Most communities across the US have their own little – or not so little – community fabric shop. Some are tiny little businesses with shelves crumbling under the load of colorful rolls of fabrics and with every nook and corner covered with special supplies, patterns and arts and craft magazine. Others are larger stores with smart layouts designed to mesmerize and amaze the visitor with the spectacular display of vibrant, elegant, playful, smooth, silky, rich, heavy and airy fabrics and linens and lure them deeper and deeper into the store for hours of browsing.
Either way, the local community fabric shop is a special place and belongs to the very essence of its host community. It is owned and operated by people who are making a living out of their passion for fabrics and design. Anyone can open a restaurant or a fast food franchise to make good money, but only those passionately devoted to the colorful and soft world of textiles will consider setting up a fabric business.
They share their passion with their patrons who are equally enthusiastic about all things textile. Fabric store customers are long-term, repeat clients who come to the store not just to purchase what they need, but to catch up on the newest trends, discuss their latest projects, browse the new fabric arrivals, get inspired and share their sewing, quilting and knitting experiences.
While it is more difficult for community fabric shops to carry big inventories that can compete with the selection of some online fabric stores, owners make the most of their familiarity with their clients’ tastes and needs. Often the selection of fabric that they offer is more targeted and customized to the local clientele’s than the big online retailers’ inventory. Many of the local fabric stores remain unbelievably flexible and creative in addressing their customers’ demands by fulfilling custom orders and going out of their way to locate and purchase those few yards of the special fabric needed for Mrs. Smith’s big quilting project.
Most local fabric stores offer so much more than just textiles for sale. They are loaded with publications, catalogs, patterns and notions that clients can purchase or just look through for ideas, sample solutions. They also offer all sorts of supplies, little this-and-that to make people’s projects easier, faster or prettier. A quick word of advise or a cheerful discussion with the insanely knowledgeable and experienced proprietor or associate about a particularly challenging or interesting project is usually for free.
Many stores also offer classes, organize seminars. Some stores allow knitting or quilting clubs to use their space after business hours for workshops and joint projects. Many organize little exhibitions of patrons’ or artists’ needlework or art. The most active and innovative ones initiate and participate school projects for students, sponsor competitions, encourage and foster kids’ creativity.
The shopping experience at the larger arts and craft chains may be somewhat less personalized and special, but even the biggest chains work hard on catering to the needs of a very committed clientele. Most big fabric stores offer a variety of classes and sponsor arts and craft events. Their friendly and well-informed staff are an excellent source of advise and guidance.
The community fabric store with it friendly, homey and supportive shopping experience is an important part of every true DIY-er’s life and it may well be one of the reasons for their passionate commitment to arts and crafts..
