Knit One, Purl Tea?

Downton Abbey fans, you've found your home away from home! One of my favorite shops in Winslow is the darling and very English-inspired Churchmouse Yarns & Teas which sells, yep you guessed it, incredible yarns and teas. If you're a knitter, you've probably heard about this amazing store with its nation-wide following. In addition to gorgeous wool, cotton, and cashmere yarns in every color of the rainbow, there are dozens of sample projects just waiting to inspire your next project. Sadly, as often as I try to purchase the gorgeous sweaters, shawls and blankets on display, the friendly staff tells me they are for inspiration only and remind me that it's high time I learned to knit. And I really have no excuse: Churchmouse can teach anyone to knit. Offering classes for kids and adults alike, they also have drop-in and charity circles right in the store. What a fun way to meet new people who share your passion while learning how to make something beautiful and useful.  

Of course you're going to need some tea to drink while you knit. Stocked with all the best brands, available loose or in bags, they also have a lovely selection of pretty British cups, pots and tea accessories. Because you will need some biscuits to go along with your tea, they sell shortbread, oat cookies, gingersnaps, marmalade, lemon curd, and other unique English treats for homesick Brits and Anglophiles alike. Along the way to true knitting brilliance, you're bound to find yourself with a dropped stitch or other serious knitting dilemma. Never fear, these folks are professionals and they are so happy to help get you - and your knitting project - back on track.  

Just walking up to the shop, you know you are in for a sumptuous treat.

Churchmouse offers the warmest of welcomes.  How fabulously English is that floor?

Tons of patterns with already knitted samples await you - it's so nice to see what you're really getting into.

The baby stuff is the cutest!  You can knit everything from blankets and sweaters to hats and stuffed animals for your wee one. 

If the prefect color yarn has eluded you up to now, your wait is over...

Each cubby is filled with skeins of yarn sorted by color and fiber.

Rainbow yarn, anyone?

A wardrobe full of yarn just waiting to be wound. The sweet staff will happily wind your yarn for you on site.

Don't even bother.  I've tried... They don't sell the dsiplay projects.

The tea corner is my favorite. I can never leave without a jar of honey or some new tea for the perfect cuppa.

I adore these cups and pots by Emma Bridgewater. Along with tea, sugar cube tongs, and a silver tea strainer, they make the perfect gift.

This shop is so warm and cozy, you'll happily linger for awhile.

On your way out, don't forget to make a wish in their lovely little fountain.

So the next time you're dreaming about Carson bringing you a hot cup of tea, just pop into Churchmouse and I promise they will deliver that charming English feeling you crave.  While you're there, you might even decide to learn to knit. I wish you the best of luck, old chap!

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas
118 Madrone Lane N.
Bainbridge Island, WA  98110
206.780.2686