Have you ever seen anyone knitting with a frown? Sewing a quilt with a scowl? Okay, maybe a newbie or two. But then they get the hang of it (with classes, supplies, ideas and encouragement from the easygoing, creative folks at these sister stores) and start grinning.

Spool and Loop | Spool, 1912 South Street, 215-545-0755, spoolsewing.com. Loop, 1914 South Street, 215-893-9939, loopyarn.com., Philadelphia, PA