With all the local hype surrounding Sew Sisters Fabric Shoppe opening today, we figured it’d be a good idea to be there at 11:00 am for the ribbon-cutting.
We failed.
We stopped at TSA Vintage on the way and lost track of time petting those two fantastically friendly fat cats that live in the store. Priorities. Meow, meow.
11:17 am. We made it. The new shop at 300 SW Madison Ave, the former Adore Salon space, was packed. Even the clothing on display was dressed for the occasion. A sweater decorated with scissors, spools, and other sewing motifs offered a fitting welcome.
(Photo: Sew Sisters Fabric Shoppe/The Corvallis Inquirer)
Inside, shoppers browsed fabrics and sewing supplies while staff measured and cut colorful prints at multiple large cutting tables near the windows.
The opening also introduced customers to the people who can help put those purchases to work. Curious cats had an opportunity to meet alterationists and instructors and sign up for workshops and classes, which drew a line.
The opening lands on an especially busy day in town, with the farmers market drawing its usual crowd, the “No Kings: Vote Early” event at the Benton County Courthouse, and a sold-out Oregon State Beavers game adding to the bustle.
Traffic was already backed up coming into town on Hwy 34 for about 3 and a half miles east of town.
Visitors who made it to the opening also had an opportunity to meet alterationists and instructors and sign up for workshops and classes, giving customers a chance to plan what they might actually do with that fabric before taking it home.
The shop’s opening announcement promised “a whole new world of fabrics, notions, and inspiration,” and today’s turnout suggested a ready audience and a lot of enthusiasm. It was honestly kind of surprising.
Sew much for a quiet Saturday, if that is what you were looking for. It was nice to see downtown peaking again. We should all be grateful for these entrepreneurs and the risks they take to make our community a more vibrant place.
Sometimes, not being able to find parking is a good thing.
This article was written by Jackson Hayes, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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