Guest Pass: 3 Kittens Needle Arts In Mendota Heights
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – When growing up, knitting seemed like something only your grandmother did, but now it's something you see people doing all the time.
This week's Guest Pass had WCCO's Matt Brickman learning a lot more about the art of knitting as he visited 3 Kittens Needle Arts in Mendota Heights.
Brickman admitted that 'Home Sweet Home' was the first thing that came to mind when he heard needlepoint, but the walls of 3 Kittens Needle Arts painted a much different picture.
"We often talk about 'it's not your grandmother's needlepoint.' But I'll tell you what, we have some pretty hip grandmas that are needlepointing not 'Home Sweet Home,'" owner Julie Mast said. "Needlepoint is like walking into an art gallery now. You can see things that appeal to any age, any gender."
And to get more people into the craft, on top of selling supplies 3 Kittens offers lessons.
"And if I screw this up, please just stop me," Brickman said.
"I'm going to pretend it's fine," knitting teacher Chris Lavigne said.
The lesson started off with knitting, because of the two disciplines, it is supposed to be easier. After a little help from Lavigne, Brickman was well on his way to making a sweater ... almost.
Next up was needlepoint.
"This is where every needlepointer starts, is learning how to make this simple 10 stitch," needlepoint teacher Paula Schmidt said.
While Brickman didn't quite have a natural touch for needlepoint, the appeal was easy to see. It's a peaceful discipline and the results can be stunning.
"I think there's a real sort of DIY trend that's going on. People really want to get back to making things, handcrafted things. There's a pride in making something yourself," Mast said.
The store is called 3 Kittens because it's based on the old nursery rhyme, "Three Little Kittens." It was started by three women 45 years ago and their husbands nicknamed them "The Three Kittens," and the name just stuck.
The store is located at in a shopping-centric area near a coffee shop, restaurant, nail studio and yoga studio.
They also do private events where they serve hors d'oeuvres and wine.
