Are Any Other Sewers, Crafters, Scrapbookers, and Hobbyists Who Are Sad That JoAnn's Fabric is Closing?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I felt an immense sadness when I read about JoAnn Fabrics closing.

I started learning to sew when I was a kid in 4-H (does ANYONE participate in 4-H anymore?!) and so it was always a staple store throughout my life. Although I've had a very love/hate, on-again/off-again relationship with sewing (it's not so much the sewing I hate, but rather, the fitting,) going to JoAnn's was a vital part of both my creative and my mental health.

I loved going into their stores and being surrounded by an atmosphere of color and creativity. I loved looking at the various tools and trademarks of a myriad of different hobbies I've never tried, but still find fascinating. I loved that there was always something new to look at or learn.

And when it comes to fabrics, unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area that has specialized shops, JoAnn's was really the only place to go. Trying to plan for a project without actually seeing and touching the fabric first is (to me at least,) is like trying to cook your best fresh gourmet meal without being able to buy your own produce in person.

Online shopping for projects where color, texture, and tactile senses are crucial just doesn't cut the mustard.

I recently went to my local JoAnn's as a final goodbye, lamenting all the things we are losing as retail moves yet another vital segment of life into the digital world.

But most of all, I feel sorry for have built businesses and livelihoods from their God-given talents, relying on places like JoAnn's to supply what they need.

* Is anyone else out there experiencing this?

* What alternatives do you have and where do you plan to shop instead?

* Do you have any tips for shopping online? I find it impossible to be able to gauge a fabrics, weight, texture, true color, stability and stretch online, and many online stores don't offer samples, as well as having nearly impossible return policies.

Sure, there's Michael's, but they really don't have much for sewers, and Hobby Lobby (at least in my area) has been replacing a large chunk of their sewing space with home furnishings.

* Where do all my fellow crafty and artistic people plan to go for their supplies, and do you have any tips for shopping online?

 

[MsMediator]

I do not shop for fabrics. However I've seen in some ethnic neighborhoods such as Indian or Asian stores there are more fabric shops to create clothing, curtains, etc. If you want a foreign pattern, it is good to visit those neighborboods.

 

[HeIsHere]

Hey Everyone,

I felt an immense sadness when I read about JoAnn Fabrics closing.

I started learning to sew when I was a kid in 4-H (does ANYONE participate in 4-H anymore?!) and so it was always a staple store throughout my life. Although I've had a very love/hate, on-again/off-again relationship with sewing (it's not so much the sewing I hate, but rather, the fitting,) going to JoAnn's was a vital part of both my creative and my mental health.

I loved going into their stores and being surrounded by an atmosphere of color and creativity. I loved looking at the various tools and trademarks of a myriad of different hobbies I've never tried, but still find fascinating. I loved that there was always something new to look at or learn.

And when it comes to fabrics, unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area that has specialized shops, JoAnn's was really the only place to go. Trying to plan for a project without actually seeing and touching the fabric first is (to me at least,) is like trying to cook your best fresh gourmet meal without being able to buy your own produce in person.

Online shopping for projects where color, texture, and tactile senses are crucial just doesn't cut the mustard.

I recently went to my local JoAnn's as a final goodbye, lamenting all the things we are losing as retail moves yet another vital segment of life into the digital world.

But most of all, I feel sorry for have built businesses and livelihoods from their God-given talents, relying on places like JoAnn's to supply what they need.

* Is anyone else out there experiencing this?

* What alternatives do you have and where do you plan to shop instead?

* Do you have any tips for shopping online? I find it impossible to be able to gauge a fabrics, weight, texture, true color, stability and stretch online, and many online stores don't offer samples, as well as having nearly impossible return policies.

Sure, there's Michael's, but they really don't have much for sewers, and Hobby Lobby (at least in my area) has been replacing a large chunk of their sewing space with home furnishings.

* Where do all my fellow crafty and artistic people plan to go for their supplies, and do you have any tips for shopping online?

You may need to take a trip to Canada then and go to Fabric Land, I would say the same as JoAnn's, unless it closes too, that would make me very sad.

We also do have the odd independent local fabric store, somehow knowing the USA that may not be likely.

