It's not really about us. It's about the store. And you.

At Sew Santa Barbara, we believe in putting the spotlight on what truly matters: the store and most importantly, you. Our team is dedicated to creating a space where customers can explore their creativity and find the perfect materials for their projects. We are here to provide guidance, inspiration, and support because your experience with us is our top priority. Join us in celebrating the art of sewing and discover a community that is all about YOU.

Sew Santa Barbara’s story began with a concept to serve a community. We envisioned a store that is open and airy; where every product is easily accessible.

The concept also included a vision for responsible ecology wherever possible. We try to forgo packaging and plastics as much as possible. We bought bulk elastic not only because of the frustration of having to buy more packages when you just need a tiny bit more, but to avoid excess packaging.

And finally, we are putting together a team of teachers and experts to create a haven for creativity, learning, and growth. This includes classes and get togethers for up cycling, knitting, embroidery… anything within the intersection of textiles and art.

Our goal is to provide a space where individuals can find joy in crafting and nurture their creative spirit. We are working to create the environment that reflects this vision, and we look forward to inspiring and supporting our wonderful community.

Let us know if there is something you are interested in whether it is a product, class, or idea. We are and will always look for creativity and inspiration.

But if you really wanted to know about us:

Chantal: The Fearless Leader

In the eclectic ensemble that is our team at Sew Santa Barbara, Chantal shines as the head risk-taker. Her upbringing reads like a novel - with a mother who soaked in the art of sewing amidst the chic streets of Paris. It was no surprise that Chantal's childhood was threaded with the craft, leading her to an unexpected venture at the mere age of five: a fashion line dedicated to hamsters. Alas, her miniature models proved to be less than appreciative, prompting a swift shift to other pursuits.

Today, Chantal orchestrates the inner workings of Sew Santa Barbara with finesse, ensuring seamless operations and timely payments to our dedicated vendors. In a world where certainty is a rare find, Chantal fearlessly leads the charge, infusing the air with a whimsical charm that is uniquely her own. At Sew Santa Barbara, with Chantal at the helm, the stitches of creativity and reliability seamlessly intertwine.

Tim: The Expert

Tim has been tangled up in thread and fiber for over 50 years—and teaching for more than 30, from kitchen tables to institutions that should’ve known better. He has racked up ribbons in everything from felting to fashion design, built Victorian costumes that could legally qualify as architecture, and once made a doll so detailed it creeped people out (that was a win, by the way). Tim even earned two advanced degrees in Historical Fashion Designs and Late 19th- early 20th-Century Decorative Handcrafts.

His résumé reads like a fiber arts fever dream: yarn mills, upholstery sourcing, fashion costing at Levi-Strauss, R&D at DuPont, and textile restoration work at the Met and the V&A.

Now he’s here at Sew Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara’s fanciest BERNINA dealership & fabric shop emporium -  a full-blown danger zone for anyone with a weakness for textiles. He’s lending his expertise to sewists, fiber artists, and crafters alike.

Stop by and Say Hello!

We invite you to swing by and get to know us better. At Sew Santa Barbara, we thrive on hearing from you - our fantastic customers! Share your latest projects, your brilliant ideas, and let us know how we can elevate your experience with us. Because when it comes down to it, it's all about the unique synergy between our store and you. Looking forward to your visit!