About Nancy’s Sewing Basket

The Rossi Family has been on Queen Anne since 1902.  In 1978 Nancy’s opened as the dream of John and Jacqueline to have a retail business in their community.  The original location, which will be fondly remembered by long time QA residents, was the local Five and Dime Store, Elsie’s.  To current residents it is now Caffe Ladro and the Tea Cup. Nancy’s doubled in size in 1979 and expanded again in 1980.

Nancy’s Sewing Basket was the first new business to open on QA in many years and helped to revive the community business district.  John Rossi was a constant presence on Queen Anne Avenue and well known to everyone.  He took pride in the community and his business.  For the first 6 years John could be seen every morning opening the shop, sweeping the sidewalk and greeting customers and friends.  In the spring of 1983 he received an award from Mayor Royer for his work in the community.  Because of John’s dedication, Queen Anne has trees that line the Avenue today.

In 1990, Nancy’s built the permanent location that you visit today.  The new building was designed in the style of early QA architecture.  John Rossi passed away in the fall of 1983.  His is remembered by the marble plaque bearing his name set in the brick at the front of the building.  The store is now owned and managed by his wife Jacqueline and his daughter Nancy.

Ribbon Room

The famed Ribbon Room opened in about 1994 and has been expanding it stock ever since.  Our customers tell us that it is the widest selection of ribbon north of the Golden Gate Bridge and it fields inquiries from across the country.  Even Susan, the wonder woman who works in the Ribbon Room is somewhat of a celebrity in certain circles.

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Teachers

Jacque Goldsmith

Philosophy:  to create garments that are  home sewn with a ready-to-wear look

Education:    Seattle Pacific University: Clothing & Textiles

Fashion Institute of Technology: Merchandising & Buying

25 years industry experience

Currently teaching at Seattle Central Community

and Lake Washington Technical colleges

Candace Kling

Candace’s years of enthusiastic research in ribbon fabric embellishment have led her to explore museum and textile collections across the country, teaching as she goes.  In addition to her wealth of knowledge from years of research, Candace brings to class her ribbonwork sample boards, ribbon catalogs, and books to share.  Her book, The Artful Ribbon, is still a favorite among ribbon fans.

Candace has been teaching since 1983.