Beautiful selection and kind people. The assortment for quilting was very well thought out.read more

I had not been to Running Stitch Fabrics until my friends and I took a Sashiko 101 and 201 class…read more This shop is located in historic downtown Kent. There is on-street parking. The class offered by Running Stitch Fabrics was taught by Malinda Shirley. Malinda is a great teacher with an infectious positive energy, a lot of patience and knowledge. She brought a lot of samples and projects she has made. It was exciting to see the possibilities of incorporating sashiko into tote bags, quilts, placemats, etc. The quilt shop carries a wide assortment of notions, sashiko supplies, fabric, patterns, books and more. There are quite a few quilt samples hanging on the walls and on display in the windows. There is a long arm machine that you can rent after taking a basic longarm class or they offer long arm services. The owner Alice and her staff are very nice. I highly recommend Running Stitch Fabrics.

What a beautiful and well thought out business. I was invited to participate in their trunk show…read morethis past weekend and enjoyed pretty much everything about this yarn lover's paradise. I was immediately impressed upon entering the store. It felt as though I had crossed the other side of the wardrobe and ended up in Knitting Narnia. Shelves of beautiful fabrics, yarns, and so many more items you didn't know you needed, but now that you've seen them you just gots to have them. There are tables and chairs nestled about for groups to hang out and knit while enjoying a coffee or snack from the Firebird Cafe located in the back of the shop. The cafe has a lot of selection of sweet and savory snackums including gluten free items; however, when I asked about contamination risk for celiac peeps they weren't sure how safe it was, so I stuck to the hot chocolate which was hot..and chocolaty..and full of goodness. May I also note that they serve wine and I am just so on board with that. Wine, knitting, and someone brought their cat in on leash... I see no reason to ever leave this place. This shop offers tons of events like the one I participated in this weekend where they invite local artists to set up inside their store and peddle their wares. The excitement from their regulars the moment the doors opened was palpable. They were just all about getting their paws on the fun, beautiful, and handy items for sale. In addition to events like these, this shop stays super involved with their locals by hosting classes that range well beyond knitting and crocheting. Every individual I interacted with here brought their best energy and enthusiasm and were so upbeat I started wondering what the secret these knitters are putting in their herbal tea... and if they'd share some with me. If you're a crafty fellow definitely check this place out. You might just walk out with the find of a lifetime, some magical knitter's tea, or even get to pet a cat on a leash...the possibilities are endless.

Not the most user friendly of places but I was desperate for a longer knitting needle over the…read moreholidays when I was stranded during the Southwest airlines mess. I knew I should have packed a longer cable!

It's been a few days since mom and I attended the Expo, quite possibly for the last time (or at…read moreleast the last time until they improve things). Every year I try to leave constructive feedback in their suggestion box and via social media. I share the good and the not-so-good. And I share ideas for how to make things better. And nothing ever changes. Not that I think anyone there really cares about my specific thoughts and ideas. But when these feelings and helpful suggestions from dozens if not hundreds of attendees are pretty much ignored it makes me wonder if the organizers of this once-great event even want it to improve. The crowd shrinks every year, and with it the variety of vendors. This year, vendors were outwardly proclaiming what a bust it was for them. And this was on Saturday, which should have been their busiest day of the weekend. Especially with so many younger folks getting into sewing, cross-stitch, and embroidery it seems like this expo should be growing and thriving. I just don't understand what's going on. But first, the good: - This was my daughter's first year attending and she really loved it, especially the hands-on demos and projects at vendors such as The Remakery from Tacoma. - It was great to see some of our old favorite vendors, such as Bo-Dee-Oh, Fireweed Stitches, More Me Know and Sassafras Lane, along with Mood Fabrics and Renton's Wyldewood Creative doing their very first expo. - Always love visiting the Kai Scissors booth and picking up a new "must have" for my sewing exploits, as well as checking out the beautiful new machines from Quality Sewing and Bernina. - I always leave the expo with some fun new fabric and supplies, and that feeling like I want to go home and lock myself in my sewing room for a few days. - Finally, there were several new stitchery vendors - especially embroidery! I spotted some cross stitch here and there, too. Yay! And then, the things that just need to be fixed. - The lack of actual fabric vendors is absolutely crazy to me. Yes, there were a few and yes, they were selling a lot of kits and pre-cuts. But where were the folks selling fabric by the yard? Where was Pacific Fabrics? They exited the expo years ago and we need them back. If I were in charge of the expo, luring Pacific Fabrics (and other much-loved, long-departed vendors - like Vogue Fabrics) would be my #1 priority for next year. It's inexplicable to me that you'd plan a sewing expo and not have an over-the-top number of fabric vendors to choose from. - This probably relates to my previous point. But for heaven's sake there has GOT to be a way to lower the cost for vendors to attend. Several vendors from last year posted A YEAR AGO that they would no longer be able to attend because of the cost to attend (not just booth fees, but getting their product there, bringing enough staff to run the booth, etc). One example is More Me Know, who set up a giant booth in 2024 and 2025, hauling an amazing amount of bag making supplies (and tons of staff) all the way from Indiana. This year, her booth was tiny, with barely any selection and a sign to order online with free shipping. It was a nice gesture but I also heard several customers complaining. I guess they don't follow her on social media, where she basically went through last year's expo expenses and said they simply could not afford to have a big booth there (even with brisk sales). - Some of the really cool stuff (like the free stage, Project Linus, fabric de-stash table, and social media lounge) are hidden in the back like they don't even WANT to be found. For goodness sake, move them to the FRONT of the expo (or put them in the middle). They are almost like an afterthought, and yet these are the areas that give life to the social aspects of the expo. Imagine walking in the front doors, or eating your lunch, and getting to watch the kids' fashion show or see your favorite influencers hanging out with the crowd in the social media lounge. Imagine an area buzzing with happy sewists and crafters, making projects at the demo tables, getting inspired to visit all the vendors or taking a break between walking the rows. - Speaking of influencers: INVITE THEM! Where was the meet 'n greet photo sesh with my favorites? I would have loved to get a pic with Lauren Mormino in front of the official Sew Expo backdrop and post it all over social media. Where was Karen Brown from Just Get it Done Quilts? Sara Lawson from Sew Sweetness? Jenny Doan (or one of her family) from Missouri Star Quilts? Vanessa Vargas Wilson aka the Crafty Gemini? Evelyn Wood? Alicia from Thoughtful Creativity? Bernadette Banner? Do they know about the expo? Are they invited? Imagine giving them a heavily discounted booth fee or covering some of their travel expenses in exchange for spreading the word about the expo among their followers? This is very common nowadays and yet...crickets. This review is too long. If anyone from the Expo reads this: what's your end game?!

