More Than a Name: The Meaning Behind “A Cut Above”

I can feel the excitement growing as Spring approaches and the grand opening of Cut Above Fabric draws closer. You might be curious about what to expect. I want to share my vision and the ideas that inspired it.

First things first, what kinds of products will be offered? A Cut Above is primarily dedicated to garment and bag makers*. I want to create the store that I never had here in Omaha, one where fabric and patterns used for clothing and accessories aren’t an afterthought. Come in, feel the fabric, and imagine how it will drape, stretch, or pleat into your next favorite garment. Not only that, but shop sewing patterns from your favorite indie brands like Friday Pattern Company, Merchant & Mills, and Noodlehead. If you aren’t familiar with these names yet, trust me, you’re going to love their designs, and the pattern instructions are detailed and clear. There will be everything from the practical to the very of-the-moment.

*Don’t worry, quilters, there will be some gorgeously printed cottons for you, too!

But why choose A Cut Above over online shopping? Besides my oft-stated preference for touching my fabric before committing to it, there is another fundamental idea: Community. I understand this word is overused, and my fellow introverts are silently shutting down, but hear me out! Have you ever wondered if a fabric would work for your project and wanted to run it by someone? Have you ever worn a new make and hoped someone might notice the enormous amount of work that went into it? Step into a place with people who understand. Period.

Your reasons for showing up at your sewing machine time and again are your own. Maybe you enjoy the mindfulness and creativity of making something with your own hands. Perhaps you acquired this skill, and now it just feels wasteful not to use it. Maybe the selection of clothing available in stores is too limiting for your body or preferences. Maybe slowing down and being intentional about what you add to your wardrobe feels good from a sustainability perspective. If you’re anything like me, all of these have applied in different measures at different times. So, if there’s anything that underscores A Cut Above, it’s that we all get it and we can support each other.

That extra bit of care and connection that I hope you feel when you walk into the store is the meaning behind the name. With your feedback, we can make A Cut Above not just a store, but a truly amazing community.

Keep following along for updates, including the grand opening date!