The Knitters Studio, located in the Elements Too Building in Downtown Bellevue, opened its doors in May 2024. The store is situated across the atrium from the French Bakery and is designed as a colorful space filled with various yarns and fibers.
Owner Rene Dickey stated that this is her first knitting store and the only one of its kind in the area. With a background in Visual Fine Art, Dickey transitioned from painting to working with yarn after discovering the creative possibilities it offered. She has since dedicated herself to mastering knitting techniques, including sweater design and pattern writing, while also teaching others.
Dickey’s passion for knitting began in college when she first visited a yarn shop. She expressed a desire to open her own store and saw Bellevue as an ideal location, as the city did not previously have a dedicated yarn shop. The Elements building provided an attractive space with natural light and proximity to other local businesses, including a café and restaurant options.
The Knitters Studio offers a variety of products, including yarn, notions, accessories, patterns, and books. Dickey emphasizes inclusivity, inviting everyone to explore knitting and crochet, which she believes fulfill a fundamental human need for creativity.
The studio hosts classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced techniques. Social knitting times are held on Wednesday mornings and Friday evenings, allowing participants to work on projects and connect with others. The store also features pop-up trunk shows with local hand dyers. A book signing and trunk show is scheduled in November with Washington-based designer Jamie Lomax.
While running The Knitters Studio, Dickey enjoys exploring the local dining scene in Bellevue. Some of her favorite spots include The French Bakery, Farine Bakery, Tanoor, Cielo Cocina, and Woobling Korean BBQ.
