About Us
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.
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! 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 connection between our store and you. We are looking forward to your visit!
But if you really wanted to know about us:
Chantal M.
In the eclectic ensemble that is our team at Sew Santa Barbara, Chantal is the head risk-taker. Having an on-going appreciation for textiles (and in spite of the fact of having limited experience), she opened Sew Santa Barbara to bring textiles, community and art together.
Exposed to sewing since birth, (Chantal’s mother learned garment sewing in Paris and Switzerland) it was no surprise that Chantal's childhood was threaded with the craft, leading her to try her hand at sewing garments for hamsters. Alas, her miniature models proved to be less than appreciative, prompting a shift to other pursuits.
Today, Chantal does her best to orchestrate the workings of Sew Santa Barbara. And she even gets a chance to sew occasionally.
Karen F.
Karen started sewing early in life, learning in school. She took onto garment sewing like a duck to water and received her first BERNINA as her high school graduation present. And she never stopped sewing! (She is now the proud owner of a BERNINA 990 among others.)
Karen’s involvement with Sew Santa Barbara started with its inception. She has been an integral part of the selection of products and fabrics, layout, and plans for the future. Her experience with all sorts of fabrics and styles makes her the go-to person for dresses, coats, bathing suits, napkins, home decor and so much more! She’s quite the quilter as well; she has even hand-quilted her own Hawaiian quilts!
Tim C.
Tim, the former owner of Cardigan’s Knit Shop, has brought yarn and accessories to Sew Santa Barbara as well as his expertise in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. ! 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 qualify as architecture, and once made a doll so detailed it creeped people out (that was a win, by the way). Tim has even earned two advanced degrees: one in Historical Fashion Designs and the other in Late 19th- early 20th-Century Decorative Handcrafts.
Janet E.
Janet is the newest of us to the fabric world and essential to our store! She brings calm, common sense and foresight when sometimes there’s none. She’s also our bag maven, seeking out diverse fabrics, accessories and notions for bags and totes including purses, carry-alls, messengers, etc.
Olivia M.
Olivia is the fashionista. She keeps us on-point in the fashion world. Her keen eye and knowledge of trends is invaluable. She knows what’s coming and what’s past as well as how long things will stick around. This helps us plan for color and trends and keeps us from investing too much in short term fads.