The first thing you’ll notice as you step through the red door at 14 Lupfer Avenue in Whitefish, Montana, is the bulletin board. On it are photographs of completed projects by many happy customers, as well as notices of local fiber events. Whether you’re a local or just visiting as you come to the Flathead Valley for skiing at Big Mountain or the scenic beauty of Glacier National Park Knit ‘n Needle has what you need for a happy knitting experience.

Owner Aimee Alexander is practically a poster-girl for the universal appeal of knitting. In her early 30s now, she learned to knit at age 16. Originally from Boston, Aimee settled in the Flathead Valley in 1995 after completing a degree at the University of Oregon. Definitely an outdoors lover, she was drawn here by the skiing—she spent her college summers as a climbing guide in California and her winters in Montana.

Aimee opened the shop in 2003. Carrying yarns from major lines such as Noro, Manos del Uruguay, Crystal Palace, Cascade Yarns, Brown Sheep, Berroco, and Dale of Norway, the shop offers a variety of fibers and colors to suit knitters from beginner to expert.

For those who don’t have any experience with knitting but would like to take up a craft that is both soul-satisfying and useful, Knit ‘n Needle offers frequent classes for all skill levels.

Of course, the shop stocks needles and accessories by INOX, Lantern Moon and Crystal Palace, and has Addi Turbo needles in all US sizes and three lengths. There are even wonderful containers in which to keep your works in progress.

The shop can also wind yarn that comes in hanks into balls for easier use.

Having trouble with a current project? Stop by; someone’s bound to be able to help you out.

It may not even be Aimee or one of her knowledgeable, helpful staff. Anyone is welcome to drop by during business hours and just sit and knit, or browse the many pattern and technique books in stock. “Frequently it’s a customer who answers another customer’s question,” says Aimee. “There’s a lot of sharing of information and knowledge here.”

Knitting has always been an activity that forges ties among people. Aimee recognizes that and has made the shop as friendly and inviting as possible. Music plays (the genre differs according to who’s working that day!), and there is a large table with plenty of chairs so knitters can gather around and knit and kibitz to their hearts’ content.

Whether it’s help selecting yarn, interpreting a pattern, or maybe even advice on local skiing that you need, Aimee and the staff at Knit ‘n Needle are your Flathead Valley resource. Stop by soon and let them help you start on your yarn adventure!

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