We're excited to share our Q&A series featuring exemplary quilt and fabric shops all around the country that sell Shannon Fabrics products. To nominate a shop in your area, please let us know in the comment section below. #shoplocal
Owner Rachel Montez started Sew Trendy from the ground up, first by making and selling finished goods out of Cuddle® from her shop! This grew into a full-fledged sewing studio offering a mix of modern and traditional fabrics, as well as the latest notions and patterns. While her customers rave about their in-person shopping experiences (she calls her shop a "quilted maze"), she also sells LIVE on Facebook, and offers a private FaceTime shopping option.
Our National Educator Teresa Coates (and Hawke, of course) will be stopping by for the sixth episode of Season 10 of Sew Together Tuesday to broadcast LIVE from the Sew Trendy shop floor (she’ll be teaching a couple workshops, too)! Click here for more details and information about our Sew Together Tuesday series.
To learn more about and see the latest from Sew Trendy, visit their website, stop by their shop in Eagan, MN, give them a call at 651-387-1815 or email owner Rachel Montez at rachmon@yahoo.com.
SF: What is the history of your shop?
ST: Six years ago, I opened the shop. I started with making and selling Cuddle® items such as scarves, shawls, neck warmers and blankets. I added favorite modern fabrics and just kept on adding fabrics. I also traveled the country vending at quilt shows. Unfortunately, I missed the biggest quilt show in the country due to getting sick the prior year and decided to not attend.
The day the show started I was missing being at the show so I decided to do a LIVE show and told everyone what they would have seen in my booth if I was there. The live shows started November 2019 and they were a huge hit.
SF: Tell us one thing people might not know about your shop.
ST: We have classes online in private Facebook groups. I need to showcase that more!
SF: What’s your shop’s motto or tagline?
ST: We must, we must, we must increase our stash!
SF: Describe your shop’s aesthetic in five words or less.
ST: Quilted maze, fabric is everywhere.
SF: What’s unique about your shop?
ST: We love sharing ideas and talking about fabrics.
SF: What is your best-selling Shannon Fabrics product?
ST: Ready-made items, scarfs, blankets, etc. Also scarf kits.
SF: Do you sell online? If so, how long have you been selling online and what have you learned?
ST: Yes, we sell on LIVE Facebook shows. Every sale is different, you never know how it will go. Lately it has been a challenge growing the audience.
SF: What top projects are on the “must make” list right now in your shop?
ST: Make a vest, poncho, bucket hat with Cuddle®.
SF: What do you love most about creating (or seeing customers create) DIY projects with the fabrics you sell?
ST: I like seeing customers make items for sale. Selling aprons, bowl cozies, table runners, minky items etc. to support their own love of fabrics and support their families.
SF: What current quilting, sewing or crafting trends inspires you? Where do you get your inspiration?
ST: I get inspired by high-end shops like Nordstrom’s, Anthropologie and Johnny Was, as well as inspired by celebrities. I love the BODE style of clothes, bags, shoes, etc.
SF: What’s next for your shop?
ST: Probably more online classes, and updating the website about the classes and the LIVE shows. We’ll move the shows from Facebook to YouTube, since Facebook is so unsteady.
SF: Is there anything else you would like us to know or share about you or your business?
ST: Our customers can call us anytime and set up a private FaceTime shopping experience. Also, if they would like a TEXT notification of when we go LIVE, they can either go to the website to sign up or text the word “Girlfriends” to 31996.
If you have any questions about Cuddle® minky plush fabrics or any of our Cuddle® Kits, feel free to contact our friendly, no-pressure customer service team at 866-624-5252.
Ready to start creating with Cuddle® minky fabric? Use our store locator to find a selection of Cuddle® minky fabric online or near you.