandriacupcake.com

I maintain my theory: where there’s yarn, there’s cupcakes. There aren’t a lot of places to sit in this cheery little bakery, but I was just as happy to nosh on a sunny park bench and watch the world go by.  

If cupakes aren’t your thing, Danielle also recommends the “Tango” gelato at La Casa Rosada.

Bellacara

1000 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-299-9652

bellacara.com

I’m becoming a fan of makeup boutiques like this one. I love the personalized service, spot-on advice, and interesting products I discover whenever I browse. I always let them try something new on my face or hands—I’ve discovered some wonderful products this way. Plus, no calories (useful after wolfing down two cupcakes ten minutes earlier).

When you’re ready for dinner, head to:

The Majestic

911 King St

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-837-9117

themajesticva.com

Their famous coconut cake is reason enough to go, but my sources also recommend the Cheshire Pork Chop or the gnocchi. The atmosphere of this restaurant—around in some form since 1932—is as wonderful as the food.

Spend the rest of your day doing whatever DC adventures suit you, but make sure at some point you take in one of my new favorites:

Duck Donuts

3610 King St

Ste F

Alexandria, VA 22302

571-297-2298

duckdonuts.com

They’re all over the east coast and I cannot wait for them to make their way to Chicago! Warm, made-to-order donuts in a gazillion scrumptious flavors—what’s not to love? Choose your donut, your glaze, your topping, and your drizzle and watch it take shape right in front of you. I would eat these any time of day or night! Very good coffee too (that’s important).

There are lots of reasons to visit the nation’s capitol, but it’s always nice to include yarn among your travel incentives.  I hope I’ve given your tourism new fiber enhancements as well as made your tastebuds and shopping bags happy.

Next up, we venture to Asheville, North Carolina.

NORTHWEST INDIANA—Day 2: Griffith

Whistle stop...

One of my favorite parts of writing DestiKNITions is when I end up in interesting small towns that would never show up in tourist guides.  Lots of towns like Griffith have fascinating stories.

Evidently Griffith held the record for the most train crossings per capita.  When the multiple rail lines needed to increase the traffic that ran through the mega-crossing in town, they struck a financial partnership that gave Griffith lots of funding to upgrade all kinds of things.  Everybody wins—including you, when you visit.

Like all good DestiKNITions, start with a great cup of coffee at:

Grindhouse Cafe

146 N Broad St

Griffith, IN 46319

219-595-5678

https://www.facebook.com/GrindhouseCoffee/

This is one of those great coffee places where reading the massive chalkboard menu is an entertainment in itself.  Strong, superb brews in a variety of flavors and combinations, often with cheeky names that can’t help but make you smile.  You can grab a satisfying breakfast here for $5.50.  Should you be here for lunch, my sources say the chicken salad sandwich is not to be missed, nor is one with blue cheese with called a “Beef Bomb.”

Properly caffeinated, head 50 feet away to today’s yarn find:

Spinnin’ Yarns

145 Griffith Blvd

Griffith, IN  46319

219-924-7333

www.spinninyarns.com

When the local yarn shop closed, lots of Jamie Gunnink’s friends said, “You should start one!” So in 2010,she did.  She outgrew her home in six months, opening in a freestanding shop a year later.  Spinnin’ Yarns draws from all over the county as well as southern Chicagoland, with customers ranging from kids to knitters in their 90’s.  

“We’re a store that is very patient when you come in saying ‘Oops, I did something interesting,’” says Jamie.  “We try never to call is a mistake, you just did something interesting.”  Help is always free, and the loyal customers who remember what it was like to not have a local shop surely appreciates Spinnin’ Yarns’ friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Jamie stocks the store with “a mix of things I like plus what I know my customers will wear.”  The store offers a wide rage of “entry level yarns” to artisan fibers. “As knitters increase their skills, they want a better quality yarn,” says Jamie.  Open knitting nights—which often resemble a potluck meal with yarn according to Jamie—happen Monday and Tuesday, with additional sessions on Wednesday morning and Saturdays. Project and technique classes, as well as private knitting lessons and what Jamie calls “urgent care help,” round out the store’s services.

