Nancy Arnold has moved her business out of her garage in Eldorado and opened Santa Fe Fabrics in a retail space at 533 Cordova Road, right next to Marisco's La Playa restaurant.

She offers a wide array of natural fabrics imported from around the world, ranging from Japanese silk and African prints to bamboo, wool and hemp.

"We're getting more all the time," she said.

Arnold has enjoyed a warm welcome from Santa Feans.

"There's a big demand because come to find out, everybody in Santa Fe uses fabric in one way or another," Arnold said, mentioning those who take part in Fiestas de Santa Fe and need new costumes, Native Americans making new dance outfits, and "lots of artists."

There's also work being done for the movies that require fabrics, Arnold said.

The store is on the small side — 1,100 square feet — and people are already asking for sewing classes, similar to those that used to be held at Eva's Bridal Boutique and Formal Wear, Arnold said. "I need to figure out how to make a classroom here."

It may be a tough time to start a new business, but there are advantages to doing so at a time like this. "I have good rent and good bargains on fabrics," Arnold said.

Santa Fe Fabrics is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, visit santafefabrics.com or call 988-5888 or 699-9884.


IronstoneBank has hired veteran local bankers Patricia Murray and David Blackman in Santa Fe.

Murray has joined IronStone as a business development specialist and will focus on continuing to build and develop business and personal relationships.

She has more than 40 years of experience in banking and most recently worked at First Community Bank.

Blackman has joined IronStone as a business banker for the Santa Fe market. His duties primarily focus on developing business relationships.

He has 28 years of banking experience in the community and worked most recently at First Community Bank.


Kokopelli Property Management recently acquired GMAC Real Estate.

The acquisition adds more than 50 new Santa Fe properties to Kokopelli's portfolio of homes in the
Santa Fe area.

Kokopelli manages properties in various sizes and styles, ranging from traditional adobe to modern dwellings.

For more information, call 505-988-7244.