Personal Background
Could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Sewing Arts?
Hey there!
We are Julie and Rachel, the mother /daughter duo behind Sewing Arts.
We are both 2nd and 3rd generation born and raised in the sunny city of Los Angeles.
Back in the 70s, Julie went to USC for film school, and then worked in the TV and New industry in Los Angeles, both at NBC and ABC. After that, she decided to go back to school and earn a four-year degree in Environmental Design, focusing on Commercial Space Planning. Julie took a break from working to raise three amazing kids, and once they went off to college, she realized it was time to do something for herself.
She bought an existing sewing machine store and had the exciting idea of turning it into a fabric shop. Everyone I know always said I had always wanted to do that! I’m just drawn to the tactile feel of all fiber arts.
In 2018, youngest daughter, Rachel, joined her in the shop after graduating from USC with dual degrees in Business and Cinema. Rachel is the one who built and manages our website and online end of the store. She also runs the front end of the shop, while Julie has become more focused on the business end and pattern testing for designers
Quilting Journey
How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?
Julie started sewing when she was five, sitting next to her mom who made dresses for her and her sisters. Julie would take scraps of fabric and design and sew dresses for her Barbie dolls. She’s always been sewing, and she was making clothes at the age of 12. When Julie became a mom, she turned my focus on quilting. Except for the occasional garment, she’s never looked back. She was totally obsessed with the TV show Simply Quilts and a huge fan of Alex Anderson. She’d love to meet her someday. Her kids would say they felt comforted to sleep at night by the opening theme to the show, and they’d know Mom was in the room next door sewing. They were always welcome to come into the sewing room and play with the fabrics. Julie’s first sewing teacher was Mary Ellen Hopkins of Crazy Ladies and Friends in Santa Monica. She was an amazing teacher, woman, and character. Julie loved to create art quilts with the children at school, which they would then auction off to raise money for school programs.
Rachel started sewing when she was eight. It was just a fun “hobby” for her, but she didn’t really get back into sewing or quilting until she joined me at the shop. She’s really interested in projects done in miniature as well as EPP / FPP. She teaches our EPP / FPP classes as well as the bag classes. She’s a creative mad genius. Rachel is always a sucker for fabrics with faces that aren’t supposed to have them, like smiles on fruit or animals doing silly things.
Shop Story and Style
What’s the story behind Sewing Arts? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?
The original shop opened its doors in 1955 on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Back then, it was called Bay Cities Sewing, and it was owned by Fred and Barbara. They sold and repaired sewing machines. Julie’s first Bernina was bought for her by her mom, who was also a huge supporter of the business and our biggest cheerleader. Fred and Barbara sold it to someone else, who changed the name to Sewing Arts Center. We had known all the previous owners for years, and one day, in 2017, Julie came into the shop and told him she wanted to open a fabric shop. He said he was selling his shop because after 17 years, he was ready to move on.
Over the years, the shop has changed from a small sewing machine shop to one that sells machines and teaches sewing classes. Now, it’s called Sewing Arts, and it’s dropped the name Center. We’ve brought in over 40,000 yards of fabric, expanded our classes, and reduced our sewing machine brand to become the only exclusive Bernina dealer in Los Angeles. We try to carry what we feel are the best of each product available and only carry what we ourselves would use.
Our new space is huge (almost 8000 sq ft) with high ceilings and a cool industrial vibe. The building we moved into in 2023 was previously an old Post Office that we carefully renovated. Everything inside was custom-built to our design and vision, mostly that of Rachel, who has a great eye for design. We wanted a space that was airy, spacious, and paid homage to the industrial heritage of the building.
We also have a wonderful staff, some who have been with the shop through all three owners. We are truly a team and each of the six of us has our own specialty which makes the business so incredibly unique.
Product Offerings
What types of fabrics do you focus on? How do you offer them to customers—by the yard, as kits, or with custom options?
We primarily focus on 100% cotton, but we also have a selection of flannel, rayon, canvas, and knits. We sell fabric in-store, starting at 1/4 yard and going up. Online, we sell in full yard increments.
We also have kits, custom orders, and one of the highlights of our day is helping someone find that perfect fabric for their for their projects and we love when they bring back the finished project to show us what they made.
Special Collections and Products
Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?
We’ve got a fantastic collection of canvases from Japan, and we’ve been stocking the complete Ruby Star Collections since the very beginning. There’s even a whole section of the shop dedicated to Ruby Star, so you’re sure to find something you love! Like we said, there is over 40,000yards of fabric in the shop, not to mention pattern, notions, embroidery kits and specialty items.
Inspiration and Trends
What inspires you when choosing fabrics or products for your shop? Do you follow any specific trends or themes?
Julie is lucky to have not only her daughter as my full partner, but we have a very talented staff who are all present when we choose fabrics for the shop. Since we range in age from late 20’s to late 60’s and everything in between (I’m in between) we have our fingers on the pulse of what customers like. However, we do pick what we like and try very hard not to follow trends or themes. I would say our selections tend to lean more towards the modern.
we will always restock solids and basics, but once a print is gone, it’s gone for good. Our customers know “if you want it, buy it, as it will not be coming back”
Additional Services
Do you offer any other quilting-related services, like pattern design, long-arming, or classes?
We’ve got a packed schedule of classes, from garment and quilting to bags and specialty workshops. You can find all the details on our website. We also offer summer camp for kids and private lessons for ages 9 to 99.
We provide long-arm services on a Bernina Q24 Qmatic and will train customers to use our other Bernina Q20 long arm. They can even rent time to use it themselves.
We’re also the home shop and meeting place for the LA Modern Quilt Guild, the original modern quilt guild that started the modern movement and QuiltCon. We’re also the home shop for the Westside Quilt Guild and the Santa Monica Quilt Guild. On Thursdays, many members come to the classroom to meet, stitch, and hang out.
Our goal was never just to be a retail business; we wanted to build a community of makers. A place where everyone was welcome and we can all learn from each other.
Online Presence
Where can people find your shop online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
www.sewingarts.com
@sewingarts Facebook, IG, X, Threads
We like to show current merchandise, products, announce class schedules and sometime to show off projects made by our customers.
Upcoming News and Projects
Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community
We are always collaborating with designers and the LAMQG and will be hosting a workshop with Veruska later this month. Veruska recently took Best in Show at Quiltcon 2025
We are always looking for new and different events or projects to share with our community.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?
QuiltInk has been helpful as we test for two different pattern designers and it allows us to try out our fabric pulls before we commit. We have shared this with customers and have used it to help them visual as well.
Try your own mock-up and share it on the #QuiltInkWall to inspire others!
