A new sewing and fabric store recently opened in Mount Rainier offering a wide selection of high-quality fabrics, including from Australia and parts of Africa, as well as sewing classes for children and adults.

Located at 3830 34th St. around the corner from the new Pennyroyal Station, Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts offers workshops and classes for all ages.

The Hyattsville Wire caught up with owner Donna Whitaker, who grew up in New Jersey and now resides in Upper Marlboro, who said she was sharing space in Mount Rainier when she had the opportunity to open up her own shop. She said she wanted to stay in the area not only because of its diversity, but because it’s family-friendly and its a place where the arts are appreciated.

Whitaker said she is offering classes at her new location, but because of the pandemic class sizes can be no more than four people at a time. She is offering beginner and advance classes and specializes in bra and jean making.

A three-session beginner sewing class teaches students how to make pillows, tote bags, cosmetic cases, pull-on shorts or pajama bottoms for $149.

Private sewing lessons are also available, and classes on knitting, crochet and leather-making will be added soon.

“I’ve been sewing since I was 10 years old and always knew I wanted to expand into this business,” she told the Wire. “I was working from home a lot. Now I have my own shop where I take all of my clients.”

The shop also sells everything from fabric, patterns and accessories to sewing machines, although store hours are by appointment only during the pandemic or you can shop at their online store. It carries Tula Pink fabrics as well as several Whitaker designed herself.

Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts joins Three Little Birds in Hyattsville and Sew Creative Lounge, also in Mount Rainier.

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