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'Sew' long, farewell to 47-year business

Eileen Datt works on an item at her sewing machine. After 47 years in business, the Fabric Sewing Center in Slippery Rock, which Datt owned with her husband, will close.
Couple taught lessons, sold machines, materials

After 47 years in business, the Fabric Sewing Center, located at 537 New Castle Road in Slippery Rock, will close.

When the business first opened, Eileen and Willard “Red” Datt worked side by side. She taught people how to sew and repair clothing. He fixed sewing machines. Together, they also sold sewing machines, materials and equipment.

This weekend, the business will begin selling off its merchandise for the last time, organized by the couple’s daughters, Linda Hunter and Shirley Edmondson.

An official closing date has not been set.

“We’ve had a lot of people stop in because they took lessons here,” Hunter said. “They stopped just to say, ‘hi.’”

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Sunday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.

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