Esther’s Fabrics
Where we have been keeping Bainbridge Island Sewing for more than 50 years!

Esther’s Fabrics is the oldest, independent fabric store in the State of Washington – and we have always called Winslow Way, right here in downtown Bainbridge Island, our home. Since I became Esther #6 in 2003 – I have been working hard to solidify the history of Esther’s Fabrics, including collecting photographs, old bags and logos, and anything else I could get a hold of. Here is a short account of what I have so far….

Opening Day

Started in October of 1959, Esther’s Fabrics began as a fabric and yarn store, and quickly became an island institution. Known for her creative spirit, biting wit and “IM A FOX” vanity plates, Esther Fox (Esther #1) had many careers in her life that led her to opening her own business to support two life-long habits, knitting and sewing. Stories tell of a community “round table” workspace, a pot of coffee that was always on, and Pester Esther clubs that were very popular. One man came in during our recent 50th Anniversary Celebration to say he remembered Esther showing him how to shoot rubber bands while his Mom shopped for fabric.

In 1963, Esther sold the shop to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Teal (Esther #2). The newspaper article announcing the change in ownership refers to Jeannette Teal as an expert seamstress. The Teal family moved here from California, where Mrs. Teal taught tailoring at the College level. I have not been able to find any additional information about the Teal’s, or this period of the shops’ history.
*If someone reading this has more information – please email me. Thank you!*

Esther #3

In 1969, Esther bought Esther’s Fabrics back from Mr. and Mrs. Teal. Together with her daughter-in-law Jeanne Fox, she ran the shop for the next 17 years, this time as Esther #3. It was sometime during this tenure that the shop moved to its second location, about ½ block up the street. During this time, Pat Markem and Joan Bickerton began working at Esther’s – and together they became Esther #4 in 1986.

In 1984, Esther celebrated her 80th Birthday! She still worked at the shop, as she says, to feed her knitting habit!

In 1991, Pat and Joan made the hard decision to close the store as their lease agreement came to an end, and the landlord would not renew. Before that could happen, Mary Terry – a devout customer who couldn’t imagine having to drive all the way to Silverdale to buy thread – bought the store and moved it across the street to its’ third location, becoming Esther #5. Mary owned the store for 12 years, working hard to make it grow and expand into her vision of Esther’s. It was at this time that Esther’s expanded into the Home Dec realm, Mary being an Interior Decorator and Custom Interiors Sewist. While Esther no longer worked at the store – she was a “regular”, continuing sewing all the way to her death in 2001, at the age of 93.

Esther #6

In 2001, Jenn Rhoads (hey, that’s me!) began working at Esther’s after leaving an unsatisfying career in Corporate America as a Fashion Designer. Two years later – she bought the shop, officially becoming Esther #6 on December 12th, 2003.

Since then I have been working hard to keep Esther’s spirit alive. About two years ago – we moved down the street (again) – to location #4 – and we love it. It is with a glad heart that several ‘regulars’ have come in and said “This reminds me of the original Esther’s”! And with that, we have come full circle – fifty years later we have what we have always had…and sew much more!

We hope to see you soon! Happy Sewing – and here’s to 50 more years!