My Great Fabric Escape: SR Fabrics in Minneapolis

When you’re at a conference, sometimes you need a little escape–actually you might need a big escape. Not from the learning, of course (well, maybe a little), but from the hotel walls and the endless sea of name tags and, in my case, women dressed in the same color purposefully several times per day. So, when I found myself with a free-ish afternoon in Minneapolis, I knew exactly what to do: go fabric shopping! But you knew that didn’t you?

The Quest for Minnesota Fabric Stores

A expertly executed Google search for “Minnesota fabric stores” led me to SR Fabrics. Located about 20 minutes outside the city (a Lyft ride away), it was the perfect excuse to get some fresh air and see a bit more of the Twin Cities. Plus, I’d heard whispers of a legendary local treat called the “Jucy Lucy” – a cheese-stuffed burger that sounded like the perfect reward for a successful fabric haul in Minneapolis. And just so you know, YES it’s missing the “I” in juicy. When the creator developed this gooey delight he was rushing and accidentlly missed spelled it and now the rest is history

SR Fabrics: A Minneapolis Fabric Wonderland

Arriving at SR Fabrics I felt a little uneasy. It’s an industrial park and it’s unsuspectingly plain Jane on the outside. But baby don’t hold your breath because on the inside of this secret gem there is a treat. Bolts of fabric in Minneapolis lined the walls, patterns galore, and friendly staff ready to help. I may have squealed a little (okay, a lot). It was a fabric and button wonderland!

I spent a blissful hour (or two?) perusing, petting fabrics, and plotting future projects. The fabric selection was fantastic, with everything from quilting cottons to luxurious apparel fabrics. And did I mention the prices? From one fabric nerd to the next, let’s just say my suitcase got a lot heavier that day. It was a shopping experience that I can only compare to Fine Fabrics in Atlanta, Georgia, yet it was uniquely Minnesotan. And let’s just face it, there are plenty of fabric stores that are unique but don’t always meet your sewing needs.

Ok, here’s the thing. This is the only fabric store I’ve been to where you cut and tag your own fabric. Yup, you read that right. At SR Fabrics you are the help. Once you make your selections you will label and cut all of your own fabrics except high-end Liberty fabrics, silks, and large orders over 5 yards. That’s insane. 

Minneapolis Fabric Haul

Here is a glimpse of my fabric haul from SR Fabrics. My favorite fabrics from the haul are a Ponte weight red knit with an interesting texture, the amber and black sweater knit, and the red and white boucle. I also was able to find some interesting swimwear patterns and a luxurious printed Liberty silk. These fabrics will forever remind me of my adventure shopping for fabric in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Moments: Prince, Skywalks, and Friendly Faces

On the Lyft ride back to the conference, I couldn’t help but smile. Minneapolis had surprised me with its hidden treasures. The driver, a lifelong resident, shared stories about Prince (a local legend!), the extensive skywalk system (perfect for winter!), and how proud Minnesotans are of their state.

Just 24 hours prior our group traveled to an exclusive event at Paisley Park. I felt like I was a little piece of history and knew a little more about Prince than I did before his untimely death.

The local residents I’d encountered, from the Lyft drivers to the fabric store staff, had been incredibly friendly and welcoming. It was the kind of personal authenticity that makes you feel right at home, even in a new city.

Back to the Conference (with a Jucy Lucy in Tow)

I made it back to the conference just in time for the evening gala, armed with new fabric treasures and a Jucy Lucy to share with my fellow attendees. The “i” is intentionally missing; when the inventor spelled it he accidentally left out the “i”. The Jucy Lucy which was a messy, delicious delight, with the gooey cheese oozing out with every bite. This greasy gooey delight was the perfect end to a perfect day and a great story about shopping for fabric in Minneapolis.

(Pro tip: Don’t try to eat a Jucy Lucy without napkins or in an Uber on the way back to a conference. Trust me on this one.)

Conclusion

My fabric shopping adventure in Minneapolis was a delightful break from the conference routine. It reminded me that even when you’re traveling for work, there’s always time for a little fun and exploration. So, next time you’re in the Twin Cities, be sure to check out SR Fabrics and experience the magic of fabric shopping in Minneapolis for yourself!