Portland, OR Crafty Shopping
Everyone says that Portland is a really cool town. And its not that I didn't believe them its just tough for me to imagine a city I've never been to. I don't know...one of my personal issues I guess. But, I can admit that I had the same reaction to Portland that I had to Minneapolis.
Who knew this city was so cool?
I heart Portland.
I know, I know, get in line.
When I was surfing around looking for crafty places to shop, there was an abundance to say the least. Therefore, we limited ourselves to Alberta Street and Knittin' Kitten.
The trip to Alberta was inspired by Natalie & her adventures there. We took the bus from our hotel in Downtown to Alberta Street. Right about the time we were thinking that we should have rented a car, we got there. And there was a street fair. And right about that time we were thankful we took the bus and didn't have to drive or park.
The street as well as the street fair itself was a hoot. There were the usual unusual vendors like the political kids and the tie-dye kids and some really cool tshirt kids, and a plus-size apron chick and these kids who painted knitting needles. Then, the parade was incredibly random featuring, well, anyone who wanted to be in it. There was a British style double decker bus, people walking on stilts, a dude riding a bike with his kid, people in random make-up. If you've ever dreamed of being in a parade, sign up and do it next year. Seriously. Anyone can.
We limited ourselves to shopping only at crafty spots. As Regina & I are certified shoppers (kids don't try this at home) we felt it best to just set goals. First up, Collage. If you're into paper and paper crafts, you need to go there. I'm not into paper or paper crafts and I was seriously considering starting. Her stuff was incredible and fun. What a buyer...I really enjoyed the shop.
Next, Bolt. This is a super cute shop. And the ladies who work there couldn't have been any nicer. Natalie covered the merchandise wonderfully so I won't go over it again but if you're in the area, you really should stop by. They had these really cool HUGE wooden buttons. I sort of wish I had added a few to the pile o'stuff I bought. Also, they had EVERY Sublime Stitching pattern, the usual ones, the limited edition ones and ones I had never even seen or heard of.
Close Knit. Cute and CROWDED which is awesome. When have you been to a neighborhood yarn shop on a NON-sale day and its been crowded? But, they were crowded with good reason. They had a great selection of small local brands and the big brands we all know and love (manos, Rowan, etc...) as well as a good selection of books, bags and random items for sale. If we weren't at a knit/crochet show with vendors to match, this would have been much more of a temptation.
Last, I must mention the food. Any search on Alberta Street will bring up the various restaurants and bars. But, that's not where we ate.
When you're walking down a crowded street full of shops and restaurants, how do you walk past this? I can answer that. You don't. It was awesome...a taco truck on a vacant lot with tables and chairs. And, judging by the number of people getting orders to go, I'm guessing this is a fixture and locals grab food and take it home. And for good reason. Yummy and cheap...my favorite combination.
All in all, Alberta street was fabulous.
But we weren't done.
Oh, no. Now that we had food and drink we had the strength to move forward. By the way, did I mention that prior to the shopping we had been in class from 9am - noon? And that after we did the majority of the Knit & Crochet Show vendor shopping that I talked about yesterday? Oh, I didn't? My bad. Moving along...
We took the bus back to our hotel and Regina immediately walked up to a cab and asked how much to get to Knittn Kitten. I'm not sure exactly who, but one of Regina's people knew of this magical place. A vintage craft store? We HAD to go.
And we went.
And it was fabulous. We bought fabric and patterns, pin cushions and patches. Next time I go to Portland, I'm bringing stuff to sell her. (The owner said that the majority of her stock walks right in the front door.) From what I understand from the Portland kids, it can be hit or miss. But, if you've never been its a treasure chest. They have vintage patterns from the 50s through present...power 80's suits anyone? or a 60's mini dress? Vintage magazines ... all sorts of fun stuff. We learned that they were featured in the last issue of Craft (the one with the dude and the weaving on the front.)
Next up, food and a smidge more shopping...
Who knew this city was so cool?
I heart Portland.
I know, I know, get in line.
