Two fabric stores move to bigger spaces

Two popular fabric and sewing stores—The Top Stitch in Spokane and Bear Paw Quilting in Coeur d’Alene—have moved to new, larger locations.

The Top Stitch settled into its new spot at 3808 N. Monroe St., right behind Kim’s Teriyaki in the Garland District, last week.

Or, as a reader on my other blog put it: “Have you been to the new Top Stitch yet? SQUEAL!”

Owner Carrie Jarvis traded in her cramped quarters at 1717 W. Garland for a bigger spot. Her modern fabric collection has more room to breath in the new space, as do the many devotees who drop in to rent a sewing machine during her Stitch Café hours (Thursdays and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m.).

The space is so much bigger, it dwarfed the tables she used before so her husband, Randy, built new ones out of secondhand doors. Check out his handiwork while you’re there if you’re up for a home improvement project that doesn’t involve sewing.

Jarvis is offering some deals this month in honor of the move:

Through today: free scissor sharpening (1 pair each of 7-8” shears)

March 9-13: Sign up for a drawing for Amy Butler’s “Midwest Modern” book

March 16-20: Sewing Machine Clinic. For $20, get your machine cleaned, oiled, and have its tension adjusted.

March 23-27: 15% off Amy Butler patterns. Not familiar with Amy Butler patterns? Check out the hip designs here .

The Top Stitch also offers a variety of classes , including classes for kids and a session for men who want to learn how to sew.

In January, Bear Paw moved to 600 W. Kathleen Ave. (near Fred Meyer) from a space in Coeur d’Alene’s Sunset Village across Highway 95, where it had been located for six years.

“We wanted more space, and we wanted to own our space,” says Sandy Goedde, who owns Bear Paw and the building that now houses it with Kathryn Boss.

The new shop has about 6,300 square feet, or about 2,000 square feet more than the old location.

Bear Paw offers classes on quilting, rug hooking, applique and more. Check out their schedule here .

Despite the sour economy, Goedde says business has been “fine.”

“We definitely can tell that people are tightening their belts, but quilters and crafters are very loyal to their craft,” she says. “It’s a stress release. Plus, if you feel you can’t go out or take a trip and you’re staying home, you want to enjoy your hobbies.”

Goedde says the store is seeing more nonquilting customers, including young women who want to sew clothing, home decor and gifts.

“Sewing has really made a comeback,” she says.

Carrie Jarvis says business has been brisk in recent months at The Top Stitch. And since the move to a bigger, more visible location, she says new customers are discovering The Top Stitch every day.

But with success comes sacrifice: she hardly has time to sew for herself anymore!