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Emily B.
Hometown:
Seattle, WA, 98146
Insider ExpertRank: 4,465
First Reviews: 23
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Nancys Sewing Basket
This is one of the few places in town to get quality fashion fabrics. They have a wonderful selection. I bought the sik for my wedding dress here and my friend go the wool and linen for her wedding dress and my bridesmaid dress. The prices are reflective of the high quality of the fabrics. They carry a few lines of patterns. The real bonus is ribbon room in the back! It has some gorgeous woven ribbons. The staff is not quite as friendly as I had hoped. I guess they don't have to be friendly since they are the only shop in town. Keeps them from making 5 stars from me.
Westside School
Westside is a preschool - 5th grade school. One class of each grade, approx 150 kids. They are committed to providing a safe and enriched learning enviroment with small classes and lots of parental involvement. The tuition is average for privates and there are, of course, a number of fund-raisers in which you may participate. The community of Westside is a big draw, everyone is committed to the kids there. Lots of communication is key and expected. They offer Spanish, music, art, chinese and PE - all of which are taught by specialized teachers.
Fire Works Fine Arts Gallery
Ok - I don't need anything in this store - but I want everything! This is a gift store full of unusual items for just about everybody on your gift giving list. Everything is designed by artists and many items are whimsical. The price range is on the higher end. But there is little things too. Blown glass salt and pepper shakers, chili pepper baby buntings, hand painted furniture, under the sea clocks, pewter servers, paper star lamps - the list goes on and on! Really worth a visit - there is another location in Westlake center.
B & E Meats & Seafoods
Guys like these are hard to find these days. This is a classic butcher shop. They just moved to a big new store just next door to the original one. A great selection of meat. Very delicious turkey jerky too! I've purchased their freezer packs, which is a pretty economical way to buy good quality meat. They are great at answering questions and helping with selections. The steaks are always tender. I haven't tried their smoked salmon, but it looks yummy. They have another store down in Des Moines too.
R Shoppe
This is a smaller thirft store in Ballard. It doe shave just about everything but furniture. They usually have a very good selection of upscale contemporary womens clothes. I always find something good in the housewares section and occasionaly in kids clothes. This thrift store supports an amazing facility called Ryther Child Center - it is a residential treatment facility for kids who have run out of options. They do amazing work there and really manage to help kids turn their lives around, no matter what kind a mes they have been dealt.
Arbor Heights Coop Preschool
This is one of the branch locations of the coop preschool based at South Seattle Community College. There are a number of them in various west Seattle locations. It is a great preschool. Since it is coop, you do work at the preschool. There is a preschool teacher, parent educator and parenting seminars (which I think are the very best part!) It is fairly low cost - I think we paid $55 a month for 2 mornings a week. You do need to be available once a week to work your shift at the preschool. I really recommend this program.
Diva Espresso
I love the luxe style of this coffee house. It has over stuffed chairs, gilding and chandeliers. It is right on the main busy road to the freeway, but once you're inside it is very relaxing. The staff is a tad "hipper-than-thou" but so many baristas are these days. They do make a great latte with very nice foam, so someone is doing good training. The baked goods are pretty average.
Elliott Bay Book Company
Elliott Bay is a Pioneer Sq fixture. They have an incredible selection of books. It is a very large store with a funky layout that adds to its charm. They have a great children's area with a place to play and read. The magazine selection is wonderful - lots of art mags. Downstairs is a book lined cafe with wonderful food. This is a must visit store.
Square One Books
A small store that has a good selection. Located in Jefferson square, it is really about the only independent new book retailer in West Seattle. They also have a decent children's selection. That being said, I have gone in with my unsually well-behaved toddler and been poorly received by the staff. I've gone a couple more times with her to make sure it wasn't just a bad day - unfortunately it was consistant. We won't be going back. Which is sad as I like to support the independents and there aren't many left. I gave 3 stars as I'm sure it is a fine place for folks without children.
Pratt Fine Arts Center
Pratt offers all types of classes. I've taken glass blowing - which was a great class and jewelry making which was an okay class. They also do sculture and a variety of other arts. It is a pretty good set-up - kind of a rec center that has become overrun with artists. Be aware that some i nstructors are not super prepared though - start late, don't have everything ready on the first day. So you need a kind of go with the flow attitude.