Chicago - December 02, 2004

Off the Hook

Nina Knitting Shop

Once upon a time, knitting was the bailiwick of little old ladies who had cats and talked to their plants.

But these days it seems the only accessory more choice than a Botkier bag is a sturdy pair of palm-wood knitting needles.

Move over, Grandma. Make room for Nina, a darling new knitting shop on Division. Steering clear of the typical yarn-barn offerings, the sleek, minimalist store stocks beautiful hand-dyed ribbons, bamboo fibers, silks, mohair, alpaca, and metallic threads — all displayed simply in rows along the walls. And the patterns are just as anti-establishment as the threads: Keep an eye out for ponchos, capelets, leg warmers, open-weave scarves, yoga bags, fingerless gloves, wool handbags, and trendy baby hats.

Non-knitters need not worry: Nina also sells plenty of stylish premade knitwear. Classes are set to start just after the holidays. So knit and purl away.

That should keep us all in stitches for a while.

Nina, 1655 West Division Street, between Marshfield and Paulina Streets (773-486-8996).