When I was surfing around looking for crafty places to shop, there was an abundance to say the least. Therefore, we limited ourselves to Alberta Street and Knittin' Kitten.
The trip to Alberta was inspired by Natalie & her adventures there. We took the bus from our hotel in Downtown to Alberta Street. Right about the time we were thinking that we should have rented a car, we got there. And there was a street fair. And right about that time we were thankful we took the bus and didn't have to drive or park.
The street as well as the street fair itself was a hoot. There were the usual unusual vendors like the political kids and the tie-dye kids and some really cool tshirt kids, and a plus-size apron chick and these kids who painted knitting needles. Then, the parade was incredibly random featuring, well, anyone who wanted to be in it. There was a British style double decker bus, people walking on stilts, a dude riding a bike with his kid, people in random make-up. If you've ever dreamed of being in a parade, sign up and do it next year. Seriously. Anyone can.
We limited ourselves to shopping only at crafty spots. As Regina & I are certified shoppers (kids don't try this at home) we felt it best to just set goals. First up, Collage. If you're into paper and paper crafts, you need to go there. I'm not into paper or paper crafts and I was seriously considering starting. Her stuff was incredible and fun. What a buyer...I really enjoyed the shop.
Next, Bolt. This is a super cute shop. And the ladies who work there couldn't have been any nicer. Natalie covered the merchandise wonderfully so I won't go over it again but if you're in the area, you really should stop by. They had these really cool HUGE wooden buttons. I sort of wish I had added a few to the pile o'stuff I bought. Also, they had EVERY Sublime Stitching pattern, the usual ones, the limited edition ones and ones I had never even seen or heard of.
Close Knit. Cute and CROWDED which is awesome. When have you been to a neighborhood yarn shop on a NON-sale day and its been crowded? But, they were crowded with good reason. They had a great selection of small local brands and the big brands we all know and love (manos, Rowan, etc...) as well as a good selection of books, bags and random items for sale. If we weren't at a knit/crochet show with vendors to match, this would have been much more of a temptation.
Last, I must mention the food. Any search on Alberta Street will bring up the various restaurants and bars. But, that's not where we ate.
When you're walking down a crowded street full of shops and restaurants, how do you walk past this? I can answer that. You don't. It was awesome...a taco truck on a vacant lot with tables and chairs. And, judging by the number of people getting orders to go, I'm guessing this is a fixture and locals grab food and take it home. And for good reason. Yummy and cheap...my favorite combination.
All in all, Alberta street was fabulous.
But we weren't done.
Oh, no. Now that we had food and drink we had the strength to move forward. By the way, did I mention that prior to the shopping we had been in class from 9am - noon? And that after we did the majority of the Knit & Crochet Show vendor shopping that I talked about yesterday? Oh, I didn't? My bad. Moving along...
We took the bus back to our hotel and Regina immediately walked up to a cab and asked how much to get to Knittn Kitten. I'm not sure exactly who, but one of Regina's people knew of this magical place. A vintage craft store? We HAD to go.
And we went.
And it was fabulous. We bought fabric and patterns, pin cushions and patches. Next time I go to Portland, I'm bringing stuff to sell her. (The owner said that the majority of her stock walks right in the front door.) From what I understand from the Portland kids, it can be hit or miss. But, if you've never been its a treasure chest. They have vintage patterns from the 50s through present...power 80's suits anyone? or a 60's mini dress? Vintage magazines ... all sorts of fun stuff. We learned that they were featured in the last issue of Craft (the one with the dude and the weaving on the front.)
Next up, food and a smidge more shopping...
posted by jenna! at
9:31 AM
3 Comments:
I'm overwhelmed by your descriptions. Sounds like spending over one week in Portland may not be enough. Phew.
Heh, we were there for less than 3 days but we were determined to get in as much as possible.
We got in around midnight on Thursday and left Sunday afternoon.
I love Alberta St! And there was a street fair?! Lucky ducky. The knittn kitten is now in my to do list.
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