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.

The sewing machine: a first step

For months I had dipped in and out of my search for a new sewing machine. After reading several reviews on consumersearch.com, consumer reports, and Amazon, I decided the Project Runway models looked about right for me. The reviewers said they were sturdy machines with versatility that were easy to use and did not get out of adjustment often. Sounded about right. On the other hand, there were some complaints about the automatic raising of the needle at the end of sewing, which concerned me a little. I figured I could ask.

Next, where to buy from? I considered ordering one online. I discussed machines with a friend who is always sewing, and she recommended a store in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is almost 100 miles from where I live but there are no sewing machines in my area any more. My friend Maryann has gone to this store for years and values their expertise and assistance. For a newbie getting back to sewing I realized it would be a good idea for me to find a knowledgeable person in a good store who could help me choose a machine and who could answer questions.

When I talked about getting a machine with my older daughter Elaine, she said she is interested in getting a new one herself, and she wants to get one that comes with classes so she can learn to use it right. That too sounded like a good plan. I decided to ask about classes when I went to the store in Santa Barbara.

About two weeks ago I drove down to Santa Barbara to Grant House. I met Susan there, and explained what I was looking for. I said I was new to sewing, needed something easy to use with some flexibility for different types of projects. I said I had looked at the Project Runway models and found them interesting. She showed me another Brother model that was similar to the Project Runway models but better. I tried things on the machine, asked questions, heard what she had to say about it, asked how it compared to the others, and finally decided it was a good choice. I bought it. I asked about lessons. Susan said she would be happy to schedule a time for me to get acquainted with the machine. She'd show me some seams, stitches, give me some information on sewing on that machine. So I signed up.

my new sewing machine

While I was waiting for the day to arrive, I stopped in at several fabric stores. I ran into things called "fat quarters" and I had trouble finding scissors. When I asked about fusible web I found there were many kinds and I had no idea what I wanted. I felt like I was in a foreign land without a guidebook. Fortunately, one of the clerks told me about fat quarters (and chubby eighths!) and reassured me that I would pick it all up quickly enough. I hope so.