Are you any good at keeping a secret? We've had to keep something very exciting under wraps for a few months now, but soon will be the time for the big reveal. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement of the details soon here on the site. Maybe sign up to the newsletter if you haven't already done so, so you don't miss the news.
In the meantime, here are a few photos from a recent trip I took to Denver. I stayed in the rather funky Curtis Hotel right in downtown. Very retro! I wish I had one of the Star Trek rooms, but mine was rather more tame, on Floor 9 – the Big Hair floor apparently! Still a very fun place to stay if you get a chance to go to Denver for some sightseeing.
It's a beautiful, modern (although for an island-dweller, overwhelmingly huge) city but in fact there wasn't much time for sight-seeing. There was however plenty of time spent sewing. And one fabulous day out with a visit to Colorado Fabrics.
When I knew I would have a little spare time in Denver I asked for recommendations in the sewing chat group for what fabric store I could visit within easy distance of my hotel. The lovely Virginia kindly offered to pick me up from the hotel and drive me on a tour of the city, including a trip to Colorado Fabrics. I was blown away by her generosity and by the store. OMG – my jaw hit the floor when we came in through the doors, and I grinned so hard it hurt! Row after row after row of the most glorious bright and modern fabrics for every possible project.
Within minutes I was cooing, oohing, and stroking all the fabrics, rubbing them against my cheek and generally skipping about the store like a fool. Virginia took it all in her stride and didn't even try to hide and pretend she didn't know me. Sewing people are the best! Within minutes we were chatting away like old friends.
Here are just a few of the photos I took. Honestly, I'd never seen anything like it. The colors, the textures, the unusual fabrics, the glamorous fabrics, the quilting cottons, the beautiful displays, the vinyls and furs, the home decor fabrics, the helpful staff, the huge number of trims, zippers, notions, threads…if I could live there, and just sew, I'd be a very happy person. It just went on and on and on. Oh, how I wish I had access to these sort of fabrics and notions. Would make my sewing life so much easier.
Slideshow – you can use the arrows to scroll through the pictures. –>
Certainly made me realise exactly what I'm missing out on by living on a small island. Ah, never mind, at least the sun always shines. A very special thank you to Virginia for showing me such a great time.
I managed to keep the customs officer back home reasonably happy by restricting myself to only what I simply could not leave behind, but I tell you, it was hard to not just fill up that shopping cart and then go get another one. I bought just 4 pieces of fabric and a cute lace zipper. No idea yet what any of this might become, but I couldn't leave that sewing mannequin print in the store, and that Ghastlies print – it had to be mine, along with a couple of yards of co-ordinates of course.
I like to think that one of the reasons I was so breathless and giddy was the altitude. Did you know that Denver is know as the Mile High City? It's been a very long time since I saw mountains, and going from living at sea level, the high altitude certainly took some adjusting too.
Even just walking about the city was overwhelming. Such tall buildings, so many people, so many cars, so much noise, so many shops – and they had trams. There is a lot of modern art and sculpture around the city, it's very colorful, vibrant and modern. I really liked the street pianos. It was lovely to hear music in the streets – and some of the people could play really well.
Of course one of the greatest pleasures of travelling is the opportunity to try ‘foreign' cuisine. I wasn't disappointed in Denver – I went to a great Vegan restaurant, and even had a chance to try some varieties of chips I'd never seen before. Yum, the Brit in me loves a good Tikka Masala! Couldn't miss out on this culinary opportunity 😉
All too soon my visit was over and back via Denver and then Charlotte (my favorite airport – they all should have trees, rocking chairs and a man playing the piano), I was back home in the Cayman Islands.
Look out for another article coming up soon to tell you more about my adventures in Denver.
Colorado Fabrics is one of the two best fabric stores in which I have shopped. I love it and always go to see what’s new when I visit family in Denver. I love Charlotte as well – great airport and city. The other fabric store I love is near Charlotte in Gastonia. It’s called MaryJo’s. Next time you go through Charlotte, take an extra day and check it out. Both stores are SO amazing!!
I live in a suburb of Denver and live Colorado Fabrics. The best part is they are moving to a new location which will be even closer to me!
