Sewists in New York’s Mid-Hudson River Valley region have a new local fabric shop, Beetle and Fred, in the town of Beacon. Katy Hope launched the shop last year around Thanksgiving on the town’s picturesque Main Street, overlooking the Hudson River and not far from the Dia:Beacon museum of modern art.

Katy has pulled together a small but exceptionally well curated collection of fabrics — like the Andover fabrics in the photo — as well as patterns, needle craft kits and books. Knitters will find yarn, and Katy says the shop will soon be expanding its selection.

Beetle and Fred offers sewing and knitting classes, including a recent sewing workshop for absolute beginners led by another Beacon local, vintage dressmaking guru Gretchen Hirsch, aka Gertie of Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing.

The shop has a friendly, welcoming feel, fostered by an open layout as well as by Katy herself. It’s the kind of shop that inspires you to take on new projects just by being there. On Thursday nights the shop stays open late for sewists and knitters to hang out and socialize while working on projects.

Get all the details on location, open times, and classes: Beetle and Fred.