about
With a beautiful storefront located in Portland’s Alberta Arts District (on the corner of NE Alberta Street and 22nd), Bolt offers a fresh take on sewing and fabric for those who want to fill their lives with colorful goods and the rewarding hobby of making it yourself. We carry many lines of fabric from the most contemporary designers (see below for more details), as well as a nicely edited selection of “one of a kinds.” Just getting into sewing or want to pick up a new project? Bolt’s many classes are a great place to start! See our online class schedule.
Hours we’re open
Tuesday thru Friday, 10 am ’til 6 pm
Saturdays 10 am ’til 5 pm
Sundays 11 am ’til 4 pm
April through September: open late on Last Thursdays.
A little Q and A
What kinds of fabric does Bolt carry?
Bolt’s inventory consists mostly of cotton prints, 44/45” wide. We also have a selection of upholstery, or “home dec” weight cottons, and an ever changing selection of knits, wools, stretch cottons, corduroy, flannel, rayon, canvas, linen and bamboo blends. So stop by often to see what the latest addition is!
What does Bolt carry besides fabric?
We offer a nice selection of buttons (over 300 styles), many sewing notions, patterns, and gift-related items. We carry multiple pattern lines, including Amy Butler, New Look and Favorite Things. We’re also able to order from the Vogue and Butterick pattern books. Other offerings include an array of trims, lots of great books, embroidery supplies, patches, and gifty-type items, including gift certificates!
Does Bolt offer classes?
Yes! We offer a variety of classes, and come out with a new class list every couple of months. Check the class section of the site, or come on in and see the list in the store. Past classes have included tote and handbags, PJs, skirts, and quilts. For more details about classes, such as, if you need your own sewing machine to take a class at Bolt, please see the class Q&A.
Does Bolt special order items or sell at wholesale prices?
Yes. Talk to us about your needs. If our suppliers offer things you want, chances are pretty good that we can get it for you. Wholesale is offered for large quantities, such as full bolts of fabric (15-20 yards), or multiple units of notions to manufacturers in the Portland area.
Does Bolt sell fabric on-line?
Generally, no. That said, if you know the exact print you’re looking for and can provide an item number, we are happy to work with you to have it sent your way. Feel free to e-mail us at info@boltfabricboutique.com.
About the fabric
Here’s a bit about some of the fabric and other delights we carry:
Westminster Fibers / Rowan: www.westminsterfibers.com
A number of our prints come from the fabulous designers at Westminster Fibers. This site will let you see the creations of Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, and many more. While there you can also link to the Free Spirit website, as it is their “sister company” now. If you’d like to see individual sites for Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett, their links are listed below.
Amy Butler: www.amybutlerdesign.com Amy’s designs are certainly crowd pleasers. The popular designer creates “vintage-inspired” fabrics that will bring us back to the grandparents’ farmhouse, with a fresh, contemporary spin. Her palettes are soft and pleasing, and blend together well. Large, small, floral, geometric, and stripes are all offered to give us plenty of interesting combinations.
Kaffe Fassett: www.kaffefassett.com Kaffe Fassett’s designs are surely one of a kind. He combines colors like few (if any) other fabric designers. You will always find something a little unexpected – maybe a bright tossed in with some subdued tones. His designs are great for home projects–tablecloths, napkins, duvet covers, curtains; accessories, and of course, his quilt designs are amazing!
Free Spirit: www.freespiritfabric.com Free Spirit is one of the most contemporary, fresh cotton print fabric companies today. Their cast of designers includes Heather Ross (Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries), Denyse Schmidt (Flea Market Fancy) and Heather Bailey (Fresh Cut).
Alexander Henry Fabrics: www.ahfabrics.com The designs from this company have been a huge hit with our clientele. They tend to be on the more “artsy” or edgy side and extremely original. They provide a wide range of styles, from tiny red skulls to gorgeous, large, colorful florals that deserve to be framed.
Robert Kaufman: www.robertkaufman.com One of the more diverse companies in the cotton world, our Robert Kaufman fabrics range from stretch cottons to denims to cotton crepe gauze. The designs are sophisticated and well-balanced. Many of the Kaufman cotton prints offer a bit of funky retro-ness, just enough to remind you of the fond memories of your childhood kitchen décor.
Kokka: www.kokka-usa.com Kokka is responsible for distributing fabrics from such great, contemporary designers as Etsuko Furuya and Junko Onishi. You’re sure to appreciate these unique designs on lovely cloth. The designs include a spider dropping down from tree branches, Elk, and ladybugs. Many pieces are upholstery weight, making it great for a multitude of projects: handbags, belts, wall art…and upholstery.
Betsy Ross patterns: www.betsyrosspatterns.com Very cool patterns on “real” paper, with lovely instruction booklets, yes, booklets. Easy to follow, great styles!
Cool crewel: www.woolandhoop.com Crewel is back, in a modern sort of way! The book shows off a number of fantastic crewel embroidery designs that are easy and look great! Quick and fun, with oh so many ideas to get you going.
Sublime Stitching: www.sublimestitching.com Remember embroidering hearts and rainbows when you were a kid? Well, dust off that ol’ hoop and needle and get busy! How about a lovely martini on your handbag, or a drum kit on your T – A pirate on your pants? You have so many options, really.