Packed with project samples, you’re sure to find something itching to make its way onto your needles.  Here’s a few to whet your appetite: 

Inspira Cowl

Knit down your stash by combining four unrelated yarns to make this eye-catching accessory.  Or whip up one in school colors for a student home for the holidays.  Or show your team pride.  This cowl has more possible combinations than a Rubix cube, so have fun.

Knit Along:

Great Prismatic Cowl

Taking its name from the famously hued Yellowstone spring, you surely want to knit this up in Cascade Melilla’s colorway that exactly matches the color progression of its famous namesake.  Since most of those colors look dreadful on me, I chose a blue color-scheme, but it will still be lovely.  I’ve always wanted the learn the true mobius cast-on, and knitting linen stitch in the round means no pesky counting!

Berroco Brooklin Vest

A well-draped vest can jazz up almost any outfit.  Berroco’s simple design takes 5-7 skeins of Vintage Chunky and combines great texture for this vest.  The yarn becomes the star—unless you add a stunning shawl pin.  And Spinnin’ Yarns has plenty of those!

Surprise Crochet Baby Sweater

Elizabeth Zimmerman’s famous Baby Surprise Jacket takes a long time to knit.  Indulge your impatient self by making the much quicker (a total of 6 hours if you’re fast, according to Jamie) crochet version using James C. Brett Marble Chunky.  The pattern comes from the book Surprise Crochet Sweaters for Baby. One giant ball will produce a jacket, or any worsted weight yarn will give the garment more of a sweater feel.

Azel Pullover

It’s hard to get more adorable than a chunky sweater on a little one.  This simple pullover by Velvet Acorn Design also has a crochet version named Aura.  Of course, if you want one, they come in adult sizes, too.

A unique gadget recommendation:

Most of us have a collection of circular needles tangling in a drawer, but Jamie has a unique solution to this problem from a source you’d never expect:  Bass Pro Shops.  Their soft sided tackle binder makes the perfect tote for all those circs & dpn’s that refuse to stay sorted.   Worth an inclusion on your holiday gift list for the guy who’d never darken the door of a yarn shop!

Yarn purchases in hand, let's explore some of the rest of the town.  Start with:

Charcuterie

128 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-902-2037

charcuterienwi.com

Nothing makes me happier than learning new words.  On this trip I learned “charcuterie.”  It’s a neither butcher shop nor deli; it’s a French (of course) term for a shop specializing in salted, smoked and cured meats, artisan cheeses, wine, and other specialty food items.  Translation: high quality yum. Oh, and the bread.  It’s enough to make this newly gluten-free girl go rogue.  They’ll prepare a meat and cheese board that’s pure edible bliss for your next gathering.

American Natural Resources

120 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-922-6444

americannaturalresources.com

Even if you’re absolutely sure you’ll never need a vignette of stuffed raccoons in canoes (which seem to be a house specialty here), this establishment is worth a trip inside.  While I’ve always found taxidermy an…unusual art form, it’s clear these guys are the top of their game (pun intended).  You’ll encounter giraffes, bears, big and small game, humongous moose, things you didn’t know could be made from antlers, and some impressive rustic furniture.  Your hunting friends will be impressed, your PETA buddies not so much. Still, for sheer “I’ve never seen that before” value, this store is hard to beat.

Lady’s Gourmet Popcorn

118 N. Broad Street

Griffith IN  46319

219-743-7858

ladysgourmetpopcorn.com

Chicagoland seems to have a love affair with gourmet popcorn. Only we never stop at the cheddar/caramel combo (known in this shop as Central Park and really good)—we take it to extremes.  Cinnamon Roll flavored popcorn?  Sign me up.  Spend some time tasting whatever flavors are available that day (they take special orders as well), and pick three or four to munch on the drive home.

Ready for lunch?  Head to Jamie’s recommendation:

Asada Mexican Restaurant

216 South Broad Street

Griffith, IN 46319

219-934-0400

A recommendation for a good Mexican restaurant is a treasure.  You often can’t tell the quality from the outside and it’s not always wise to “wing it.”  The really good places?  They’re always really good, and this is one of those.  Reasonable prices and friendly service, too.  The owner is likely to come by and check to see if you’re satisfied, and that doesn’t happen often anymore. The Carne Asada seems to be a favorite of many I spoke with, but Jamie says “everything is good.” They offer the traditional fried ice cream dessert, but save room for your next stop:

Butterfingers

Brumm’s Plaza

2552 45th Street

Highland, IN  46322

219-924-6464
butterfingersbakery.com

You’ve heard me say it before: where there’s yarn, there’s cupcakes.  While this is just a small drive away in the next town of Highland, these goodies were worth hunting down.  Moist, several with decadent fillings, and not piled high with frosting as so many are lately. The bars and brownies were excellent as well.  And the cakes! Frosted or bundt, tall layers or luscious cheesecake—one glance at the display case will have you drooling.  You’ve earned a slice of whatever you want, so give in to that glycemic finale to your trip.

