Happy Monday! The highly anticipated opening of Tolt Yarn and Wool in Carnation, Washington was this past weekend, and I’m so excited to share a few photos with you. There are also links galore, so grab a cup of something warm and delicious to keep you company while you peruse.

Anna, the shop’s owner, was absolutely instrumental in making the photoshoots for Paper Tiger Fall/Winter 13 a possibility, and the lookbook wouldn’t have been possible without her help. She is one of the most awesome people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I’m so proud of all of her hard work on the store and I’m incredibly excited she gets to share her vision with the world now that it’s open.

The store is lofty and large; it’s a really beautiful old space on Carnation’s little main drag. It’s thoughtfully designed and laid out, too. I remember that Anna was dismayed when she realized the old hardwood floor was in bad enough shape that they’d have to tear it out, but in an effort to preserve some of the space’s history, much of the wood from the floor was salvaged and used on the south wall of the space. It adds warmth and character that would have otherwise been lost. Anna’s stocked the store with both hardy wools as well as more luxurious yarn options (being a fan of both, I’m very happy about this). She’s also carrying several Skacel yarns and Ístex Létt-Lopi, which makes it great place to pick up yarn if you’re planning to make, say, Moon Pulls or Nikoline. Also in stock is HiKoo Kenzie, so you’re covered if you want to make a Pine Bough Cowl. There’s even a sample on display in the little Kenzie corner!

Andrea Rangel, who was just down here in Seattle for Knit Fit, designed a pair of patterns to celebrate the store’s opening, and the pieces are proudly on display front and center when you walk in the door. Aren’t the Tolt Hat and Mitts beautiful? I love the subtle color shifts of the contrasting yarn, one by Spincycle Yarns (also locals, up in Bellingham!).

The notions, bags, and other accessories in stock at Tolt are also pretty crush-worthy. There are some sweet goods from Fringe Supply Co. and I really liked these bags from Such Sweet Tierney. One of those Tolt mugs came home with me, too.

I can tell I’ll be making many trips over Lake Washington to visit this cozy space. If you have a chance, you should make the trip yourself, whether you’re local or you’re just traveling through the Pacific Northwest! You definitely won’t regret it. Visit the website for Tolt Yarn and Wool at toltyarnandwool.com, and be sure to follow the blog if you’d like to keep up with what’s going on!