 

[Magenta]

I learned to sew at home and through home ec at school... and always wish I had been able
to keep it up, but a sewing machine in an apartment with little to no extra space is unfeasible...
I still remember a particular blouse and skirt I made... haha, believe it or not, they were not purple.
The skirt was a pleated navy blue mini with an embossed pattern, and the blouse was a thin creamy
white material with a delicately subtle lovely blue floral pattern throughout. DressSew would be
a whole lot richer if I had not had to give up sewing as a hobby LOL.

 

[bluejean_bible]

2/25
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/money/a63755517/joann-fabrics-stores-closing/

They're closing all stores and filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

This is so sad. It feels so warm and comforting to walk into that store. All those bolts of fabric . So many ideas for clothes,crafts.

It makes no sense how we're losing brick and mortar stores across America.

When Toys R Us closed that also made no sense. Children are tactile. They want to go with their parents into a toy store and touch the teddy bear,play with the toys.

Looking at one dimensional pictures of teddy bears, Legos, and such, isn't the same thing. It's almost clinical. Rather than immersive.

So sad. Goodbye Jo-Ann. You shall be greatly missed.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Hey Everyone,

I felt an immense sadness when I read about JoAnn Fabrics closing.

I started learning to sew when I was a kid in 4-H (does ANYONE participate in 4-H anymore?!) and so it was always a staple store throughout my life. Although I've had a very love/hate, on-again/off-again relationship with sewing (it's not so much the sewing I hate, but rather, the fitting,) going to JoAnn's was a vital part of both my creative and my mental health.

I loved going into their stores and being surrounded by an atmosphere of color and creativity. I loved looking at the various tools and trademarks of a myriad of different hobbies I've never tried, but still find fascinating. I loved that there was always something new to look at or learn.

And when it comes to fabrics, unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area that has specialized shops, JoAnn's was really the only place to go. Trying to plan for a project without actually seeing and touching the fabric first is (to me at least,) is like trying to cook your best fresh gourmet meal without being able to buy your own produce in person.

Online shopping for projects where color, texture, and tactile senses are crucial just doesn't cut the mustard.

I recently went to my local JoAnn's as a final goodbye, lamenting all the things we are losing as retail moves yet another vital segment of life into the digital world.

But most of all, I feel sorry for have built businesses and livelihoods from their God-given talents, relying on places like JoAnn's to supply what they need.

* Is anyone else out there experiencing this?

* What alternatives do you have and where do you plan to shop instead?

* Do you have any tips for shopping online? I find it impossible to be able to gauge a fabrics, weight, texture, true color, stability and stretch online, and many online stores don't offer samples, as well as having nearly impossible return policies.

Sure, there's Michael's, but they really don't have much for sewers, and Hobby Lobby (at least in my area) has been replacing a large chunk of their sewing space with home furnishings.

* Where do all my fellow crafty and artistic people plan to go for their supplies, and do you have any tips for shopping online?

I always enjoyed stopping at the Joanns off the interstate in a different city. I would often stop to see if there were any new fabrics for hiking gear. The stores within an hour of here cater to quilters so it's hard to come by outdoor fabric and additional shipping on orders. Hopefully the person on the phone isn't passing off seconds as flawless. I've had that happen with places like .......
On second thought, I'll leave their name off. I don't want to send them any business by accident.

Right now, Im making a car cover.
Instead of buying an unaffordable one ready made to break down in the sun early summer, I'm making it myself.

I found new heavy polyester coated curtains and a king size bed sheet set brand new in the zippered package at a thrift store. They match and I have just enough fabric from them for my project. It cost a fraction of what a car cover costs, will look the same and function the same until I sell the car. The top are the heavy curtains that will hold up to the most intense sun. I don't know but they might even have a UV block chemical.
The fitted sheets have elastic to wrap the back and front ends. The flat sheets will fill the sides. The pillow cases seams can be ripped resewn and used to cover the wheels.

I don't think I can find anything better at a raw goods fabric on the roll type store for this price that would be better.
How did I find the fabric?
I knew that the thrift store rarely sells bed sheets. I prayed and asked our Father for this in neutral grey.
He made sure it got there when I would be there.

Well, I have a third of it done and happy to see your new thread when I took my dinner break!

