The arts/crafts fair at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) till 3 pm today has a story at every table. Just walking through the front yard, you’ll find it – like Sydni Smith and “Charlie the Monster”:

Sydni’s buddy has had some hefty medical bills. So she’s raising money to get them handled. And she’s getting help from her friends – like Helen Johnson, who’s selling her crocheted creations in public for the first time:

You might also know Helen from the new West Seattle Coffee House at 35th and Graham (which opened a month and a half ago). Take a close look at her crocheted items – which she says she’s never sold publicly before! – like the “infinity scarf” (no end) or the kids’ scarf that has magnetic fasteners. Her Yoda cap was sported by artist Barbara Noonan:

Barbara lives in Madison Park now but says she’ll always consider West Seattle home – “it gets in your blood.” And that goes for the trio of best friends who wanted to tell us their story:

Sitting in the sun on the C & P front porch were, from left, Nancy Biggs Lind, Nancy Capelouto Ridden, and Marilyn Brandon Moy. They have been best friends since 8th grade at Denny Middle School – the old building, where demolition is just wrapping up – and went on to Chief Sealth, where they were all Class of 1965. Their kids all grew up here too. But perhaps the best story of all in the front yard is that of Sheila Lengle:

Besides showing and selling her own work, Sheila will show you a book of photos including one that shows the Craftsman house that is home to C & P – when it was her ecCollective Gallery (she lived there, too). But go find out for yourself. Till 3 pm, 5612 California SW, just south of SW Findlay (and yes, there are artists/craftspeople inside too!).