I have gone for several years now, driving from California, and enjoy all the classes, and the…read morevendor hall. I never attended when it was a bigger show, so I have nothing to be disappointed about. It is worth the fun every year.

My first visit to this store, There are many choices of…read morefabric and notions. The clerks who helped me were knowledgeable and helpful. However one person who might have been management was very short and demeaning to the clerks who worked there, I saw her react angrily/ demeaning and ugly at least 3 different times while I was there within less than an hour. Maybe she was having a bad day but the people who run the store are the lifeline to the customers supporting the business and customers see your behavior. Be kind.

The staff was AMAZING helped me walked around with me helped me make measurements for a blanket…read morejust the best

Wow cannot say enough good things about Paul and Dimension Upholstery. Husband was disappointed…read morethat the upholsterer he used was no longer in business in Olympia. We had very stylized 30 year old dining room chairs I wanted to replace but my spouse opted to reupholster. He thankfully found Paul who transformed the appearance AND rejuvenated their cushion. Paul's service is professional and his attention to detail is impeccable. He provides in home consultation--with a wide range of sample material, pick up and delivery for a fee. His reupholstery work is reliable, affordable and next to none I've experienced. Give him a try.

Paul refurbished our 27 year old leather couch and loveseat. He gave us estimates for…read morereupholstering and for refurbishing and went into detail about how he does the refurb. We opted for the refurbishing because of the significant cost diffHe is such a perfectionist that he kept insisting that it wasn't perfect but we were really pleased! These have not looked this good in 20 years!

Súper quick reply to a project ask. Lucky me they were between projects and were able to take a…read morequick reupholster of two bar stool cushions. When I dropped the ball and thought I missed the window of opportunity, they followed up and I'm so glad. 2 day turnaround from drop off to pick up. Excellent craftsmanship. So much I wanted some immediate repair work done on a leather ottoman. Unfortunately they don't work with leather and offered some suggestions. Classy. I appreciate a business sticking to what they know they are good at and delivering solid on their word. Small family operation, Mrs. Handled all the business with a printed invoice at pickup. Highly recommend.

I just had Covington Upholstery recover our new to us dining room chairs. They were able to…read moresqueeze my job in and get it done in just a few days. They went above and beyond in repairing some of the seats that were a damaged. They did an excellent job and their price was reasonable. I would use them again without hesitation.

Visited this store two times in the past 3 months and noticed a lot more sales and seasonal items…read morein inventory. They moved things around from aisle to aisle. But it seemed more organized than before. The employees were friendly, greeted us as we entered the store. Checkout time was good, as the employee who worked as a cashier was amicable and pleasant to deal with after our shopping experience. Will be back next time for more intriguing items!

Nick in the framing area was incredibly helpful, patient, and knowledgeable throughout the entire…read moreprocess. He went above and beyond to make sure everything was exactly how I wanted it and took the time to answer all of my questions. Highly recommend asking for him if you need help with framing!

I won't pretend to be a quilt expert, in fact I have no idea what I am talking about. BUT, I do…read moreknow that this store had welcoming service and a vast array of options. This quaint store is located in the middle of town and offers a home, re-modeled into Carriage Country Quilts. The squeaky wooden floors only add to the experience as you walk from kids' room to re-done kitchen -- with each room having quilt and fabric options to match the room. There are fabric options as well as quilt patterns ready to be assembled for your next project.

This shop is a gem. I love the merchandise! Thanks everyone at Carriage Country Quilts!read more

The sweetest little clay creation studio. I came here on a Thursday with a friend. We usually get…read morefood and coffee but we wanted to switch up our routine and do something cozy for the holiday season. We came in around 4pm, an hour until closing. This was enough time for her to finish a little dish and I completed a mini bowl. The owners are super sweet and walk you through the entire creative process. It's very organized and sanitary. They have everyone wash up before, choose their clay, and even pour the paints for you. Lots of people were coming in to pick up their creations. It takes about a week to finalize and you come back and pick up the final piece. Totally recommend for a fun date night or a cute get together. Located in Kent. Street parking available. No reservation needed.

The people are so nice but the building is old, bathroom is gross, and prices are steep. My…read moredaughter loved it but I don't think we will go back.