In all honesty, I’m not a knitter. When the knitting boom hit a couple of years ago, my sister and I signed up for a 101 class. We got stuck with a grouchy teacher who’d been knitting for half a century (literally) and didn’t have the patience to slow down to show two 20-somethings the extreme fundamentals of the craft. Defeated, we quit after two lessons. Since then, my sister swore off the hobby, but deep down I still have knitting aspirations, and every time I see a Stitch ‘N’ Bitch book, I toy with the idea of giving it another go.

 

My eyes lit up when I saw the new storefront of Bella Lana, just weeks before its unveiling in September. The yarn shop is perfectly planted in the garden of Northeast boutiques off East Hennepin. The museum-white walls are splattered with vibrant colors of yarn that double as pop art, while white Japanese paper lanterns hang overhead. This is no ordinary yarn store.

“Knitting stores can be a bit daunting,” says Cornelia Griffin, Bella Lana’s co-owner. With that in mind, Griffin, along with business partner Karin Blomstrand, set out to create a stylish yarn boutique that is user-friendly. Patterns hang on the walls like recipes next to all the ingredients (i.e. needles and yarn) needed to complete a project. Yarn balls are offered in every type, gauge and composition, with standouts including luxury hand-dyed Japanese yarns by Noro, English-imported pure fibers by Debbie Bliss and 100-percent silk specialty yarns by Tilli Tomas. Additionally, Griffin aims to have every needle and hook size on hand. And Bella Lana offers classes for all levels. Perhaps this is my chance to indulge myself and pick up a new winter hobby.

 

 

In October, local designer Joy Teiken upgraded her Northeast by-appointment-only studio to a walk-in boutique and atelier off 42nd and Grand in south Minneapolis. JOYNOËLLE BOUTIQUE & ATELIER offers ready-to-wear, demi couture, au couture and bridal gowns. Teiken is an accomplished designer known for her vintage-inspired designs. 312 W. 42nd St., Minneapolis; 612.209.7822; joynoelle.com

 

Len Druskin launched its first exclusively men’s clothing store in August at Gaviidae Common. LEN DRUSKIN MAN features designer threads for work and play. Hugo Boss Black Label, Michael Kors, Ted Baker, Theory, G-Star Raw and Diesel are a few names on the stylish repertoire. 651 Nicollet Mall, Gaviidae Common 1, Minneapolis; 612.455.1660; lendruskinman.com
 
I DO & BABY TOO opened in September in Wayzata. The new luxury boutique splits its attention between chic wedding and modern baby products. Inventory includes bridesmaid gowns, jewelry, shoes, designer diaper bags, baby gifts, locally designed onesies and more. 846 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.476.0046; idoandbabytoo.com

 

EXPECTING ÜBER BABY opened in September in the Galleria. The maternity clothing shop offers stylish looks for all phases of pregnancy. Liz Lange Maternity, Theality and Fat Belly are a few brands expectant moms can find at the new Edina boutique. 3510 W. 70th St., Edina; 612.869.0930

 

Local men’s designer RUSSELL BOURRIENNE opened his atelier on West Lake Street in September. He began designing clothing at the wide-eyed age of 13 after being captivated by Armani. Decades later, he has stayed true to his passion and designs collections that mix vintage-inspired patterns with creative combinations. 711 W. Lake St., Suite 510, Minneapolis; 612.709.7327; russellbourrienne.com +