Less than a mile from Interstate 70 in downtown Indianapolis is a modern quilt shop called Crimson Tate. Owned by former art teacher, fabric designer, and modern quilter Heather Givens, the shop is the home of recycled display items filled with modern fabrics. At first glance, this is a one room shop. Don’t let that fool you. There are a lot of fabrics here, and most are not items I’ve seen anywhere else.
Take note of how items are displayed. The fabrics is modern, but the display items are definitely vintage. Do you want Fat Quarters? Look in the vintage suitcases along the window seat in front. Fabric selections include both 100% cotton, and Linen/Cotton blends, which are excellent for both quilting and clothing..
You’ll find solids and blenders on the recycled church pew, across from the re-purposed cabinets holding more solids. Above them are some prints I would be tempted to use for dress shirts if I was still working as a professional – they have a lovely soft hand. Liberty of London is another of the several lines of unique prints that I have only seen here, .
Have you ever seen African Wax Block Prints? I purchased some yardage of African Wax Block fabrics about 20 years ago at a quilt show, but I had not seen them since then. Each pack is slightly different and they are all beautiful.
You must admire the thread storage. This is a card catalog a local college was going to throw out. It had Fat Quarters and a couple of other residents before the thread took over. I like that it is protected from the light, so it won’t sun fade and start breaking when you try to use it, There are three sizes available for each color – I just had to open a few drawers for the camera!
In addition to running the shop, Miss Heather is a fabric designer for Wyndham Fabrics. There are several of her designs available in the store, including samples of a new one called “Pencil Club” that is being released in January.
Pencil Club by Heather Givans 
Jot by Heather Givans
Finally, there are samples. The solid color is called “Postcards from Sweden,” and there is a kit available. The shop also specializes in solid color gradient packs. There is a pattern available for the United States Map. I can see that as a project for the grandchildren!
There is metered parking out front. I would put at least 30 minutes – maybe 45 minutes – on the meter to have time to explore this shop.
| Crimson Tate | Hours: M 10-5 T-W-Th 11-7 F 11-6 Sat 11-4 Sun 12-4 |
| 845 Massachusetts Ave. Suite A | Phone: 317-426-3300 |
| Indianapolis, IN 46204 | Email: modernquilter@crimsontate.com |
| www.crimsontate.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |