After years of quilt and fabric shops closing, here’s one that’s opening

For a while in recent years, it seemed like one after another Wichita-area quilt and fabric stores kept closing.

Julie Gaston noticed a lack of places to shop, and that’s part of why she’s decided to open the Quilted Rabbit Fabric Shop.

“First off, I saw a need in the community,” she said.

Also, Gaston said, “I love sewing, and I love fabric. I love the color. I love the texture.”

She will stock what she called high-quality quilting fabric, patterns, sewing books and notions, such as scissors, rulers and needles.

The 2,000-square-foot store will open Feb. 6 at 3221 N. Ridge Road, which is brothers Brian and Paul Suellentrop’s Ridgeport development a bit north of 29th Street North.

“It is conveniently located close to K-96,” Gaston said.

That means it will be handy for east-siders among others as well.

“People from Hutchinson can come,” Gaston said. “People from all over.”

She plans a variety of quilting and craft classes.

Gaston also will offer rentals for retreats and have longarm services, where she attaches backing to quilt tops with batting in between.

“Many people do not have the capacity to do that because the quilts are larger,” she said.

There will be a late afternoon and early evening grand opening on Feb. 6.

“I hope to create a space for people in the community to come and be creative,” Gaston said. “I truly believe that creativity is one of the things that can help us relieve stress.”

The store will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Gaston said part of what she’s excited about with her shop is meeting and getting to know customers and providing a way for them to connect with each other through quilting and crafting.

“It’s brought me closer to people I didn’t know and I’ve grown to care about deeply.”

This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 4:07 AM.