A crooked for rent sign forlornly announced its availability. The yard was overgrown and the paint peeling. Peering into the filthy windows, it was impossible to make out the original wood paneling in the living room or the winding staircase leading up to the second floor. Upon further inspection, however, Jennifer Hill knew that the 1905 Craftsman on Queen Anne Hill was just what she was looking for.
Fueled by a desire to start a knitting business in her neighborhood, she envisioned classes being held in the three upstairs bedrooms and bundles of yarn filling the abundant shelving, bookcases and even the original kitchen sink. "The bones, the structure of the building is amazing," says Hill of the space which now houses the aptly named Hilltop Yarn and Needlepoint.
"Nooks and crannies were already built in that are perfect for yarn displays," she recalls. "Other than cleaning and repainting, we left the rest as we found it."
Hill, who opened the store in May 2002, received a pleasant surprise last year when an elderly man who had grown up in the house stopped by. "It was just as he remembered it," she re-calls. "He started to cry because nothing has changed after all of these years."
Drawing from her experience as a retail training specialist for Starbucks - she helped open the company's first East Coast franchise - Hill made the ambiance of her new business a top priority. The store has a boutique feel with gentle track lighting, soothing music and an attentive staff.
Salli Bauer, a Queen Anne resident who kept a New Year's resolution by enrolling in a beginning knitting class this year, has been impressed with the establishment's employees. "For begin-ners there can be a lot of questions, but the people who work at Hilltop are in-credibly helpful and informative. It's not at all intimidating, and the store carries exquisite merchandise," she says.
Much more than just a place to buy yarn and knitting supplies, Hilltop offers classes ranging from beginning to advanced levels, presents fashion shows and even has its own line of clothing, Decidedly Hilltop. Recently, Hilltop hosted a fashion show called "Oh So Boho." Models paraded down the stairway draped in ponchos, capelets and shrugs made with silk, angora and wool before an adoring audience. The event was a huge success as the overflow crowd spilled onto the front porch with complimentary wine in hand.
Termed "the new yoga" due to its recent surge in popularity, knitting is the rage across the country. According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, the percentage of women under the age of 45 who know how to knit and crochet has doubled over the past six years, from 9 percent to 18 percent; Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker are among the celebrities who list knitting or crocheting as one of their favorite hobbies.
Queen Anne has mirrored the national fascination; Hill estimates that close to 1,000 students have attended classes at Hilltop and attributes the high level of interest to several factors. "It is satisfying to make something with your own hands, and it's a nice change of pace for someone with a hectic lifestyle," she explains. "Also, knitting is a great social activity."
Jule Castner, an instructor for Hilltop who has taught knitting for 24 years, concurs. "Part of its appeal, for me as an instructor and for the students as well, are the friendships that are formed in classes."
One group attending Hilltop's inaugural classes have formed a social network complete with a spreadsheet documenting contact information. Christening themselves "Hilltop Too," the 15 women have continued to attend classes together for more than two years.
The average age of knitters visiting Hilltop is about 35, but knitting is an activity that knows no age boundaries. "I remember one of my young employ-ees was teaching her grandmother how to needlepoint on our front porch," says Hill. "It is also common for children who attend our classes to teach their mothers how to knit."
Classes for children ages 6-13 teach the basics of knitting. "Newbie knit kits" are available at the store and include knitting tools suitable for youngsters as well as a free pattern. Hill says that knitting is a great way for children to burn restless energy because they are so busy with their hands; she notes further that the serenity of the upstairs classrooms enables them to focus on their creations.
The winter months bring a noticeable increase in traffic to the store as the Seattle gloom translates into rekindled interest in arts and crafts, and knitters tend to stockpile yarn for gift ideas. November to February are the busiest months; Hill jokingly says, "November and December are for knitting for other people, and January and February are for yourself."
In an effort to encourage knitting year-round and spark interest in summer projects, Hilltop will be releasing a spring line, which includes lightweight scarves, purses and hats. Castner, who has knitted for 40 years, believes it is an ideal pastime for the summer because of its flexibility. "Knitting is something you can do while you're doing other things like waiting in lines, watching the kids or traveling," she says.
Or - this summer, at least - baseball. "It was very hard to watch the Mariners this year while not doing other things," Bauer laughs.
Hill anticipates the popularity of knitting to continue surging as seasons change and new generations come of age. "People will always be excited about making art you can touch."
Hilltop Yarn and Needlepoint is located at 2224 Queen Anne Ave. N. Information on classes and upcoming fashion shows can be found at www.hilltopyarn.com
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