History

The Story of Esther’s Fabrics

 Opening Day

Esther’s Fabrics, the oldest fabric store in Washington State, opened in October, 1959, as a fabric and yarn store and quickly became an island institution. Esther Fox, known for her creative spirit, biting wit and “IM A FOX” vanity plates, reportedly said she opened the store to support her two life-long habits, knitting and sewing. Stories tell of a community “round table” workspace and a pot of coffee that was always on. During the store’s 50th Anniversary Celebration one man recalled Esther’s showing him how to shoot rubber bands while his Mom shopped for fabric.

In 1963, Esther sold the shop to Jeanette and Harvey Teal (Esther #2).  The Teal family moved here from California, where Mrs. Teal taught tailoring at the College level.

Esther #3

In 1969, Esther re-assumed ownership of the store and, with her daughter-in-law Jeanne Fox, she ran the shop for the next 17 years (Esther #3). Esther celebrated her 80th birthday in 1984 and still worked at the shop, as she said, to feed her knitting habit!   In 1986, store employees Pat Markem and Joan Bickerton (Esther #4) took ownership of the store

In 1991, Pat and Joan’s lease ended, and the store was purchased by Mary Terry, a dedicated customer who couldn’t imagine having to drive all the way to Silverdale to buy thread, becoming Esther #5. Mary, an interior decorator, expanded the inventory to include home decorator fabric. While Esther no longer worked at the store, she was a “regular” and continued sewing until her death in 2001, at the age of 93.

Esther #6

In 2001, Jennifer Rhoads began working at Esther’s after an unsatisfying career in Corporate America as a Fashion Designer. Two years later she bought the shop, officially becoming Esther #6 in December, 2003.  In 2007 Jenn moved the store to its current (and fourth) location on Winslow Way.

In January 2011, employee Barbara Kirk became the new owner and Esther #7. With the considerable help of her husband, Jim, the store has been re-arranged to make room for an art gallery, appropriately named The Fox Gallery at the suggestion of long-time employee Margret Darrah.  Esther’s is now an official part of the Winslow ArtWalk, and exhibits art from a different artist each month.  Of course, we still continue to sell thread, not to mention quilting, apparel, and home decorator fabrics and notions.