This past February, while we shoveled snow and de-iced more than driveways, Sew Simple Fabrics opened its doors. Located at 288 Bloomfield Avenue, the walls are lined with vibrant fabrics in an array of color, texture and design just waiting to be used for any home décor or upholstery project. Owner Ivette Gardiner, of West Orange, grew up surrounded by the influence of a mother who sewed by hand. Following a craft she enjoyed at home, Gardiner took home economics courses in high school and learned how to make her own clothes. Although her professional career path took her to commercial lending in the banking industry, she has never forgotten her love of sewing.
After a few years of research, and her own challenges finding local fabric stores, Gardiner decided it was time for a career change. Sew Simple Fabrics opened in Verona to fulfill both a need and a dream. Gardiner’s broad collection of fabrics range in price, texture, use, and color. Prints vary from baby giraffes to gingham and gaberdeen. Specialty fabrics like lame, tulle and chiffon accentuate and enhance the spools of every day fabrics like twill, cotton and even crushed velvet. Gardiner’s specialty is fabrics for home décor use in both upholstery and accents. For those who are the most creative and looking for something different, Gardiner will place special orders for any kind of project.
Sew Simple Fabrics exists not just because of a hobby, but because Gardiner was looking to fill a local need. As a local business, she works with various home decorators and upholsterers and “wants to partner with local businesses” whenever possible. Gardiner also strives to be competitive in a time when people are still careful about spending. To that end, she has a match for every budget with fabrics priced from $1.99 to $15 per yard.
In addition to budget awareness, she also has hobby awareness. Sew Simple Fabrics carries a variety of yarns, needles, and patterns for knitting and crochet. Most of the yarns are from Lion Brand and Bernat–perfect for making washable items. Even if you aren’t a knitter, or a seamstress, Sew Simple is an excellent place to start. Gardiner’s affinity for putting fabrics together and her offerings for beginner knitting classes make Sew Simple an affordable and creative place to start.
Store hours are: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday until 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sew Simple can be reached by phone at: 973-433-7630, and on their website at: www.sewsimplefabrics.com .
You can also find Sew Simple Fabrics on Facebook.
