Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Amineko (the sleepless kitten in Seattle) ~

Inspired by Kim Werker’s guild program this fall, guild member Nadine went on an adventure to find a special Amigurumi book Kim brought to the meeting. Amazingly, Nadine found more than the book ~ she found a wonderful bookstore and adventure ~ read below.

Amineko no iru Seikatsu

Worth a Special Trip or Detour in Seattle:

Kinokuniya Books, at the Uwajimaya Center, in Seattle's International District/Chinatown.

Kinokuniya is Japan's largest bookstore: we are lucky to have one in Seattle. (There are only a few in the U.S.: Los Angeles, Portland, and New York City, as well as one in Vancouver, BC.) This outpost is in Seattle's Uwajimaya Center, at 600 Fifth Avenue South, in the International District. It's open daily.

Park in the Uwajimaya lot (parking validated for up to two hours: don't forget your receipt, the validation is a terrific deal), then stroll in through U's fab grocery store, and towards the back you'll enter a court with Kinokuniya to your right. The place is packed with Japanese books--including a fiber/craft/sewing section that will knock you out--as well as Japanese stationery, and an enormous and inspiring collection of Japanese magazines. Ask the staff to direct you to the fiber/craft section. I guarantee that you will go crazy.

When you are exhausted, head to Beard Papa's in the courtyard for Asian-style cream puffs (try green-tea flavor), or do what I always do: go to Jade Garden, several walkable blocks away (704 South King Street, between S. Seventh Avenue and S. Canton Alley) for dim sum. There are also many, many food vendors in Uwajimaya. Feel free to contact me if you would like additional information. --Nadine, WWG member

1 comment:

  1. I'm so glad you found a copy of the book! And what a bonus to have discovered Kinokuniya. I didn't know there's one in Seattle. Their crafts section is worthy of a few hours per visit, and endless fun afterwards. I hope you'll share photos of any cats you crochet!

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