The Lord will provide in interesting ways to meet our needs.

 

[Lynx]

Although I am not a sewer or a crafter, I do sympathize. I felt the same when RadioShack started disappearing. I enjoyed being able to go to the next town over and look through a whole flipping wall of audio adapters, and find the ones that fit what I needed.

 

[Lynx]

Now, having said that I sympathize...

https://www.gocomics.com/pickles/2024/07/01

 

[HopeinHim98]

Yes! It's so sad! I'm an avid seamstress, and although I haven't shopped at Joann's much, it's still sad.

Wal-Mart used to have a decent selection but no more! And hobby lobby is kinda sparse too.

If you live around Amish and Mennonites you tend to see a lot more mom and pop type fabric stores. Those are fun to shop at. We don't have many in our area tho.

I love looking for clearance deals at hobby lobby. I tend to buy fabric I don't need if it's a good price and something I like. Cuz I might use it someday lol.

I just started a sewing class in my area and actually went to one of our closest Joann's to see if there were any good deals. There were lots of sales, but not any really amazing ones. I'm hoping eventually they'll have all fabric 70% off or something!

Sewing is a dying art, probably partly why they're unable to cut it financially. I'm so excited to help revive it in my corner of creation! We had 9 students at our first lesson yesterday and it was so cool to see the interest and excitement of the girls and ladies!

 

[bluejean_bible]

Will there be any stores open in the USA come 2030?

Major US retailers set to close stores in 2025: Macys, Best Buy, Victoria Secret, JCPenney
https://fox40.com/news/local-news/m...2025-macys-best-buy-victoria-secret-jcpenney/

 

[Magenta]

Sewing is a dying art, probably partly why they're unable to cut it financially.

Was that a pun?

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

Hey Everyone,

I felt an immense sadness when I read about JoAnn Fabrics closing.

I started learning to sew when I was a kid in 4-H (does ANYONE participate in 4-H anymore?!) and so it was always a staple store throughout my life. Although I've had a very love/hate, on-again/off-again relationship with sewing (it's not so much the sewing I hate, but rather, the fitting,) going to JoAnn's was a vital part of both my creative and my mental health.

I loved going into their stores and being surrounded by an atmosphere of color and creativity. I loved looking at the various tools and trademarks of a myriad of different hobbies I've never tried, but still find fascinating. I loved that there was always something new to look at or learn.

And when it comes to fabrics, unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area that has specialized shops, JoAnn's was really the only place to go. Trying to plan for a project without actually seeing and touching the fabric first is (to me at least,) is like trying to cook your best fresh gourmet meal without being able to buy your own produce in person.

Online shopping for projects where color, texture, and tactile senses are crucial just doesn't cut the mustard.

I recently went to my local JoAnn's as a final goodbye, lamenting all the things we are losing as retail moves yet another vital segment of life into the digital world.

But most of all, I feel sorry for have built businesses and livelihoods from their God-given talents, relying on places like JoAnn's to supply what they need.

* Is anyone else out there experiencing this?

* What alternatives do you have and where do you plan to shop instead?

* Do you have any tips for shopping online? I find it impossible to be able to gauge a fabrics, weight, texture, true color, stability and stretch online, and many online stores don't offer samples, as well as having nearly impossible return policies.

Sure, there's Michael's, but they really don't have much for sewers, and Hobby Lobby (at least in my area) has been replacing a large chunk of their sewing space with home furnishings.

* Where do all my fellow crafty and artistic people plan to go for their supplies, and do you have any tips for shopping online?

I do all sorts of crafts. Haven't settled on just one yet. lol I have a store that has started selling my work since Christmas. I've had to get everything off Amazon. I use to shop Jo's when I did cross-stitch. But my eyes are letting me down here lately and I'd be cross eyed trying to do that work now. I remember when I lived in Canada we would come across the border to shop there, we had nothing like it in our town. A lot of fond memories. It's sad to see it go.

 

[blueluna5]

It's sad but it's understandable as well. Businesses make so many mistakes. My husband owns a business so we typically figure out which ones won't make it and why.

Businesses are biblical. The saying "the customer is always right" arose from successful businesses. You need to think people above money. Then the money will come.... it's a spiritual law.