There you have it—two delectable, surprising towns tucked away in Northwest Indiana that are worth your time to visit.  The perfect one-day adventure for any yarn fan.

Next up, we cast on the transformative Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf and watch the magic happen.

NORTHWEST INDIANA - Day One: Valparaiso

Surprising Valparaiso...

Each “Reader Who Knits" (or in this case, Crochets) has the opportunity to give a shout out to their favorite local yarn store.  Last November when Anaida Morales cited Sheep’s Clothing in a city not too far from me, I filed it away for future use.  Now, I get the delight of introducing you to this nifty store in a town I confess I’ve driven past countless times and never stopped to visit.  My loss, I tell you, because “Valpo” has a surprising lot to offer!

Fluid Coffeebar

159 W Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-510-1000

projectfluid.com

DestiKNITTers know coffee is always Job One on a yarn adventure.  Forget the franchise java and make your first stop this engaging and funky family-run coffee bar.  Truly good brew here, folks, delivered with tons of character.  They serve Intellegentsia coffee—top notch beans, and the folks who served as my resource when I wrote The Perfect Blend—so you know quality is a priority.  Ask the good baristas behind the counter to tell you the story of this place, right down to the handmade furniture.  Don’t forget to include a visit to the chalkboard-walled washrooms, filled with “entertaining” messages from patrons.

On to the main event: the fiber:

Sheep’s Clothing Knitting Supply

60 West Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN  46383

219-462-1700

www.knitdoctor.com

Owner Paula Strietelmeier started with a small section of yarn in a friend’s quilt shop and never looked back.  Earning its own retail space in 2001 and growing to its present wonderful location in 2008, the store boasts three classroom spaces, perfect lighting, airy high ceilings, and warm textures like wood and brick.  The whole place just feels creative.

“I love good yarn and helping people come up with a project,” says Paula.  Her stock shifts slightly with the seasons and product innovations, and is displayed with a loosely organized style meant to encourage browsing.  

A friendly staff of many long-time employees stands ready to help you.  Paula makes great use of that loyal talent.  “Each of our employees has a specialty,” she says, “Including especially strong beginners classes like "First Time Sweaters.”  As Anaida will attest, crocheters will find a home here, too.  Just want to hang out?  Open knitting is on Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and the first and third Saturdays.  Check out a chock-full monthly newsletter to see all that’s being offered.

The store is packed with enticing samples, and here are a few of my favorites:

Enter Sweater

Norah Gaughn’s versatile design takes on the characteristics of whatever lighter worsted weight yarn you use.  This is one pattern you’ll want to make multiple times!  Perfect for the layering Chicagoland’s tricky weather can demand.  Depending on size, you’ll need approximately 7 skeins.

Big and Cuddly Cable Cowl

And when those Lake Michigan winds blow, you’ll want to knit up this to keep you warm.  Any purchase of chainette yarn such as Classic  Elite’s Chalet, Chateau, or Palace earns you a copy of the exclusive shop pattern.  Vary the length to your taste, and stay warm and stylish this winter.

Yoked Cardigan Baby Sweater

What sweet little one wouldn’t look cuddly in this stylish sweater?  For that matter, what human?  Good thing Hanna Fettig of Knitbot lists this pattern in a variety of sizes so you can indulge everyone.  Go cheery and bright or neutral and elegant—any worsted weight yarn will do.  Make sure to grab a pair of artful buttons for the perfect finishing touch.

Knit A Long: Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf

Our hands-on project from this store is all about the transformation!  Using two balls of Tahki Filatura Di Crosa Fancy Tempo or Minitempo, this store exclusive pattern works a post-stitching magic I can’t wait to watch.  Lots of “dropped stitch” scarves like this are worked widthwise, but this clever design is worked lengthwise.  I’m excited to see this inventive technique in action.

