Celebrating 60 Years of Creativity: Colorado Springs Fabric Store Unveils Exciting New Legacy

Welcome to Mill Outlet Fabric Shop, a treasure trove of fabric that has something for everyone. From solid linens and lace trims to scuba fabric and terry cloth, there are over 12,000 square feet of unique fabrics waiting for creativity to thrive.

This month marks a special celebration: the shop’s 60th anniversary. Opened in 1965, it has seen three owners and continues to be a favorite in Colorado Springs.

Natalie Mielke, the current owner, took over in 2021. She is passionate about reviving the store, which she described as needing some serious love and care. “The store was really run down and dirty,” she shared. With the help of her daughter, Tiffany Morin, and a dedicated team, they have cleaned, organized, and updated the shop. Each employee now specializes in different crafts, allowing them to provide excellent service tailored to customers’ needs.

Mielke loves offering fabrics that you won’t find anywhere else. With over 3,000 buttons and a variety of eccentric drapery and materials, customers come seeking unique items for various projects. From teachers looking for classroom supplies to cosplayers seeking specific textures, the diversity in shoppers makes every day exciting.

Many customers travel from states like Texas and Montana just to browse Mill Outlet. One customer even plans her vacations just to visit! Mielke finds this incredibly heartwarming, stating, “It’s great to see people return after years and share their memories of the shop.”

This year, in addition to their vast fabric selection, they’ve started offering workshops focused on quilting and sewing, making it more than just a store – it’s a community. Local crafters often view it as a staple, and Mielke is committed to keeping it alive for many generations to come.

When the time comes for Mielke to retire, her vision is to pass the shop down to her daughter, with hopes that her granddaughters will also carry on the family legacy. “We want to keep the spirit alive for the next 100 years,” she said, ensuring that Mill Outlet remains a beloved local treasure.