A Boutique Creative Haven in Calgary
For many makers, the best quilt shops are the ones that feel personal, inspiring, and welcoming. Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics has built its reputation on exactly that kind of experience.
Located in Calgary, Alberta, this boutique-style shop may be small in size, but it offers a vibrant, design-driven space where creativity thrives and makers feel supported every step of the way.
A Creative Beginning
Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics first opened its doors in 1996. In its early years, the shop focused on doll and bear-making supplies and quickly became a favorite destination for makers interested in these specialized crafts.
As customers’ interests evolved, so did the shop. Hand embroidery, embellishment, and wool appliqué were added to the mix, expanding the creative possibilities available to customers.
Over the years, Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics continued to grow and adapt. Today the shop carries a wide selection of garment fabrics, quality quilting fabrics, and bag making supplies, while still honoring its hand-making roots and appreciation for slow stitching techniques.
A Small but Mighty Creative Space
Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics describes itself as “small but mighty,” and it’s easy to see why.
The 1,700-square-foot shop is designed as a boutique sewing and quilting space that blends traditional techniques with a fresh, design-led perspective. Fabrics and materials are curated carefully so they work beautifully together, making it easier for quilters and sewists to confidently combine colors, textures, and prints.
“Jamie and her staff create a wonderful space for their clients! They do so much more than selling merchandise — which, by the way, is beautifully chosen and displayed. They nurture and support all their customers, so much so that it feels like family. They provide educational opportunities at all skill levels and are truly interested and excited by our project ideas. They bring in experts for classes to help us grow our own skills. I truly cannot imagine my hobby without them!” — Val G.
The shop emphasizes the experience of making just as much as the finished project. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, explore their creativity, and enjoy the process of creating.
Many customers comment on how welcoming and inspiring the shop feels the moment they walk through the door.
Personal Support and Creative Confidence
One of the things that sets Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics apart is the amount of personal attention customers receive.
The team loves spending time with customers and offers plenty of one-on-one help, guidance, and education. Whether someone is choosing fabrics, learning a new technique, or starting their very first project, the staff works closely with them to build confidence and skills.
The shop’s approach blends thoughtful design with personal support, creating an active creative space that feels a little different from the typical sewing store experience.
Classes, Workshops, and Studio Days
Learning and creativity go hand in hand at Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics.
The shop offers a wide range of classes and workshops designed for makers of all skill levels. These range from short three-hour skill-building sessions to full-day classes and even multi-day garment workshops.
Popular class topics include hand appliqué, bag making, and garment sewing. The shop has even hosted three-day garment workshops with guest instructor Ron Collins.
In addition to classes, the shop hosts studio days where participants can work on their own projects alongside other makers, enjoying the creative energy and encouragement that comes from sewing together.
“The classes are excellent. They are always expanding their fabric lines and classes available. The staff is very knowledgeable and pleasant. I see the staff filling online orders and they are so diligent about getting them ready first thing in the morning. I feel they are all committed to excellent service.” — Carolyn V.
Carefully Curated Fabrics and Supplies
Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics prides itself on offering a carefully curated selection of fabrics and supplies that inspire creativity.
Customers will find quilting fabrics, garment fabrics, embroidery supplies, patterns, and tools chosen for both quality and design compatibility.
The shop especially loves working with brands and designers such as Liberty Fabrics, Jen Kingwell, Sue Spargo, ByAnnie, and The Featherweight Shop.
This thoughtful curation makes it easier for customers to mix and match materials and experiment with new creative ideas.
Meet the Team
Behind the welcoming atmosphere at Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics is a talented and passionate team. Each staff member brings their own expertise and creativity to the shop:
- Alison handles kit assembly, receiving, BOM coordination, and inventory management.
- Carolyn is the shop’s resident Featherweight expert.
- Edith is a highly respected quilting instructor.
- Kim M brings a wealth of quilting and sewing knowledge.
- Kim W is known as the shop’s ByAnnie bag teacher extraordinaire.
- Lesley manages social media and specializes in bag making.
- Marilyn is the shop’s handwork expert and kit-curating mastermind.
- Patti specializes in niche crafts and garment making.
- Rosalyn focuses on customer happiness, newsletters, and website administration.
The team jokes that the only group photo they currently have is from inventory day, which might mean a new photo session is in their future.
“The owner and staff know clients and put in so much effort to make sure each project is exactly as the maker intends. Also, I am always guaranteed a couple laughs before I leave, which makes my day.” — Andrea T.
The Passion Behind the Shop
Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics entered a new chapter in April 2021 when Jamie Trinier purchased the store.
Jamie, a former oil and gas engineer and co-founder of SewTites, is passionate about modern fabrics, quilting, and building creative communities.
She balances shop ownership with life as a mom to two energetic boys and a lively Labrador named Maggie.
Jamie’s vision continues to guide the shop’s focus on thoughtful design, creativity, and connection within the sewing community.
Staying Connected with Makers
The shop keeps its creative community engaged both in person and online.
Every Thursday, Jamie and Lesley host live sessions on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube where they share new arrivals, upcoming classes, block-of-the-month programs, and project inspiration.
These live sessions have become a favorite way for customers to stay connected with the shop and learn about new ideas and materials.
“Jamie and Leslie have a Thursday morning live session showing what new things have come in. They are super chill and sometimes outright funny. Everyone needs to tune in at least once.
I love this store so much that all I wanted from my family this Christmas and birthday was gift cards to this store. I scored $500! I was thrilled!” – Maligne K.
Celebrating Local Quilt Shops
Participating in the Local Quilt Shop Contest has been a fun way for Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics to connect with customers and highlight the importance of supporting local quilt shops.
Customers enjoy the opportunity to show their support for the shop and the sewing community it represents. The contest also helps bring awareness to the wide selection of ByAnnie products available at the store.
Exploring Calgary
A visit to Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics can easily be part of a larger adventure in Calgary.
The shop is located in southwest Calgary, with convenient access to the Rocky Mountains. Banff and Canmore are only about an hour’s drive away, making it easy to combine a quilting stop with breathtaking mountain scenery.
Visitors who come during the second week of July can experience the Calgary Stampede, a ten-day celebration filled with music, rodeo events, and entertainment.
Calgary is also known for its vibrant food scene, with hidden culinary gems throughout the city waiting to be discovered.
A Boutique Shop with Big Creative Energy
From its beginnings in 1996 to its modern boutique space today, Out of Hand Quilting & Fabrics continues to inspire makers through thoughtful design, personal support, and a welcoming creative environment.
Whether customers stop in to find the perfect fabric, learn a new skill, or simply spend time surrounded by creativity, the shop offers a place where sewing and quilting enthusiasts can truly feel at home.
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