TUCKED AWAY IN Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, Hip Stitch celebrates New Mexico’s landscapes and icons, from hot-air-balloon-dotted skies to chile ristras. Sunlight pours through tall windows, brightening the shop filled with quilt-lined walls, Southwestern fabrics, fleeces, quilt patterns, sewing tools, and great company.

Toward the back of the shop, a classroom as bright and welcoming as founder Suzanne Kelly herself hums with laughter, conversation, and the steady rhythm of sewing machines. “New quilters are made to feel welcome,” she says. “Regulars and seasoned quilters can teach newbies something new.” 

Kelly opened Hip Stitch in 2008 with two friends and a dream. Although her friends have since moved on, Kelly has grown Hip Stitch into more than a fabric store. She calls it “a place for gathering, welcoming to those from all walks of life.” 

Colorful quilting display on a textured orange backdrop. Includes multicolored quilt, patterned bags, a stack of fabrics, buttons, and a jar.

1 Nanny’s buttons, $10; 2 Large quilt made with LoveMeLoveMeNot collection by Victoria Bright, $15 per yard; pattern cards start at $2; 3 Sample-sale tote, $25; 4 Fabric box pattern kit, $10; 5 Heritage collection strip roll by Jen Fox, $70; 6 Fat quarter bundle, Migration fabric collection by Jen Fox, $41; 7 Pouch made with Hip Stitch Celebrity Mugs fabric, $15 per yard; pattern, $4.50; 8 Fat quarter, Western Whimsy fabric collection by Elizabeth Webb, $15 per yard.

That vision thrives in a community driven by creativity, sustainability, and what Kelly calls “craftivism.” It inspired Hip Stitch’s newest initiative, ReCreate—a curated collection of unused fabrics donated by customers that’s resold at affordable prices.

The idea came after Kelly frequently heard customers complain that they had too much fabric. “ReCreate helps them unload, both in space and emotionally,” she says. “It’s keeping fabric out of the landfill.”

While Hip Stitch continues to evolve, expanding the garment department with locally designed fabrics and high-quality knits, it’s the community that keeps people coming back. “I often see customers run into someone they know or reunite with someone they haven’t seen in ages,” Kelly says. “You can make a new friend over a common love for the craft.”

Shop Hip Stitch at 2320 Wisconsin St. NE, in Albuquerque, and online at hipstitchabq.com.