Thank you from all of us at Colorado Fabrics! Your photos are wonderful and your description of our store made our day. We are thrilled that you had fun with us.
We all have been missing you, I so enjoy your stories and patterns! Love the Denver fabric store, it would be a dangerous place for me to go!
So nice to see a post from you – I have a dear friend who lives near Denver and she (a non-sewer) bravely accompanies me on to the store on each visit! Thanks!
Ditto on the missing you! You must be up to something good! I’ll be coming to your island again during the 2nd week of November (not sure which day). Need anything from Texas?
Thanks for the offer Robin, but I’m fully stocked right now. Do drop me an email and maybe if you have time during your stop we can meet for a coffee again.
Deby, I loved spending the day together and I can verify that your jaw did, indeed, drop about a foot when we walked into the store. It was such fun to see your excitement. Thanks again for a wonderful day.
Thank YOU Virginia, I had the best time. You really made the trip for me.
Ladies – pls be aware. If you are coming to visit Colorado Fabrics – THEY ARE MOVING !! Currently they are on the west side of town and as of Dec.2016 or Jan 2017 they are moving to the insection of Parker Road and Quincy Avenue in Aurora, CO on the east side of town. Make sure your GPS is updated!!
Wow–I live in Denver and didn’t know Colorado Fabrics is moving! They used to be Denver Fabrics, right? I’m thrilled… they will be closer to my house. Another great Denver boutique Fabric Store is Fancy Tiger Crafts on Broadway. Worth the visit. Glad you enjoyed the Mile High City!
I live in Zimbabwe, your reaction to the Denver fabric shop is the same as mine when I went to South Africa and shopped for fabric. So little time (and Money) so many gorgeous fabrics that want to be in my stash!
You have been missed! Glad you enjoyed Denver. My sister lives in Colorado and we go to Denver for a day of shopping when I go to visit her, which is so much fun (I live in Austin, Texas).We have some decent privately owned fabric shops in Austin, but sadly, they close early and I work during the day so I rarely get to go to them . Have fun with your new fabric.
I have got to get my hands on some tikka masala chips …. Ahhhhh!
Hello! I don’t live far from Denver fabrics and my oldest daughter works right on the 16th street mall at the H&M. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to our city. 🙂
To think I lived just northwest of Denver for 3 years and never made it to Colorado Fabrics! Can’t wait to go there to visit family so I can hit up that store!
Love your enthusiasm and energy! I guess living in Texas and having access to wonderful sewing stores, we have the tendency to take it all for granted! Your excitement and energy is contagious, and makes me thankful! Thanks for sharing your trip, and for reminding us how fortunate we are here in the states! Can’t wait to her more! Denver is a beautiful city!
Great to see and hear from you Deby. And did you film a Craftsy class or any contact with them? I had to laugh at the “Tikka Masala”. Years ago in Tashkent, at the school’s International Day, the Brit entry was Chicken Tikka Masala. I was taken aback – whatever happened to good ole Fish n Chips – served in a newspaper with vinegar? Take care of yourself. Primrose
Great story Deby, we’ve been missing you!! Can’t wait for “the rest of the story”!
So pleased to see that you are back with us Deby, I miss your patterns, tutorials and videos. It was you who really got me into bag making. Now, how on earth did you drag yourself away from that store? Fantastic place. I can imagine your smiles when you first saw inside.
Same with Ann. I had been wondering too. Glad to see you are doing well and have a big smile on! Hope you are well. Are you allowed to send yourself a package of fabric via the mail so you don’t have to fight with customs? Charlotte is a beautiful airport. It is almost like a mall in there. Many blessings to you!
There is never any escaping the taxes. All incoming mail goes via the customs dept and isn’t released until receipts are provided and taxes paid. I’ve even had to pay $4 to pick up a Christmas card from family. It’s just not worth it! But visitors sometimes smuggle me a few yards of fabric in their cases so I’ve always got a secret supply line 😉
Lovely to hear from you again, Deby. Was wondering where you’d got to.
I love this story, thank you for sharing, I’d love to win!
Well coming to Denver must mean you filmed a Craftsy class! 🙂