Hello! There is so much to experience here. Take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about the Big River experince.
Thank you for visiting our site and take a moment to drop us a line.
To make quilting/fabric appointment with Carl Hentsch of 3 Dog Design Company, please use the email form below.
Big River is an eclectic conceptual design shoppe that was uniquely developed by Matt Roberts and that offers a world market flair with a touch of Asian and European influence through Turkish lighting, home décor and fine gifts. Roberts supports Fair Trade artists and searches all across the globe to find unique and inspiring treasures, as well as supports local and Iowan artisans. Big River carries giftware including candles, cards, jewelry, handbags, naural soaps; as well as oils.
Big River is your Turkish lamp destination importing lamps directly from a well-known artist in Instanbul, Turkey. We are the ONLY "original" Turkish lamp dealer in the Mid-West, so be leary of the attempted kock-offs floating on the internet and in nearby establishments. With our Instanbul connection, we are able to customize most shapes and sizes, as well as color, to fit your zen space.
In addition to a gift shop, BRF&G is a full-line fabric store highlighting modern fabrics including Free Spirit, Alexander Henry, and Tula Pink. We are the home of 3 Dog Design Company developed by Carl Hentsch and offer his patterns and books. BRF&G is a proud member of the Iowa Quilt Network. Please send us a message to book Carl for quilting workshops, classes, and lectures.
UPDATE (4/1/2023):
A while coming, it is with a heavy heart that Carl and I have decided to permanently close the storefront of Big River Fabric and Gift Company summer 2023 (official date will be determined by the sale of our building). We will be transitioning our business strategy into trade, craft, art, and quilting shows throughout Iowa. This is how we started Big Yellow and Big River before Covid and miss doing shows.
With this being determined, our inventory will not be renewed, and we will slowly be discounting our items. If you have seen something you wished for, now is the time to claim it. We will not be ordering any new product or accepting new consignment items for the shop. What you see is what we have.
Carl will still operate 3 Dog Design Company for quilting classes and workshops while he works independently with fabric companies designing patterns. He will be available by appointment after we officially close our doors. Information on his classes and workshops, as well as his online store for fabric and supplies can be found at www.3dogdesigncompany.com.
Our building and property IS for sale. Please pass the word along and contact us for any information. We are currently interviewing agencies to take on the sale of the property and building.
Thank you for a wonderful year and a half in downtown Ottumwa! We appreciate your support and encouragement throughout the months ahead.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Big River Fabric & Gift Co Receives 2022 Best of Ottumwa Award
OTTUMWA September 8, 2022 -- Big River Fabric & Gift Co has been selected for the 2022 Best of Ottumwa Award in the Gift Shop category by the Ottumwa Award Program.
Each year, the Ottumwa Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Ottumwa area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Ottumwa Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Ottumwa Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About Ottumwa Award Program
The Ottumwa Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Ottumwa area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Ottumwa Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
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