I visited Tricoter for the first time today. I had a completely lovely experience and will…read moredefinitely be back the next time I am in town. I was greeted immediately by Beryl and given plenty of time to get acquainted with the shop. I bought two skeins of a yarn to finish a project (originally bought online from Tricoter) and shopped around for other interesting possibilities. I ended up working closely with the staff to select yarn and swatch for a sweater. Everyone I worked with was super encouraging and helpful (it was a complex pattern for a discontinued yarn, so there were potentially lots of issues that they simplified for me). I learned a new trick for the long-tail cast-on (I had always resisted it in favor of the cable which is what I learned years ago) and the brioche stitch which I had never done before. I humbly offer the following tips: 1. I think the charms of this place are best evident if you go without a specific agenda, especially on your first visit. Think generally about treating yourself, or making a special gift for someone rather than looking for this yarn for that project; the latter won't be as much fun. 2. I have historically been annoyed at yarns being arranged by color, but at Tricoter it doesn't really matter. The shop is more about encouraging people to make the project that calls out to them rather than shopping randomly. There are lots and lots of store samples to get your inspiration going. In addition to an array of hard-to-find designer patterns and yarns, they can design a sweater just for you. 3. Give yourself plenty of time. I had most of the day to myself and spent all of of my free time (around 3 hours) there happily swatching and chatting with others. Bonus: there was a Tahki Stacy Charles trunk show on, with the man himself showing off the newest collection! 4. Let them help you. The team are literally expert knitters. If you go with the general idea of wanting something special but nothing in particular, you will have the best experience. They will encourage you to swatch. They will wind balls for you to try. If you don't like it, you get to try again. Ask questions. Have fun. Let go of every other yarn shop experience, however lovely it was. This is different and special. 5. Yes, be prepared to spend some money. You're not just buying beautiful yarn, you are buying a project that some smart and helpful people worked with you to select. I swatched, they blocked my swatch for me and measured me for sizing and will wind my skeins and ship them home for me. I never felt pressured to buy anything; rather, the staff seemed sincerely interested in me having the best result for my time and money invested in the project. 6. I could not imagine a better place for a beginner to learn or an intermediate knitter to enhance his or her skills. The staff are super patient. Be patient with yourself as you watch yarns and/or try new skills. If I could sum up my experience in a single phrase, it would be that I spontaneously hugged Beryl on my way out.

I hate to give such a negative review to a store that has so much to love. I had read the negative…read morecomments before, but the employees I had previously interacted with were super kind and I bought some circular knitting needles on one's recommendation. I went in today planning to get some supplies for another project - my first since knitting 3 of the same basic triangle scarf. I had some wool already (some beautiful merino from "So Much Yarn" at Pike Place), but assumed I'd need some new needles or perhaps some different wool if I wanted to use my current needles. I went to the back and when I put my coffee down on a shelf to take out my yarn to show her, the employee (or the owner, perhaps) very testily told me NEVER to put coffee down near the yarn - especially cashmere. It made sense that they were cautious, but her attitude was very rude - as if I were an inconsiderate child who needed scolding. I moved my coffee to the garbage can lid where she indicated I could put it and I explained what I was there for and she said - well you already have yarn that you purchased somewhere else. We can sell you some yarn, but we don't have time to get an inexperienced knitter set up on a project with wool they didn't buy here. I was shocked, and said - gosh, I'm feeling pretty unwelcome. I wasn't expecting anyone to get me set up with anything. I already have a pattern and was expecting to buy some needles at least. She started to say how she's "happy to help" me, but I felt so humiliated, I just left. There are so many knitters in there sitting around and talking and I had honestly hoped to be one of them one day once I became a better knitter, but I'll never return. I have never been treated so rudely in a shop in my life.

I loved the atmosphere in here, I was just picking up a few things but they have a good selection…read morefor everybody. Definitely my go-to art supply store from now on.