Yarn in hand, it’s time to indulge in the surprisingly great shopping this little town has to offer.

Ivy Boutique

64 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-299-2442

shopivyboutique.com

Just yards away from Sheep’s Clothing! Little boutiques like this are my favorite place to shop—personalized service, and you never come away looking like everyone else.  If you like Free People clothes, this place is for you.  Accessories, home and bath finds, and gift items round out the inventive stock.

Bangles Clothing Gifts and Accessories

15 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-8462

Duck around the corner from Sheep’s Clothing to this small store packed with charm.  I found a great pair of earrings, but Owner Paulette Domke also stocks unique handbags, apparel, and accessories.

Silcott’s City Gear Shoes

18 Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-7178

 Business websitesilcotts.com

Yelp photo

There’s always something nice about a quality independent shoe store that puts the mall and big box outlets to shame.  The variety of the stock is impressive!  Everyone talked about owner Brent’s fabulous customer service.  Any place with this many enthusiastic regulars deserves a look.

Seasons on the Square

1 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0165

seasonsonthesquare.com

Beautiful high quality clothes and Brighton bags make this a great shopping experience. If you’re looking for a statement jacket to let you stand out at work or elsewhere, chances are you’ll find it here.

Ready for lunch?  Head to:

Blackbird Cafe

114 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-548-2811

blackbirdcafevalparaiso.com

Admittedly, this is as good a choice for breakfast as it is for lunch.  The quiche is outstanding, as is the soup and salad selections.  Casual enough for moms and tots but trendy enough to make you feel like you’re someplace special (the cupcakes, and pecan pie help with that, too). 

I’m especially fond of places where eating alone doesn’t feel weird—and I saw many lone diners (I brought a friend to help me “taste” all the goodies that weren’t on my very restrictive diet program).  Valparaiso University is nearby, and this spot has that artsy, casually elegant college-town feel.  Succumb to the “homemade oreos" if you must, but we have other dessert plans so save room!

Designer Desserts Cupcakes

56 Lincoln Way

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0008

designerdessertsbakery.com

I have a thing for cupcake places.  They always have an inventive and whimsical vibe, a place where you don’t have to take life so seriously.  I love to see if someone has come up with a flavor I’ve never heard of before.  This place had large, moist cupcakes with delicious frosting.  Seasonal flavors that sounded intriguing included Watermelon Fizz and Eggnog, but our super-helpful server recommended the Big Texan (seriously chocolate) the Creme Brulee, and the Pink Champagne.  I counted 101 flavors on the menu! I’m coming back when I can have more than a forkful!

Lifestyles Unique Gifts

122 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-464-9167

This is one of those “little bit of everything” gift stores that I especially love to frequent.  I found a clever Joseph Joseph counting water bottle to help me stay hydrated on my program, as well as some very lovely soaps (I’m a total soap snob, if you haven’t yet figured that out).  There was home decor, jewelry, garden and kitchen goodies, accessories, and even toys—truly a bit of everything.  The sales staff was exceptionally friendly, offering to gift wrap my purchases even though they were just for me.   Don’t miss the upstairs gallery, too.

Old World Market

76 S Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-476-0700

oldworldmarketonline.com

I didn’t know quite what to think when Paula suggested we stop here.  Wine and cheese foodie shops aren’t usually my thing, but I adored this place even if my diet kept me off cheese while I was here.  Don’t you dare call this a deli—your grocery store can’t hope to compete with the intriguing collection of meats and cheeses in this oh-so-friendly market.  You can easily walk in here clueless about wine and come away with a purchase sure to make you look clever at next week’s dinner party.  A serious display of local brews rounds out the fare.  My friend and I packed ourselves a lovely little set of snacks for the drive home—you should, too!

I feel bad that I hadn’t given Valparaiso much thought beyond an 1-65 exit before my visit. I couldn’t have been more wrong.  My friend and I left thinking, “My hometown should feel like this—can we move here?”  Valpo has all the spiff of a elegant suburb with all the warmth of a small town.  Perfect!  Next time you drive by, don’t just drive by—stop and enjoy all this town has to offer.

Next up, we travel a little further west to Griffith to sample more Northwest Indiana hidden treasures.