A Fresh Start
Word spreads quickly in a small town like Imperial. But in case you haven’t heard, the local fabric store will soon have a new owner.
Prior’s New Generation Fabrics will remain at its current location on Main Street. However, the business already has a new name, Good Life Fabrics, and Samie Johnson of Champion is tailoring things to fit her vision.
“…It’s starting to look good,” Johnson posted on Facebook recently. “We’re still open so if you can get past the mess, you’re more than welcome to come in and check out what we’re doing.”
Exciting Changes in Store
So far, Johnson has done quite a bit. She’s met with a sales rep and ordered new fabric, purchased and set up a new cash register and inventory system, and started updating the layout of the store.
“Man, it’s going to look so cool when it’s done,” said Good Life Fabrics employee Stacy Towns. Towns has been helping move everything around and has heard from many people in the community about how much they value having such a resource close by.
Towns added that the store feels open and welcoming with a good flow, thanks to Johnson’s setup. “She’s got a fresh vision for it.”
From Graphic Design to Fabric Dreams
Owning and running a fabric store wasn’t always part of Johnson’s plan. In April 2023, she said just wanted to try something new. She was looking for more of a craft/hobby job and something she could enjoy more of.
But how did a graphic designer land on quilting, sewing and eventually working at Prior’s? Johnson explained it like this.
“I had been listening to an audiobook, and it said you wouldn’t buy a bakery just because you like to bake. You’ll want to start working at a bakery and see if you like the work. So I just started thinking of things I liked doing for fun.”
As many people did during Covid, Johnson dusted off her sewing machine to make masks, rediscovering her passion for sewing. Then she started with her first quilt and got “sucked up” into the hobby. A few months later she joined the local quilt guild and walked into Prior’s to see if they needed help.
Community and Craft: Strengthening Local Ties
Johnson’s not the only one who’s been sucked into the hobby though. Towns said quilting is actually pretty popular and there are an estimated 25 members in the local quilt guild.
“I have an addiction to fabric,” she said, “so it’s my favorite hangout.”
That’s exactly what Johnson is hoping for… to make the store a place where all ages can come and learn a new skill or practice a hobby they already enjoy. She’s planning to hold classes at Good Life Fabrics and won’t just carry sewing supplies but also yarn for knitting and crocheting. She’ll continue to carry that, and will provide services like scissor sharpening.
A Vision for the Future
Johnson is looking forward to doing camps, lock-in style events and open sewing. She’s participating in a Kansas and Nebraska Shop Hop this April and possibly another in November for Nebraska quilt shop owners.
“I want kids to feel comfortable coming in and starting a new hobby,” she said. “I want anyone interested in trying sewing to test out a machine.”
Customers will eventually be able to purchase items online. Johnson has launched a new website, expanded the store’s hours, and is planning to establish a larger social media presence. The store’s Facebook page is currently still running under Prior’s business name, but updates are posted regularly. Anyone wanting to learn more can visit Good Life Fabrics, or call the store at 308-882-5516.