Strangest fabric store ever

A few weeks ago I decided to check out a unique fabric store in Solvang, named Shelbi Ranch. I learned about it from other members of my sewing class. What they said is that the fabric is cheap and that you need to bring your own scissors because you cut your own.

At the last minute I called friend Maryann to see if she would be interested in joining me. She was. Maryann has been sewing forever but had not heard of this place. We were both very interested. What else I learned from the class members is that the store is only open three days a week - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The pictures begin to tell what it is like. It is three or four large rooms, each with tons of fabric and one with notions like zippers, buttons, and other odds and ends.

All fabric is one dollar a yard. Zippers are five cents each, buttons one cent each. To pay for the fabric one brings it to the cash register, which is in a cafe in the same building, up a little ramp and across a hall. The woman at the register asks how many yards of each, jots it down, totals it up.

The woman was happy to tell us a bit about the place. It's a nonprofit. The proceeds go to the Shriners to help with children's issues. The workers are volunteers, which is why there aren't many of them.

In addition to the fabric there is a floor full of clothing, much evening wear and western wear along with things like sweats and t-shirts and other casual clothes. All very inexpensive and much apparently has been on the rack for a while (I bought some sweats and the elastic was gone; still worth five bucks).

And the cafe. One places an order and waits for it to be brought out from who knows what kitchen. One-dollar drinks and hot dogs and other cheap items. Not only can one eat cheap but one can get the food in odd dishes:

A woman at the table next to ours was brought these interesting dishes. The "burger" dish had condiments; the hotdog had the mustard and ketchup.

I bought about 15 yards of fabric of several kinds, many zippers, a few buttons. I didn't get any lace trims because I couldn't think how to use them. Later I thought about it more, about how I might approach this strange and wonderful place the next time I visit.