The Thread Shed

Where Fabric Meets Friendship

On a quiet country lane outside Bremen, a remodeled buggy barn on the Borkholder property now serves as a haven for crafters and quilters. Inside, bolts of fabric line the walls — denim for sturdy work clothes, corduroy for pants, cotton for quilts, and both plain and patterned materials for dresses. At a long table near the front, Ruby Borkholder carefully folds each customer’s chosen fabric — measuring and preparing it with intention and care — in the welcoming space she calls The Thread Shed.

Borkholder opened her doors in October 2024 after recognizing a need close to home.

“We always had to travel far for our necessities — thread, fabric, the basics,” she says. “Some of the church ladies mentioned it would be helpful if someone opened a store, and I began to think we could do something like that.”

She began in a small bike shed near her kitchen. Before long, she moved into the buggy shed across the drive, where she and her family worked together to clean, paint, install lights and add fans to create a cheerful, welcoming space filled with color and conversation.

“It started as a hobby, but it’s become something more, something I look forward to every day,” she says.

Though she doesn’t have a website or social media, Borkholder’s word-of-mouth network stretches far beyond Bremen.

“Most of them have been local, but I’ve had customers from even California, when they came out to visit friends,” she says.

Most popular product?

“Definitely the denim,” Borkholder says. “The ladies love buying denim for the men in their families. Corduroy is a favorite, too.”

Her store centers on dress fabrics, quilting cotton, yarn and basic dry goods. She also stocks small surprises that bring comfort and cheer — from popcorn poppers to mixing bowls, plus other handy household items that make everyday life a little easier. Though she doesn’t carry yarn supplies, she’s happy to refer customers to another store in Plymouth for specialty items.

“Norwex cleaning supplies are also available — either for a quick gift or for your own use,” Borkholder adds. “I’ll gladly order more if we don’t have what you need. Norwex stands for Norwegian Experience and is an environmentally friendly way of cleaning without using harsh soap.”

While she may not offer formal sewing classes, Borkholder does host a monthly community gathering known as “Sit and Spin.” On the last Tuesday of each month, guests arrive with projects in hand — some with portable spinning wheels — and settle in for a long, relaxed afternoon of conversation and craft.

“We just gather and visit. It’s fun,” she says. “Some crochet, some hand-stitch mittens, or make quilts for the winter.”

The group often stays well into the afternoon, spinning stories alongside their yarn. There’s no fee, but guests often leave with new fabric or supplies. Coffee is brewed, and there’s almost always a baked treat to share — sometimes sticky buns, warm with brown sugar glaze.

“It’s just a place for togetherness,” Borkholder says.

When asked what advice she’d give to someone starting a winter project, Borkholder doesn’t hesitate.

“Don’t wait,” she says. “Life won’t wait. We all have the same hours of a day — it’s just how we arrange them. If something’s important, find time.”

The Thread Shed recently hosted a grand opening celebration in its newly renovated space. As a thank-you to customers, Borkholder offered a festive balloon pop at checkout. Each shopper revealed a surprise discount — 10%, 20% or even 30% off their total.

“One mother was so thrilled,” Borkholder says. “She had already seen her total, and when she popped that balloon and saw 30% off, her face lit up.”

Children are welcome, too — both during shopping visits and for Sit and Spin gatherings.

“One little girl was pushing a shopping cart she’d filled with things she liked,” Borkholder says, laughing. “Another played with a wind-up music box.”

There’s even a small selection of toys children can choose from to take home. Families feel welcome and at ease.

Friend and repeat customer Connie Kipfer says it best: “The Thread Shed is bright and cheerful, and Ruby makes you feel like you’ve been friends forever.”

That devotion to productivity and care carries into Borkholder’s home life as well. She and her husband raise calves, produce maple syrup in February and run a household powered entirely by a generator. Their nine children, ranging in age from 10 to 31, have all helped with chores, and the school-age children attend the local parochial school.

“Most of our girls learn to sew at a young age,” Borkholder says. “One who hadn’t sewn made a dress in just a couple of hours on a rainy day.”

Borkholder’s faith is central to her life and work. She finds comfort and strength in the Psalms and draws inspiration from the women around her. She welcomes strangers with warmth and learns something from everyone she meets.

When asked about her favorite part of running The Thread Shed, she smiles as she shares her response.

“Arranging the fabric — measuring, cutting, folding it into neat squares. I love to get it just right for someone,” Borkholder says.

She enjoys the feel of the fabric and finds satisfaction in creating sturdy, tidy stacks for customers to take home in the bags she provides. To Borkholder, it’s more than completing a purchase — it’s a way of showing care.

She is also supportive of her husband’s home business, Borkholder Metal Fab, which offers welding repair, custom metalwork and farm-related services throughout the area. As needed, Borkholder and the older children pitch in with the same hard-working spirit that defines their family’s way of life.

The Thread Shed offers the kind of qualities we could all use more of — connection, craftsmanship and the joy of slowing down. It’s a place where spinning yarn turns into storytelling, and fabric becomes part of something lasting.

Step inside, and you’ll understand why The Thread Shed is more than just a store — it’s where fabric meets friendship.

Want to Visit The Thread Shed? The store is located at 4663 Filbert Trail in Bremen, IN. You can give them a call at 574-397-2260.