PLAZA QUILTING, SEWING, & VACUUM CENTER
January 2025
It’s been almost 39 years since I first met Rick Chapman. I was making the rounds in July 1986 trying to sell ads for the first issue of the Sneak Preview when I walked into his inner sanctum at Plaza Quilting, Sewing & Vacuum Center. We instantly recognized each other from the softball days, and he entertained me with stories from his Navy days, 1968-72, when he served on some of the last diesel submarines from World War II.
The original store, which opened in 1967 in the Caveman Plaza, was owned by Rick’s in-laws, Don and June Newman (his wife Mary’s parents). In 1976, after the Newmans retired, they sold the business to Rick and Mary, who moved the store to the Grants Pass Shopping Center. By 1995, they outgrew the space and moved downtown to the old Golden Rule building, where Mary could also open an emporium called Savannah Faire (they still lease the space to Red Canary Mercantile).
Here it is 39 years later, and Rick and I are still going strong.
“Plaza Sewing a quality, one-stop sewing, quilting and crafting business with everyday low prices,” Rick said. “There’s always honest and reasonable prices for quality fabrics and notions (pins, needles, threads, etc.), and there are no gimmicks. We have over 3,000 pieces of high quality, name-brand cotton fabrics for quilters, and it’s probably the largest selection in the state. Our customers appreciate the high quality fabrics that are usually hard to find.”
He continued: “Our selection includes wonderful garment fabrics, fleeces, flannels, wools, velvets, satins, and a variety of craft supplies. Our staff are courteous and knowledgeable and ready to help with your every project. We have always listened to our customers, and we go the extra mile to carry what the customers want.”
The store also has a vast selection of vacuum cleaners and over 100 varieties of vacuum cleaner bags and over 60 vacuum cleaner belts. Rick and his staff provide servicing for all vaccum cleaners.
The store is definitely popular with quilters. One reviewer said, “Don’t be fooled by the box store prices. You can buy better quality fabrics from a local business.” Another: “Rick and his staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I would not shop anywhere else.” Yet another: “I love the fine quality of the fabrics at Plaza Sewing. When I’m making a quilt, I want the quality that I can find there.”
For more information, the phone number is 541-479-5757. You can also find them on Facebook.