
Fresh Picked Fabrics
…for quilting, crafting and sewing
As I See it:
Hello friends, I am happy to announce that we came up with our name for the quilt/fabric shop. I loved most all of the name suggestions sent our way—they were truly inspiring and helped us work our way to the name we did pick: “Fresh Picked Fabrics”.
Our shop is located in Yorba Linda, CA (near Disneyland and the Richard Nixon Museum) and we are madly buying fabrics and notions to fill up our 2000 square feet of space—a pretty fun activity—until the bills come due!
A Change of Plans...
Originally, we (my partner Pamala and I) intended to buy an existing shop located near by—we were pretty far into the process of the sale when the purchase date kept getting pushed back—from September, to October, to November, to December. In the meantime, we had ordered up fabric (while at Quilt Market in October) planning on a Dec. 31 close date and a Jan. 1 opening. Then, we were devastated when the close date got pushed back to February. We got anxious and worried that perhaps the sale was not going to happen—and we had fabric coming in everyday! So we decided to do it on our own!
Coming up with a name for the shop has been the hardest part! Buying fabric, patterns and notions is the fun part.
Many Things To Learn...A New Perspective
I thought I would share a few things I learned along the way…
In writing Quilter’s Buzz, I get the chance to meet with fabric designers, heads of fabric companies, designers, pattern makers, magazine editors, and other movers and shakers in the industry. I see and play with new notions, gadgets, trims and frills.
I write about the things that I love.
However, my perspective has changed a bit when I am actually buying fabric as a “quilt shop owner”. I now see things through the different eyes…and the question I now have to ask is “Will this sell? I know that I love it, but will the consumer love it?
Do I buy the whole line of just a few select bolts? What sample will I make with the fabric line? And probably the worst part of buying fabric is that you have to make a decision fast. You have no time to “dream and think” about whether you will buy a fabric line or not. If you wait, the line –or part of the line--is sold out, or is on back order—with no guarantee that any of the line will be re-printed.
And the other question of how much to buy…I have to think about buying extra bolts of certain fabrics for borders, backing and making kits.
I am sure I have many lessons to learn and will make plenty of mistakes along the way. But, I am excited the adventure.
Where To Find Fresh Picked Fabrics:
We are looking forward to hosting friendship groups and will have a full calendar of classes.
“Fresh Picked Fabrics” is open now with a BIG grand opening slated for March 27 through April 4. We are located in the same suite as Cranberry Quiltworks, my Gammill dealership; and Threaded Pear Studio, my pattern company:
Find us at: 3900 Prospect Ave. Unit G in
Phone: 714-223-1701 Email: FreshPickedFabrics@gmail.com.
Thanks for your support and kindness.
Gina
PS I am working on a logo!





comments
Congrats Gina on opening your very own quilt shop! You've given us a great perspective on what goes on in a quilt shop owner's mind when buying fabrics. Thanks and wishing you all the best!
Posted by: Maria Peagler | February 24, 2009 9:29 AM
I love the name! It's very appealing. I would buy complete groups of fabric, at least the most popular groups. I'm so happy for you and your store.
Katie
Posted by: Katie Winn | February 24, 2009 9:45 AM
Congratulations- never forget how much fun it is!
Posted by: Carrie McW | February 24, 2009 1:40 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: pam | February 24, 2009 2:24 PM
Congratulations Gina! Next time we make the trek to Disneyland, I'll definitely drop by!
Posted by: Camille | February 24, 2009 2:29 PM
Congratulations! I love the name! You will really be running around Quilt Market now!!!
Posted by: Sandi Globus | February 24, 2009 3:18 PM
Congratulations--I'm looking forward to a little trip up the 57 frwy to visit your new store.
Posted by: Susan | February 24, 2009 4:41 PM
Congrats, you are going to have such fun....and be very busy! My neice lives in Yorba Linda, I will tell her about your shop....I go to Riverside once or twice a year, so I will stop by..
----Sheri Howard
Posted by: Sheri Howard | February 24, 2009 7:53 PM
Congratulations Gina. Someday I'll get down to see your new shop. How fun. I hope you'll continue with Quilter's Buzz.
Posted by: Phyllis in Sonoma | February 25, 2009 5:47 AM
Congratulations with your new quilt shop. May you have many years of fun quilting.
Posted by: Sewing machines | February 25, 2009 6:26 AM
Love the new name! I'm going to be in your area the end of May -- I'll definitely have to stop by and see your new shop!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 25, 2009 5:32 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!love the name!
Posted by: Kim | February 25, 2009 8:32 PM
Congratulations on your shop opening!! I will definitely stop by the next time I'm in southern Cal. Also, thanks for sharing all your insights into your process/progress over the last few years, I appreciate your willingness to share your thought about the journey to where you've come. You should write a book! (Maybe you have already, I just stumbled on your blog today and haven't been able to read all the posts yet!)
Posted by: Leah | February 27, 2009 10:20 AM
That is a great name for the shop. Congratulations!
Posted by: Carrie P. | February 28, 2009 5:54 PM
Gina ~ I love the name you picked (no pun intended) for your new store. I wish you many wonderful customers and fun days ahead. I wish I could be there for your grand opening.
All the best to you.
Posted by: Linda Zokan | March 2, 2009 8:51 PM
You'll see us soon! We can be your inaugural Friendship Group!
Posted by: Mary Ann/Ca | March 3, 2009 6:26 AM
Congratulations! Best wishes for much success1 Next time I'm in So. Cal. I will be sure to stop in your shop.
Posted by: Melody | March 5, 2009 10:11 AM
Gina, good luck on your shop and I hope you keep blogging about the experience for those of us who can only dream of owning a quilt shop. Love your blog!
Posted by: NWPatty | March 18, 2009 1:56 PM