Fringe

Fringe is a real gem of a find in downtown historic Salida. Its interior is well-​lit and colorful, with organized displays of yarn, fabric and gifts. I spent a few days in Salida, and was fortuitous enough to have my visit coincide with a basic crocheting class. The class was fun and casual, and for a two hour class, the amount I learned was definitely worth the tuition. The store displays a vast and inspiring collection of yarns and patterns. Penny, the owner, came and went when I was there, and she was friendly, welcoming, and knowlegable. Salida has plenty to offer people of many ilks, but if you are into yarn or fabric, or are just looking to bring something unique home for a gift, don’t miss out on Fringe!

What a great store! I wish I lived close enough to take advantage of their classes — way less expensive than similar ones in Denver metro area! Don’t miss this shop if you quilt, sew, knit, crochet, or ever need fun cards or gifts! That covers everyone, wouldn’t you agree?

I am not much of a knitter or seamstress, as I might complete one project a year, but I love to visit Fringe and see what gift items might be available. I love this store as it is open, creative and lively. Classes seem to be going on all the time. If I lived in Salida I would be taking classes there almost all the time! I knew Penny Wilken when she owned a great little children’s store in Alamosa, CO. She always breathes fresh air into a community with her great ideas and entrepreneurship.

Ok. I’ve visited and purchased knitting items (mostly yarn) from this store sporadically over the last couple of years. I am not a local to Salida; I live in the next valley to the south, about 80 miles away, but once in a while we make it to Salida, and when we do, I usually stop in because I like the selection of yarn and knitting items they have. And I purchase something everytime I stop. There is no LYS near where I live — the closest are located in Salida, Taos, Santa Fe, and I think there’s one in Walsenburg. So when in Salida, I take advantage of the shop’s location.
Anywho…what spurred me to write this: I just spent 45 minutes untangling a beautiful hank of yarn that the manager’s /​proprietor’s high-​school aged son (nephew?) wound for me the last time I was there. It was a mess. Maybe it was a one-​time thing. But I’ve been mulling writing a review for while, and that last incident sealed the decision for me. The real reason for this review and rating: every time I go into Fringe (and the last time was no different), it’s like the manager/​proprietor can barely stand my presence. I don’t know what it is or how I differ from her regular clientele. I’m never asked if I need any help; I’m never asked if I am a «frequent buyer» in the store and offered a «frequent buyer» card; I’m never asked if I want my yarn wound if buying an unwound hank (except for this last time, and the results were disappointing — usually I have to ask). These are courtesies that I hear or see extended to other clientele in the shop (and in other yarn stores I’ve visited). The one time I did need help (I couldn’t reach a hank of yarn stocked inside a high cubbyhole), I went over to the counter to ask for help. When I originally went up to the counter, I was the only one there, but I was not acknowledged immediately — she wouldn’t make eye contact. After finishing up whatever it was that was occupying her, she acknowledged me, but then helped two customers «who need[ed] ringing up first» (or so she told me; they had come in behind me), before she could be bothered to help me. The store stays occupied, but it’s not overrun by shoppers, so I’m not sure what the wait was.
I think the next time I visit Salida, I’ll skip the Fringe.

What a lovely, welcoming and charming place. For a small shop the selection of fabrics and yarns is impressive. Jodi one of the owners was helpful and interested in each customer and went out of her way to make copies of patterns on display. Hope to make it back for some shopping and inspiration.

When my boyfriend and I planned a trip to Colorado, he indulged my fancy and we went to two yarn stores in Denver. We trekked to the relatively small town of Salida, Colorado with no knowledge of any yarn stores there – just a desire to spend some time outdoors with the beautiful Colorado scenery. As we drove into town, we passed Fringe – a fabric and yarn store according to the sign – in the historic business district. I was thrilled, and made a plan to visit the next day (as we came into town after this and most of the other stores had closed).
Wow. What a gem. The store was brightly lit and had a very crafty-​looking interior. I got there just after the store opened, so I was the first or second person in there, but many people filtered in and out during the hour or so I spent there. Several ladies knitting – including one who appeared more experienced and was helping the other ladies with patterns and stitches – accumulated on a few couches amidst racks of yarn.
Now, this isn’t the biggest store in the world, and it focuses slightly more on fabric than yarn. Since I’m a knitter and know relatively little about sewing, I can’t effectively comment on the sewing materials other than to say there were some beautiful fabrics and what looked like a good selection of notions and patterns/​booklets. Everything was organized in a very visually pleasing manner. There were also quite a few finished objects. I get the impression that there are some very talented seamstresses around this place.
As for the yarn, the selection was limited but wonderful. Each yarn was a yarn I liked and could see myself knitting with. They had Malabrigo (lace, silky merino, worsted, and the thick/​thin chunky whose name I can never remember), Blue Sky (skinny cotton, cotton, silky merino, and suri merino – and maybe more) as well as several other delightful selections. I really got the impression that everything in the store had been handpicked by someone with very good taste.
In addition to sewing supplies, fabric, and yarn, there was a nice mix of kicky merchandise. The lady working, who I believe may be one of the owners, was very friendly and provided information about her store and the downtown area. I would definetely recommend a stop in this store if you’re in Salida (and even if you aren’t). It is certainly worth the trip.