OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — For all those quilting enthusiasts, Fabric Bash is open.
"Fabric Bash is a quilting store," said co-owner Kathy Thayer. "We sell Janome Sewing Machines, APQS Longarm Sewing Machines. We also rent APQS Longarm Sewing Machines; we have quilting fabric, patterns, thread, classes."
Due to COVID-19, changes had to be made to the business, which started in January of 2019.
"We obviously shut down our longarm rentals," Thayer said. "When they opened up to 25, opened those up since they're six-feet apart, and we have enough space to disinfect and do all of the things that's recommended. We try and keep people in those parameters to not getting too close within the store."
For the last few months, Thayer says they were offering takeout bags with materials.
"I'd have people message me on Facebook, call, e-mail, and asked for certain products," Thayer said. "We would cut the amount, have them ready. They'd pay by check or credit card, and they'd pick them up in the parking lot."
During that time, Thayer also helped make masks.
"I started getting elastic and fabric to make masks, and so I partnered with Masks for Hope, and then also A Million Masks for Nebraska," Thayer explained. "It's really hard to get elastic nowadays. When I could get it, I would sell it, and I would bring it out to the car."
Nearly 20,000 masks were made, which Thayer says is a great reminder that sewing is an essential skill.
"The good thing that came out of COVID for us, is people realized that sewing is a necessity and is something that is still needed in our world even though we have Amazon, we have Walmart," Thayer said. "But we need to still be able to still need to be able to use a sewing machine. It's also an educational thing by being able to do a new project, keep your mind young."
As for her business, Thayer says they are staying busy with virtual classes and repair work on machines and hopes to open up next month.
"I'm one of those glass-half-full kind of girl always, and I'm hoping that things do get better," Thayer said. "My concern now in my industry is - being in the hobby industry - is what is the next six months going to be like? Because granted, we did well with masks, we helped people with masks and stuff, but we're a hobby."
LOCATION:
11019 I St. Omaha, NE 68137
HOURS:
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Wednesday: 9AM - 5PM
Thursday: 9AM - 6PM
Friday - Saturday: 9AM - 4PM
CONTACT:
402-884-2096
