2019 A Year in Review

As we wrap up the twenty-teens decade, we are reflecting on all the things 2019 has brought us. We feel incredibly fortunate, thankful for the people that surround us and the journey we are on together with this little shop.



This year saw the release of so many Fancy Tiger patterns and kits! Two new sewing patterns arrived—Hosta and Cordyline—which also debuted a more inclusive size range for our patterns.



In 2019 we also released a ton of new patterns, kits and free tutorials!



Cobertor Cap by Amber Corcoran  |  Stormy Seas Scarf by Dorian Owen  |  Thunder and Lightning Socks by Dawn Landix

Vivarium Pullover by Amber C for Pom Pom  |  Neighborhood Holiday Hat by Amber C



New colorways of Fancy Tiger Punch Needle Kits  |  Halloween Dog Collar by Negley Garrett  |  A Pizza My Quilt block by Amber C for Row x Row

Modern Vibes Quilt by Amber C for Quilt Sampler  |  Denim Apron by Jaime Jennings

Womxn's Work Embroidery Flash Sheet by Kaylee Lockhart and Lauren Wright  |  Knitting Needle Minder by Amber C  |  Holiday Table Runner and Hexagon Centerpiece by Rae Gronmark



This year we were honored to be visited by so many beloved guest instructors. We brought back several of our favorite teachers, and were visited by new folks, too. Here are some of the amazing instructions that came to teach at Fancy Tiger: Norma Loehr of Orange Lingerie, Lauren Taylor of Lladybird, Arounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou, Melissa Quaal of A Happy Stitch, Kimberly Payne of Straight Stitch Designs, Jennifer Wiese, Stace Fulwiler, Ellie Lum of Klum House, Lisa Solomon, Anne Weil, and Kelli Ward of True Bias.



This year we hosted a KAL for our own Amber Corcoran's Vivarium Pullover pattern, published in Pom Pom magazine. This lovely colorwork sweater had us all working on our colorwork knitting techniques, and then bravely steeking our handknits together! These knit-alongs are such a great way to learn and share knowledge, and it’s so fun to see how everyone’s color choices work up into beautiful, unique sweaters.



One of the highlights of the year was a visit to Rajasthan, where Jaime and Amber learned about the hand block-printed fabric made there for centuries at workshops in locally owned workshop spaces in Bagru. We learned about the natural dyes used and were able to try the techniques of block printing and mud resist. We also practiced our block carving techniques with Jen Hewett. Enamoured with the beautiful fabrics, we brought back a limited quantity of handmade Indian fabrics.



We are especially proud of some of the socially and ecologically responsible things we have accomplished this year as a business—including becoming a Certifiably Green Denver business, offering health care and 401k to our staff, and being a member of 1% For The Planet. We became 100% wind powered. We updated our shipping department to the most earth friendly supplies, with features such as FSC certified, recycled, recyclable, non-plastic, US made, compostable and tapes with plant-derived adhesives. In September we had our first ever staff retreat where we spent a day with a Diversity and Inclusion trainer to help us address our biases and work to be more inclusive. We are excited to continue work in all of these areas in 2020.



Thanks to all our customers, and our amazing staff and instructors for making 2019 a spectacular year. We’re already working hard on making 2020 a year full of new skills to learn, crafty people to meet, and beautiful things to make!