Missourian March 21st 2007

Schweissguth Dream Materializes

• The Fabric Shop to Open Soon in Washington

By Joan Elliott

Missourian Feature Writer______

A dream that Nancy Schweissguth has held for 12 years is finally materializing - literally.

With a penchant for sewing and crafting, Schweissguth had always wanted to parlay her avocation into a business. Her original plan was to buy out an existing shop and sell fabrics, notions and home decor items. But things like pregnancies, motherhood and "cold feet" got in the way and she put her dream on the back burner.

Then last fall when it became clear that Wal-Mart was phasing out its fabric department, Schweissguth decided it was "now or never." She and her husband Mike, part owner of Schweissguth Bros. Inc. in Dutzow, began doing some research. "We called the big chains to see if any of them had plans to come to Washington," Schweissguth said. "And we checked with the city to see if they knew of any plans."

With the coast clear, they went in search of a building for "The Fabric Shop" and purchased one at 1170 W. Fifth St., behind Paintin' Place. The building had been owned by a mortgage compa­ny and was in move-in condi­tion.

"Things seemed to be 'falling into our laps' so I knew it was meant to be," Schweissguth said. She was able to buy shelving units and a very large cutting table from Wal-Mart at an incredibly good price and the mortgage company sold them office fur­niture and equipment that was in the building, also at a great price.

Next Schweissguth went in search of fabric bargains. "There is no way we could sell fabric at the price Wal-Mart did," she said. "We didn't want people to have sticker shock so we found many fabrics on closeouts. And everything we carry will be really good qual­ity fabric." She noted, with a chuckle, that "we often get what we pay for."

Some cottons, fleeces and drapery fabrics are in place but many more fabrics have yet to arrive. When it's all set up, The Fabric Shop will include quilting and craft fab­rics, a complete line of notions including thread, zippers, but­tons and more, home decor fabric and Southern Living at Home pieces that can be ordered. She's considering having Simplicity and McCall's patterns.

But Schweissguth's plans don't end there. Her mind a virtual whirlwind of excite­ment, she has visions of a sewing lounge where people can come in and use sewing machines and have some camaraderie as they work on projects.

Other thoughts include having an embroidery machine that can be utilized for a fee; teen sewing classes; birthday parties; Girl Scout projects; classes in mending and repairwork, smocking, basic decorating and purse-making; and delivery of fabric to church quilting groups and other homebound persons.

She has spoken with several people in the community who have those skills and could teach classes. "I haven't worked out the details yet and will move into all this gradu­ally," Schweissguth said. The building's layout, once again, is perfect for her plans with a large open area near the back of the approximately

2,000-square-foot shop and a kitchen and restroom nearby. "People can have coffee and cookies as they work and chat," she said. "This can be their 'hangout' spot."

In addition to all that, Schweissguth will make custom draperies, something she's been doing for a while.

Her husband will keep the books and handle the finan­cial aspects of the business so she can concentrate on the creative parts. "He created the business plan and budget and is setting up the comput­er system," she said. "He'll handle the technical side."

The Schweissguths were able to secure a county com­mission loan through the Community Economic Development Administration. "This community is amaz­ing," Schweissguth said, "In addition to the loan, people have called and come by to see how they can help. They're so happy we're opening this fabric shop. That's a good feeling."

Schweissguth has little doubt but that they'll quickly outgrow this location but she believes they're off to a great start. "In five years, who knows, maybe we'll add party sup­plies and party planning," she said. "That's my 'extreme dream.'"

Plans are to open The Fabric Shop on or about April 1. "We'll have fliers around town and will put an announcement in The Missourian,” she said.