Bolt to Fabric Crush for a rainbow of material for your DIY projects

When I was in middle school I didn't have the choice between taking Home Economics or Shop class. As a result, I ended up learning how to make a pencil holder and toolbox rather than a pillow or apron, which would have served me much better as an adult. As it turns out, I'm so intimidated by sewing I'm not even able to hem pants or mend a hole.

Unlike me, Sarah Stine did take Home Ec, where she developed a lifelong crush on the fabric arts. After having kids and leaving the world of technical recruiting a few years ago, Stine started selling fabric online and last month opened Fabric Crush, a cheerful and modern fabric and notions shop in Magnolia Village.

"Nationwide, the world of crafting has seen an upswing in popularity," says Stine. "People are spending more time at home and find do-it-yourself projects very satisfying.  

The store is stocked with quilting- and interior design-weight cottons from a variety of hip designers including Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt, Anna Griffin for Windham and Heather Ross for Kokka of Japan.

While Fabric Crush is a small boutique, prices are the same as you'd find at larger chains, ranging anywhere from $3 for a fat quarter (18 by 22 inches) on up to $20 per yard. Most fabrics, however, hover around $8 to $9 per yard.

Walking into Fabric Crush is like walking into a rainbow explosion. Stine designed the lighting in the store to be bright enough to see the true colors in the fabrics without having to carry them to the window for natural light.

Bolts are arranged by color scheme along the walls. Patterns are available for purchase and some completed projects are artfully displayed, enticing even a non-sewer like me to start a project.

Stine and her employees are expert sewers, able to answer technical questions and provide quick tutorials and support. If you're looking for custom sewing, Stine and her staff can recommend seamstresses who can stitch up curtains or custom pillowcases in a jiffy.

In case you're interested to learning to sew, Stine will be holding classes starting in December. Check the shop blog for more details.

Fabric Crush is located at 2313 Viewmont Way West, Seattle, WA 98199. Shop hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. 206-465-6193.

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