By Pamela Dozois
Contributing Writer
The Creation Station Fabric & Quilt Shop in Buellton will celebrate Kentucky Derby day with a much-needed fundraiser for its local youth sewing programs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5.
“We wanted to make this event affordable for anyone who just wants to get out and have fun and support a good cause,” said Dawn Farrier, who owns the shop with her husband, Patrick.
Although the proceeds will benefit the youth sewing programs, the day’s activities will cater to adults.
“It should be a great day for girlfriends to get together, dress up and get out,” Farrier said.
Dawn Farrier is preparing for her “Day at the Derby” fundraiser at The Creation Station Fabric & Quilt Shop in Buellton.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for winners circle. Those attending can watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy food and beverages with Southern flair as well as buy tickets to win wine, quilts and more.
“There will be a little bit of high end and a little bit of home-made,” she said.
The event will also include race-day games, hat-making demonstrations, and a hat contest. Full details and tickets are available at www.thecreationstation.com.
The Creation Station, which the Farriers consider a community resource, holds an After School Club from 2 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday for kids ranging from 7 to 18 years old. The fee is $20 per session.
“I love my kids” Farrier said. … “I relate to the kids because they all learn differently and so do I. In my kids classes we all work together by reading patterns out loud, learning new vocabulary words and focusing on motor skills. Some kids don’t even know how to use scissors.
“I like to think that it’s not just about the project we are learning that day in class, but they are also learning a life skill and independence — something they have pride in.”
Like many teachers, Farrier provides as many supplies as possible out of pocket. She’s also grateful to customers who have donated “leftover” fabric scraps and old machines for the kids to use.
She has what she calls “The Magic Envelope” – the equivalent of the old coffee-can rainy-day fund. Funds have been used over the years to help the families and kids that need a little help purchasing an item as small as a single spool of thread or as big as scholarship to a summer quilt camp.
The “Magic Envelope” has been empty for some time, prompting the fundraiser that they call “A Day at the Derby.”
The shop has been feeling the stress of the slower economy after recent natural disasters. To help, Farrier has been learning how to use social media in hope of keeping customers informed and better connected to her business. Her husband is working part time at CVS to help out with their personal expenses.
Dawn’s parents visit the shop so frequently that regular customers know them as Mom and Dad. “They help out a lot,” Farrier added.
The Farriers moved to the valley in 1997 and Dawn opened The Creation Station in 2001. Patrick soon came on board with her after his corporate job was eliminated.
Dawn had been sewing since the age of 3, so she knew all the standard sewing techniques. And she had started quilting after joining a local quilt guild.
“What I learned in the guild was that there weren’t many places to buy fabric. There was Rasmussen’s in Solvang and Betty’s in Santa Maria, which is no longer there. I thought there was enough need that I might be able to sell fabric from my home,” she said.
“My motivation at the time was to meet people and make friends. I would invite ladies to come to the house one day a month to buy my fabric. We could sit on the couch and eat cookies and bond over common interests — sewing and quilting.
“I purchased fabric from sources in Los Angeles and placed flyers in strategic areas, and the word spread like wildfire. People came from all over to attend my “First Wednesday” get-togethers. Soon I had more than 30 women shopping in my living room.”
The thought of opening a store hadn’t even crossed her mind, she said. When she did explore the idea, at the suggestion of a friend, she looked at many places but settled on a suite owned by Steve Lykken, owner of Steve’s Wheel & Tire.
“Steve was reluctant to lease me the space and Patrick thought it was a crazy idea. Patrick and I talked it over and decided to give it a try,” she said.
Within five months of opening, The Creation Station outgrew the space and subsequently moved into its present location, a suite twice that size. The store has been open nearly 17 years.
As the business kept growing, in 2007 the couple they rented the 2,400-square-foot space next to the shop, which they call the Retreat Center. They use it for special events, exhibits and classes.
Supporters who can’t attend the shop’s “Day at the Derby” can contribute through a Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/youthsewingfund.
Creation Station Fabric & Quilt Shop is at 252 E. Highway 246, Unit A, in Buellton.
To get more information, make a donation or volunteer for “Day at the Derby,” call 805-693-0174 or visit www.thecreationstation.com.
