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.

WASHINGTON DC - Day One: Virginia

Knitting Your Way Through Our Nation's Capitol

Everyone should do this trip at least once outside of school. I appreciate it as an adult in ways that I never could have as a young person. History, patriotism, symbolism--most of these things are lost on the young. Dozens of books fill travel shelves about walking tours of the monuments, museums, and shrines of governance that fill downtown DC. My favorites continue to be the Air and Space Museum, the First Ladies Gown collections at the National Museum of American History, and of course, my thing for James Bond always takes me straight to the International Spy Museum. Feel free to craft your own agenda for the standard stuff. My job, as always, is to take you off the beaten path on a fiber feast. I’ve uncovered three yarn job gems that require a little driving off the National Mall, but pay off in charm, inventory, and local flavor.

Day 1 (Thursday, for our format) - the Virginia side...
Start your day (or even base your stay) in charming Old Town Alexandria, which boasts a nice mix of national retailers such as Banana Republic and Restoration Hardware as well one-of-a-kind boutiques. King Street serves as both Alexandria’s “main drag” and the first leg of your journey.  For breakfast, locals I consulted recommend Jack’s Place, The Royal, and la Madeleine. 

After you’ve taken in any of these neighborhood joints (or a culinary discovery of your own), spend as much or as little time as you like strolling through Old Town before you climb back into the car and head northwest on King Street. This is an entertaining drive, taking you past the mother-ship of all Masonic Temples, known as the George Washington Masonic Memorial and a collection of charming colonial-looking homes. I was startled to drive by a flock of free-range chickens on my trip!

The standard suburban landscape along your trip to Falls Church will take you past any number of retailers you might need to pick up whatever it is you forgot (and I always forget something). Plus, this might be the least confusing drive you make all weekend (this is a challenging driving town to put it mildly!), so enjoy the nearly straight shot to the first yarn shop of our weekend...

Stop One: 
Aylin’s Woolgatherer
7245 Arlington Blvd 

Falls Church, VA 22042 
703-573-1900www.aylins-wool.com
Scoot your car in just right of the Giant store, and look for the tidy little alley that leads to the entrance of Aylin’s. Go upstairs and down the hall to one of the most comprehensive yarn stores this area has to offer. Heading toward it’s 35th anniversary and filled with one of the most knowledgeable staff’s you’re likely to come by, this store prides itself on top-notch, individualized attention. Owner Aylin Benner’s artistic flair fills the store, and she has been known to personally recommend colors for client’s projects. If you’re like me, and often clueless that what looks great in the magazine may not suit my build or complexion (come on, I’ve seen that rust colored shrug in the back of your closet that looked soooo hip in the magazine but hangs on your funny), Aylin’s your secret weapon. The store boasts a selection of unique pieces reflecting Aylin’s turkish heritage, including a turkish vest pattern to knit or crochet that is definitely one-of-a-kind. Designer Anna Zilboorg has granted the store several delectable exclusive designs. Their sale nook is a bargain-hunter’s dream, their “baby room” could make you want to start a family just by pastel infusion alone, 

and I’ve yet to see a bigger pattern collection. As for the depth of the yarn collection, it’s hard to beat. This is one store where you really can hear the cherished words, “wait, we might have it in back.” Talk about a button selection--Aylin’s confessed button obsession can definitely work to your advantage. One of my favorites? The clear plastic project totes (complete with yarn hole on top) she sells. I also fell in love with the SWITCH Exchange Circular needles--an interchangeable bamboo circular needle system in a stylish, compact holder. Every year the store hosts a knitting/crochet (did I mention this was a very crochet-friendly establishment?) retreat at a vacation spot, and I just might sign up for the next one!

Projects from Aylin’s they recommend:

Elemental Changes Shetland Scarf/Stole
This will be our Kint-Along from Ailyn’s, done in a gorgeous local merino sock yarn called Kaleidoscope from Blue Ridge Yarns. Using a changeup of three traditional lace patterns, this gives an intricate look without a boatload of sequences to learn.

Spiral Stitch Armwarmers and Cabled Fingerless Gloves
Designed by “Almost Amy,” otherwise known as the delightful Karen Klemp (who served with Dede Smith as my guides through the store), these are so cool I’d wear them even if it mortified my teenage daughter to be seen with me. Done up in Jitterbug by Colllinette or a local gem called Pagewood Farms hand-dyed sock yarn, these could make a young (or young at heart) person near you delirious with toasty-wristed joy.

Or, go for the grand prize and dive into any of the spectacular exclusive sweater designs by Anna Zilboorg. The staff assures me they are highly doable, even if they look like master-level knitting.

By the time you’ve made it though all the treasures at Aylin’s, it’ll be time for lunch. I recommend two options. If you don’t want to venture far afield, walk across the parking lot to...

The Old Hickory Grill
7263 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 207-8650

According to the folks at Aylin’s, The Old Hickory Grill is the place to go for down-home Louisiana fare.  Word is, shrimp and grits are the way to go.

If you don’t mind driving about 10 minutes further, head farther down Arlington Blvd, take the Gallows Road exit, and make the fast left into
Sweetwater Tavern
3066 Gate House Plz, 

Falls Church, VA
www.greatamericanrestaurants.com
I never did find the sign, but the water tower feature in front gives Sweetwater Tavern away. Beware: Ozzie Rolls are addictive! Something like a New Orleans beignet; the kind of buttery sweetbread that has you licking your fingers after every bite. Actually, the whole bread basket was crave-worthy, and I admit to asking for seconds without shame. The very friendly staff recommended the Sweetwater Roast Chicken Salad, and it was outstanding. One of my favorite touches was the actual brewed iced tea. No concentrate mix here--the tea was top notch. You forget how refreshing really good iced tea is until you taste it.

Drive on back down King Street and finish any Old Town shopping that suits your mood, or just find a shady spot and enjoy the weather while you cast on your newest project from Aylin’s. If you need a final destination, make your way to The Torpedo Factory on the waterfront for a unique location with some lovely spots to enjoy the sunset over cocktails and circular needles. Or, if you’re willing to go a bit farther and have time, look into the water taxi service that will take you from Old Town to National Harbor, a newly opened resort that’s a destination in itself. Although I’m generally of the bed and breakfast persuasion, I’d definitely consider this as a prime contender for lodging on this trip.

Today, you took in the Virginia side of DC. 

Rest up, for tomorrow we tackle Maryland.