Just had a bizarre experience here after being a customer here for years. I started at the Tacoma…read morelocation looking for stretcher bars by the master series in 24, 36, 30, and 40s. Tacoma was out but the sweet sales associates offered to order or call Seattle. I overheard them on the phone confirming various sizes. So I thanked them & drove up to Seattle. I noticed the Seattle location didn't have the sizes I was told, I asked the guy in charge of frames/ stretchers and he claimed I asked for one size then showed me a different brand from what was confirmed over the phone, a heavy duty variety. When I expressed frustration of being told the wrong thing, he walked off pouting, didn't offer to order any for me like Tacoma did. Not wanting to leave empty handed I grabbed a couple off sizes so I can work. On my way to check out, I informed my friend of what just occured and placed the stretchers at the register. The clerk said "You need to check out over there, Sir." My flabbers were gasted! My monocle popped out! I said "Sir? I'm not a sir!". This was strange and shocking to me. So I went to the proper clerk saying "They just called me Sir. What part of me gives man? I've never been called a man." So yeah I'm mad confused as to why my petite, adorable self in pink & lilac got called a man by someone who would not appreciate being misgendered themselves.... On Pride weekend of all times. And why wasn't I offered to have the supplies ordered for me like in Tacoma? Basically I received a wild goose chase, a bad attitude, lied to about what I overheard confirmed on the phone, and casually misgendered by Seattle staff. Very sad since I prefer supporting local. The Tacoma shop is a vibe with kind, helpful staff. I'll stick with them and Jerry's Art a Rama online. Apparently several reviews report bad behavior from staff over the past year or so. Don't need the funky ahh attitude when I just wanna create.

I have taken two classes with Barbara and just signed up for my third. Classes are excellent - a…read moregreat blend of hands-on teaching and self-directed work. Barbara is patient, attentive, and really cares about the work she's doing. I'd highly recommend taking classes with Barbara - the studio is cozy and small, with just enough room for everyone to have a wheel or a spot to hand build. It's a great way to create things that are useful, and even to make awesome holiday gifts!

Barb is an incredible teacher. I love the mix of beginners and returners in her classes. She has…read morelessons each day for beginners, and returners can just throw for three hours if they'd like. She is also available to more experienced people for advice and suggestions. She runs a tight ship and I have so much respect for the system she has created.

AMAZING embroidery floss selection, the ladies at the store helped me out with the few that were…read moreout of stock but they carried nearly all of the available DMC colors. Absolutely the best sewing and fabric store i've been to ever!

Customer service was just ok. I did not feel valued as a customer and certainly there was no…read moreconversation with me as a "new customer". No mention of a rewards program, or what brought you into our store, what project are you working on, how are you today, etc. I traveled quite a distance to get to the store to check it out. They do have a large selection of notions but only a small fabric selection. One employee was complaining about winding thread.

Blick Art Materials in Seattle handled a frustrating situation with serious professionalism…read more We bought Arches 300lb watercolor paper online, and when we came in my dad was convinced it was the wrong weight. The associate who helped us (blonde hair, and I really wish I remembered her name) was calm, patient, and genuinely kind the entire time. She didn't turn it into an argument or make anyone feel talked down to. Instead, she immediately offered solutions: replace the paper or give us a refund. They didn't have the exact Arches paper my dad wanted to swap to, and she still went above and beyond by offering to call Blick and initiate an online return for us on the spot. That level of patience and customer service is rare. In the end, my dad decided to just keep the paper, but I left impressed with how well she handled everything. Big thanks to her and the Seattle team.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? The mecca for any artist within 100 miles…read more Fantastic selection of many mediums and a very friendly staff. Always a great time wandering the isles looking for treasure. Also, be sure to check the clearance rack. You never know what you might find for $.10 on the $1!

THEY ARE OPEN!!! I'm so thrilled Art Primo Seattle is open…read moreduring this time. I'm working with small businesses and trying to stay artistically productive for my mental well being during this time. Being able to get the art supplies I need and support local business is such a bonus. I'm also really happy they are able to ship orders if they don't have what I need at the physical location. Seattle orders are almost always next day and I appreciate this so much. Thank you Art Primo Seattle for keeping the community here artistically supplied and I N S P I R E D!

