Whatcom County is a destination for crafters of all types: from soapmakers to scrapbookers; knitters to quilters. They love the variety of craft stores Whatcom County features, as well as the wide selection of yarns, fabrics and crafting supplies. I recently had a chance to visit a few craft shops in Bellingham, and discovered a whole new world, along with some highly talented shopkeepers who clearly love their craft and their customers!
Top: Apple Yarns entrance, interior with owner Andrea Evans 
What's new? Noro yarns from Japan, now made with Merino wool! Apple Yarns is one of very few retailers who have it in the U.S.[/caption]
Owner Andrea Evans pays close attention to trends, and provides her customers with everything they need to keep up. This knitting novice learned that circular needles are they only way to go (mine are all straight), and that Noro, a prized Japanese yarn maker, has just released spring yarns made with Merino wool, which is less scratchy and more yummy.
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Top: Sweater and hat, Yarn Spoolies.
Skeins of yarn, circular and straight needles, and luxurious hand-dyed yarn from SweetGeorgia[/caption]
Apple Yarns is a place where needle workers gather to knit, crochet and socialize--often for a good cause. Ongoing group sessions bring together knitters to make mastectomy prosthetics called Knitted Knockers, which are free to breast cancer patients and survivors. Knitted Knockers is an organization started by Barbara Demorest, a Bellingham woman who made it her mission to connect volunteer knitters with breast cancer survivors, and provide comfortable prosthetics (most are not) to anyone who needs them. She ships about 100 per week all over the U.S. Apple Yarns offers a 10% store discount to anyone who brings in a pair, and you can pick up the pattern at the store. It's just one example of how giving the crafting community can be!
Stop into Apple Yarns and you might even be inspired (like I am!) to learn how to knit.
Apple Yarns, 1780 Iowa St., Bellingham, WA 98229 360-756-9992
Apple Yarns on Facebook
The shop features a huge variety of fabrics and quilting supplies, including Jo Morton fabrics, books and bundles. From kits and patterns, to bobbin clips and magnetic bookmarks, you'll find everything you need to make quilting easier and more fun, whether you're a novice or an expert. The shop also caters to apron and pincushion enthusiasts, with all kinds of fabrics and patterns, and a new pincushion pattern each month, so you can add to your collection.
Two Thimbles owner Lee Glendening specializes in Civil War reproduction prints, and the shop is filled with patterns and fabrics that honor this colorful and historic era.
Events at Two Thimbles Quilt Shop include a variety of classes throughout 2015. Sewing Soirees are on the first Friday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and give quilters use of the classroom, design walls, cutting tables and and ironing stations. Lunch is included, too! See the Two Thimbles website for details.
Quilters, mark your calendars for the 2015 Tri-County Quilt Tour! It's March 26th through the 28th, 2015 and this year's theme is "Farm to Market." Contact Lee for more information.
Two Thimbles Quilt Shop, 1805 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 360-715-1629
Two Thimbles Quilt Shop on Facebook
Stampadoodle and The Paper Cafe carries gorgeous handmade papers, as well as a huge selection of specialty papers.[/caption]
And befitting the original store name, Stampadoodle, here you'll find more stamps than you've ever seen in your life (at least that was the case for me). They're also manufacturers of custom stamps.
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So. Many. Stamps![/caption]
At Stampadoodle and The Paper Cafe, you can find everything you need to create your own cards, photo frames and scrapbooks, practice the art of bookbinding or scrapbooking, or have fun with just about whichever handmade craft you love.
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Papers, ribbons and stencils. Oh my![/caption]
Skilled crafters teach all kinds of classes, even for rookies like me. Learn how to make journals, fancy 3D cards and much more. Lunchtime demos are every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m., and they're free! Check out the 2015 schedule here.
Stampadoodle and The Paper Cafe also offers crafting space for anyone who wants to come in and use their Community Crafting Area. It's available whenever they're open, and their knowledgable staff can help you with your questions. Use their die-cutting machine for free when you purchase your paper there.
Stampadoodle & The Paper Cafe, 1825 Grant St., Bellingham, WA 98225 360-647-9663
Stampadoodle on Facebook
Otion is a soap bar in downtown Bellingham that offers a huge variety of supplies, like essential oils, molds and kits. Here, anyone can make handmade soap, lotions, bath bombs, lip balm, nail polish and candles like a pro, even if you're a crafting newbie.
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Top: Finished soaps, the Handmade Beauty Box 
Otion offers loads of classes, and birthday parties, as well. There's even a beer soap-making class coming up that looks pretty interesting to this hophead. If you're an experienced soapmaker, or just entering the world of handmade beauty products, Otion is the place for you.
Otion 301 W Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225 360-676-1030
Otion on Facebook
