‘Fetish for fabric’ results in relocation for Carson City boutique

Jan Moritz puts a personal touch on her business, Grandma’s Fabrics and Craft Boutique. It helped her to grow out of her former space and relocate to her new space at 1976 E. William St. this month.

“We’ve done well,” she said. “We’ve only been open here for 20 days (as of Jan. 21). It’s an easy in and out for people.”

Moritz moved from a 600-square-foot space at 1801 E. William St., suite A into a 1,400-square-foot store at 1976 E. William St. She didn’t have to go far, but it wasn’t a hard decision to make.

“I couldn’t display enough fabric, and this is a good location in the shopping center,” she said.

The shop offers custom sewing, alterations, quilting for those who want to learn and bolts of custom fabrics. She crafts and offers an assortment of cloth bags, towels, soups, jams, jars of olives or spices from Gilroy, Calif., and gift baskets with an assortment of custom-made trinkets and goods.

Her custom print fabrics and ability to offer classes in particular set her apart from the larger chain stores, she says.

“I’ve made some quilts I’ve either sold or gave away,” she said. “There’s nothing in particular I’m proud of, but I’m always looking for something different or new.”

Moritz credits her grandmother for getting her interested in quilting. She and her husband would participate in craft shows for more than 25 years, making and selling items.

“I’ve always had a fetish for fabric,” she said. “You meet a lot of wonderful people. I’ve always been into crafts since I was a kid.”

One of her next creative ambitions is to configure steering wheel covers to keep drivers from burning their hands upon entering their vehicles.

She said the new location with other neighboring tenants such as the 99 Cents Only Store and Action Home Furnishings and their hours is ideal for her, recalling the changes the center has gone through.

“It’s growing out here,” she said.

Grandma’s Fabrics is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with hours to adjust to 5 p.m. with Daylight Saving Time, Moritz said.