Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Bib & Tucker Sew-Op nonprofit stitches up a bigger future in a new location
Reading time: 5 minutes
When you first walk into Bib & Tucker, not only will you be welcomed by enthusiastic crafters, but you’ll also immediately notice the vibrant rainbow of fabric covering every inch of the space. Chances are, someone will be eager to help you with whatever project you want to get started on.
Ten years after it was first created, the Bib & Tucker Sew-Op continues to be a space for makers to explore the craft of sewing, whether they are a sewing novice or are a quilting veteran.
The non-profit settled into their new, larger location in the Crestwood Festival shopping center earlier this year, opening up the opportunity for them to one day become self-sufficient.
A larger space to grow in
Any previous Bib & Tucker visitors know that their previous space was cramped, and they were only able to offer retail days once in a blue moon. Mary Bergeron, sew-op board treasurer, recalls how they were once only able to sell their products—fabric, notions and projects—once every three months.
When those coveted sales came around, it involved pushing aside and storing all of their equipment and ongoing projects because the space was too small to accommodate everything.
The new space, located at 7001 Crestwood Blvd. Suite 806—within the same shopping center in which it was previously located—has more than enough space to open their storefront three days a week while still offering classes
Everything changed. When we moved over here, we just had so much more capacity to welcome people in and to really make an impact.
Mary Bergeron, Board Treasurer of Bib & Tucker
The larger area also allows Bib & Tucker to be sure everything is as safe as possible—cords can be tucked away and people aren’t climbing over each other to reach objects.
More than a classroom
Folks who are involved with the sew-op are quick to admit that this is more than just another sewing group—it’s a tight knit community.
Many older crafters are able to keep their minds and hands active as they seamlessly pick back up a skill that they may have assumed was long forgotten.
Especially for people who haven’t sewn for a long time, you can sit down and do something familiar—when they can’t remember what they had for breakfast, but they can remember how to piece a block.
Mary Bergeron, Board Treasurer of Bib & Tucker
Janice Freeman is a frequent visitor who has also been able to bring her previous art history teaching experience into play by teaching color theory classes to the group. She’s currently working on a personal project, spending time with others as she stitches.
Since I’m retired, I’m spending time all by myself most of the time…
I went to one of the openings where they were selling stuff every three months and met Mary, and met a lot of other people, and I thought, ‘I think I could do this. I can always leave.’ And I started joining in.
Janice Freeman
The group frequently creates projects to donate to specific organizations or to raise money. Most recently, the stitchers have almost finished a project for Quilts of Valor, an organization that donates handmade quilts to U.S. military veterans. Bib & Tucker also works with local young people to teach a variety of skills such as math and science through sewing.
Want to get involved?
Bib & Tucker is always hosting exciting events that are perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about sewing or to meet new, like-minded crafters. They post events ahead of time on their Facebook.
Here are a handful of upcoming classes. To register, visit their website, bibandtuckersewop.org.
- Aug. 9 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Cross Back Apron Class — $65
- Aug. 13 (6 to 8 p.m.) Eco Bundle Dyeing Workshop — $5
- Aug. 17 (2 to 4 p.m.): How does this thing work? Learn to use your sewing machine — $45
- Aug. 23 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Crazy Quilt Padded Folding Chair — $75
The non-profit is also always accepting leftover fabric that they can repurpose and sell. Much of their fabric donations come from estates of deceased loved ones.
The sew-op is funded completely through grants and donations. To learn more about Bib & Tucker Sew-Op or to donate, visit their website.
- Bib & Tucker Sew-Op: 205-386-0575 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
- Address: 7001 Crestwood Blvd. Suite 806
- Hours: Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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