About us

Our beginnings
Fabrications began operation in the fall of 2002, under the ownership of Janet Dapson and her husband Dick. Janet is an accomplished seamstress who became increasingly dismayed at the limited selection of fine fabrics at the local stores. With Dick’s encouragment, she decided to do something about it. Fabrications started as a home-based business, but it quickly outgrew the house. In November 2003, a retail shop was opened in the picturesque village of Richland in southwest Michigan. At that time, Janet’s daughter Christine Yankovich joined the business.

Our people
Christine is the Assistant Business Manager. She has a degree in Fashion Merchandising, with experience in both financial and retail industries. Dick is the Business Manager. He has a varied background which includes accounting experience and a knowledge of dyes and textiles. Janet is a Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor, with extensive training in garment fitting techniques pioneered by Pati Palmer and Susan Pletsch in the 1970’s.

Our place
The store occupies approximately 3,000 square feet in the new Clocktower Green complex just north of the Village of Richland. In addition to the showroom, there is a large classroom and office.

Our services
Classes based on the Palmer/Pletsch books, “Fit for Real People” and “Pants for Real People”, are conducted on a regular basis. Other classes involving various basic to advanced sewing techniques are offered in response to customer demand. Individual instruction is available. Fabrications encourages field trips, and special presentations can be arranged for groups.
Christine, Dick and Janet hand select all the fabrics, which are primarily the natural fibers. Silks, wools, cottons, rayons and linens are prominent, but there is also a fine selection of polyesters and microfibers. Unusual blends are a specialty, with combinations such as silk/cashmere, wool/cashmere, wool/silk, silk/cotton, cotton/Lycra, wool/Lycra, and silk/Lycra. There are also basic colors of acetate, rayon and rayon/Lycra linings. Fabrications is the only area retailer to offer the Batik Butik line of custom designed, hand-dyed rayon fabrics from Bali and their Bali Collection of patterns. In addition, the store carries Gütermann thread, Dill buttons, Palmer/Pletsch products, Saf-T Pocket patterns and Kai scissors. A variety of sewing notions is continually being added.
Our website, www.fabricationsonline.com, offers an extensive collection of fine fabric at reasonable prices. New material arrives monthly. Watch for sales and promotional offers. Bolt-ends and special purchases present additional opportunities for bargain hunters.