With so many reasons to fall in love with amazing designer upholstery, pillow, and drapery fabrics — that are 50-75% off their retail prices! — shopping at Modern Fabrics in Huntersville is an easy choice, and always a fun time.
As a delightful bonus, there’s also the welcoming smile and sunny outlook of store manager, Debra Worthy!
Celebrating her 10th anniversary with the company, she’s proud of her longevity with co-owners James and Ewa Powell, and thankful to be part of this unique business. Arriving at Modern Fabrics is not just about shopping, it’s more like visiting an old North Carolina vibe, making new friends, getting new ideas, and leaving inspired, both creatively and soulfully. Each fabric tells a different story, and each story leads to a great conversation with Debra!
Modern Fabrics sells textiles from the finest luxury furniture companies in the United States. These remnants saved from the cutting room floor would otherwise be discarded and headed straight for a landfill. The “thrill of the hunt” finds Ewa traveling far and wide to source the fabrics you find in the Huntersville location, and in the online store (modern-fabrics.com).
But it’s Debra who clients recognize first. She’s the one who folks visit for a friendly chat and some expert advice, and so it’s no surprise she has a strong bond with many repeat customers in search of fine fabrics and some good ‘ole North Carolina “visiting!”
“Beautiful fabrics were my first love as a kid,” says Debra. “My favorite class was always the one with the sewing machines.”
Being from Thomasville, NC, Debra has naturally always had a great appreciation for quality furniture and fabric, having grown up with family, friends, and neighbors who worked in the industry. Debra also spent “too many years” in financial services — her first career — before joining Modern Fabrics in 2013. Her accounting and financial perspective helped take Modern Fabrics to a more professional, and better organized level.
Now, she loves being able to greet people and say, “welcome to my colorful world of designer textiles, how can I help make your space more beautiful?”
After 10 years with the Modern Fabrics family, Debra loves selling fabric, but most of all, she values the friendships she’s made with customers, who feel more like friends.
“My best experiences here have been meeting new people, and even witnessing our customers share ideas with each other,” says Debra. “We provide a welcoming smile and inspiration, with the goal of an amazing shopping experience. It’s a pleasure to assist customers with their design projects, and help them find fabrics they’ll love at their home or business.”
Relocating the business from Charlotte to Huntersville has been a great transition for Modern Fabrics, continuing James and Ewa’s mission of sourcing designer textiles to customers, while helping save the environment. As Ewa is known to say: “Our company saves the earth, one yard of fabric at a time!” Every purchase of their designer textiles adds to the team’s reclaiming efforts, geared towards reducing waste. Modern Fabrics diverts over 150,000 yards of fabric from going into the landfill every year, and that’s over 85 miles of fabric!
Debra, Ewa, and James are all thrilled when customers share their before and after photos!
“I’ve seen so many beautiful DIY projects, and many hobbies have led to entrepreneurship! I love it!” adds Debra.
Debra is also happy to connect customers with expert workrooms in the Lake Norman area, and will happily walk you through the entire upholstery, pillow, or drapery-making process.
Come for inspiration soon, meet the team, and let Debra demonstrate her passion for fabrics and life! And don’t forget to share your DIY photos with them via email or social media. Modern Fabrics is located at 15435 NC-73, Huntersville, NC, 704-740-9676. Shop their online store at modern-fabrics.com, email service@modern-fabrics.com for more information, and follow them on Instagram @modernfabrics. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
