Interview with Alison Dale, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
I started quilting when I finished college. I fell in love the creative and historical aspects of making quilts. It started out as a hobby, then grew into something I did every day when I was not working. In 2006 the Fabric Expressions shop was up for sale. I quit my job and bought it.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
We offer a lot of classes. We teach everything about quilting for all levels. Our Absolute Beginners class teaches everything from how to use a rotary cutter and sewing a straight line. We also teach classes that are more advanced. Fabric Expressions also offers days when you can come in and just sew. There is no teacher, but other people to sew and talk with. We have been told it is like going to summer camp. Some people have become good friends sewing here.
What do you like best about your line of work?
Sometimes people get overwhelmed by the amount of fabric to choose from. It is so much fun to help people pick fabrics and then they come back with the completed quilt.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Deciding which fabrics to carry. There are so many fabrics it is impossible to carry it all.We try to have a wide variety of fabrics. We have more than 4,000 bolts of fabric. I would love to carry every fabric, but it is impossible. We are in the process of putting all of our merchandise on our website and installing a new system in the store.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
I am a sports junkie. I follow most sports. It is the first section of the newpaper I look at. I am usually at the shop during most of the games, but I still follow the scores.
Business:Fabric Expressions
Address:3625 W. Bowles, Unit 13, Littleton
Hours:9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Founded:2007
Contact:303-798-2556; fabricexpressions.com
Employees:5
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail soelrich@denverpost.com.