Selling spray paint…read more That's all this shopnis doing. Which is cool.but you know would be cooler? If they were selling graffiti! On canvas, prints, etc... support the craft and spread the love.

Had an amazing 1-2-1 class here in May and still brimming with inspiration and ideas. As a fellow…read morecreative, it was great to meet someone with such passion for their craft. It was contagious! Patient, accommodating and a font of letterpress knowledge, it was a highlight of my trip to Seattle and my prints I created are memories of a great day.

Gorgeous little gem of a store with the most interesting paper goods, pens, cards, and letterpress…read moreart.

Such a fun place to come for an activity!…read more We went early on Saturday which I highly recommend! If you walk in after 11 am, you most likely will be looking at a long wait. However, it's worth it IMO! Weekends are busy and there's generally a wait. However, I opted to paint outside and got seated right away. They have a great selection of items to paint. I picked two jars. They have a variety of supplies that allowed me to bring my vision to life! The number of colors they have to select from is vast too. They have a wide range of brushes and tools, and I appreciated their two sizes of paint pen detail bottles--perfect for writing! Nicky was so helpful and accommodating. He reviewed how the pair a work and the process thoroughly but succinctly. He brought my chosen pieces out to the table since I had my dog with me. It is dog friendly outside! Not sure about inside. Check out was pretty seamless, and Erica did a great job with my checkout! The prices for the pieces are comparable to ones I saw at another similar establishment, which was good to see. If you're looking for a fun activity, check out Paint the Town!

Super cute spot. I used to come here about 10 years ago, and I love that nothing has changed in the…read morebest way. It feels very calming and nostalgic being here. They have a great selection of items to choose from to paint, along with a wide variety of colors. The ambiance is adorable and the staff is friendly.

Super awesome crafty space! I am totally going back. You can go in and make all of the things and…read morethen someone else cleans up after I mean how good is that? The place is set up with supplies for loads of projects, yarn, hooks and needles, beads, wood beads to paint, card making, stamps, Washi tape, colored pencils, acrylics, watercolors, big and little canvasses, hot glue, glitter, pipe cleaners, puff balls, ribbon, Embroidery supplies, there is more I'm sure I'm forgetting but that gives you the idea. Nice big wood tables to create on. They also have classes in Addition to open studio time, I highly recommend it!

Spacecraft is a wonderful crafting shop on Capitol Hill. The shop is brand new and dedicated to…read moreproviding space and supplies required for a HUGE variety of DIY projects. Spacecraft fills a big void in a day and age where people have less space at home to invest in their creative endeavors. You can see that the ownership has a great sense of pride in this shop, every little detail makes the space cozy and inviting. In addition to providing a launch pad for a variety of independent projects, Spacecraft is also hosting workshops led by experienced artists and crafters. It is so amazing to see a store like this pop-up in the "New Seattle era," one that encourages the exploration our individual creativity while also fostering community. Well done Spacecraft and welcome to the neighborhood. I can't wait to watch you grow!

As I wandered around the city while visiting Seattle I decided to find the coolest and unique spots…read moreI could find for all the things I love - stationary, artisan-made goods, unique gifts, and artwork that is affordable. I even saw jewelry, name brand reusable bag line merch, and stickers here at Butter Home. Of course there was quite a variety of home goods too including candles, books, etc. I saw some great artwork that was Seattle-themed and a lot of cool large paperclips, stamps, and whatnot to bring back to my office mates as small gifts. You will find something for you and then some here. Service was great as I asked the person working for any other nearby shops. They had great suggestions for other spots to eat and hang out in the neighborhood. I was super happy they were friendly enough to make some recommendations.

Cute and unique! If you're searching for some niche home decor or trinkets, you've come to the…read moreright place! Look for signs that say "Chophouse Row" and you'll see Butter Home on your right in the alley. They have lots of items that are great for gifts! They had stationery, kitchenware, artwork, and lots of Baggu. It's a small store, but there was lots to look at. A nice change-of-pace compared to other stores in the area. A hidden gem :)