I’d heard rumors of a new craft supply shop in town from my sewing newsgroup, but the gal who posted didn’t leave much information about it except that I could Google for it, and she accidentally misspelled the name of the shop. For the record, the shop is called Knittn’ Kitten, and they are located at 75th and Glisan. Yes, you can Google for them – getting the shop name correct is the trick! Apparently there is a Knitten Kitten shop in Cambridge, MA, and that threw me off.
Knittn Kitten is simply terrific! For those of you who enjoy playing with “found” and recycled materials, this fabric, bead and craft supply shop is the place to go. SCRAP still holds a special place in my heart, but comparing the two shops is like apples and oranges. The Kitten offers a well-organized selection of just about everything, and their prices are very reasonable. During my chat with Ethel, who co-owns the shop with her daughter Rome, the source of her inventory was a well-guarded secret. If I could procure vintage fabric and offer it at these prices, I?d probably keep it a secret, too.
The Kitten was started as a home-based business with scheduled sales, and the venture was successful enough to move on to a bricks and mortar store. Ethel’s background includes a number of years with a national fabric and craft supply chain, but she wanted to move on to a position where she could enjoy more personal interaction with her customers. Rome is a very talented artist, and if you ask nicely Ethel would be happy to share photos of Rome’s work.
Finds during my first trip to The Knittn’ Kitten included a couple fun pairs of purse handles, a decorative zipper, several yards of vintage Star Trek fabric, enough Sesame Street corduroy to make myself a purse, a yard of fuzzy leopard-print fabric, and a knitting stitch holder. This fabulous haul set me back about $6. How can you beat that? (Confidential to my knitting group: Aaron has requested that the Star Trek fabric become a bowling shirt, not a quilt or boxer shorts. Should be a fun project!) Inventory moves at a brisk pace, and Ethel advises that if you see something you like, pick it up quickly because it won’t last long.
There is a beadwork class on their calendar, and additional classes and events coming soon. Make your way to the Montavilla neighborhood to visit this lovely shop today!
Knittn’ Kitten
http://www.knittnkitten.com
7530 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213
503-255-3022
Hours:
Tues – Sat 10am – 6pm
Closed Sunday and Monday