The problem with Joann fabric is their prices. Even going out of business they have a 20% sale price. 😆 what?? My husband and I went in there and walked right out. So when you tick your customers off you go under. Money is useless if it means more than people.

If you offer something high quality and personalized people will pay more. But if you're going to just dropshift products from temu and aliexpress and overcharge to retail price people are done with it.

But it does suck obviously. Typical corporate greed. They could possibly start an online store, but they would have to lower prices.

 

[HopeinHim98]

It's sad but it's understandable as well. Businesses make so many mistakes. My husband owns a business so we typically figure out which ones won't make it and why.

Businesses are biblical. The saying "the customer is always right" arose from successful businesses. You need to think people above money. Then the money will come.... it's a spiritual law.

The problem with Joann fabric is their prices. Even going out of business they have a 20% sale price. 😆 what?? My husband and I went in there and walked right out. So when you tick your customers off you go under. Money is useless if it means more than people.

If you offer something high quality and personalized people will pay more. But if you're going to just dropshift products from temu and aliexpress and overcharge to retail price people are done with it.

But it does suck obviously. Typical corporate greed. They could possibly start an online store, but they would have to lower prices.

Don't wanna derail here, but makes me think of a story I heard recently of a man in the world 1860s who revolutionized retail by following biblical principals. (And was very successful in the process) John Wanamaker I think his name was.

 

[ATSTD]

No. I prefer Hobby Lobby. It's a Christian Company and they really do hobby/arts&craft stores right. I went there for the first time a few months ago and they had certain stuff there that I haven't seen since the 90's. Remember those "oil bubbles in water, hourglass maze toys?" They had that and pretty much everything you can buy at JoAnne's and Michaels arts and crafts. The Hobby Lobby I went to was as big as like a Walmart Super Center and they had super cheap prices on quality items. I haven't had so much fun at a store, almost since it was the 90's.

 

[seoulsearch]

Yes! It's so sad! I'm an avid seamstress, and although I haven't shopped at Joann's much, it's still sad.

Wal-Mart used to have a decent selection but no more! And hobby lobby is kinda sparse too.

If you live around Amish and Mennonites you tend to see a lot more mom and pop type fabric stores. Those are fun to shop at. We don't have many in our area tho.

I love looking for clearance deals at hobby lobby. I tend to buy fabric I don't need if it's a good price and something I like. Cuz I might use it someday lol.

I just started a sewing class in my area and actually went to one of our closest Joann's to see if there were any good deals. There were lots of sales, but not any really amazing ones. I'm hoping eventually they'll have all fabric 70% off or something!

Sewing is a dying art, probably partly why they're unable to cut it financially. I'm so excited to help revive it in my corner of creation! We had 9 students at our first lesson yesterday and it was so cool to see the interest and excitement of the girls and ladies!

May God bless you for passing on this valuable skill to others!

Do you use commercial patterns or do you draft your own?

One big thing I'll miss about JoAnn's was being able to buy patterns for only a couple dollars when they were on sale, seeing as the regular prices ($20+ per pattern) were outrageous. I have a friend who is an amazing self-taught seamstress and she drafts everything from scratch. I don't have that kind of talent, so I sure am glad I've held on to a few boxes of patterns I bought decades ago. Who knows where you'll be able to buy them now -- and it makes me wonder if the pattern companies will go out of business as, too. JoAnn's was the only one who carried names other than just Simplicity, which was everywhere. I loved going through the Burda, Vogue, New Look, and lesser-known catalogs for creative detail ideas.

I hate the trend of digital patterns because having to print out 40 sheets of paper on your printer and then trying to tape them all together into a usable pattern sounds like a nightmare to me.

I will also miss their large notion section, which was second to none (for non-sewers, this was basically a huge section of newfangled gadgets to make various tasks easier.) While I know most quilters can probably miter corners in their sleep, the only time I did this was when making a collar, etc., so I appreciated going in and looking at the newest inventions that made these steps less of a chore.

Thank you Lord, for our time with this memorable retail chain, and I pray you will lead us to support other businesses you want to succeed.

Right now, Im making a car cover. Instead of buying an unaffordable one ready made to break down in the sun early summer, I'm making it myself. The Lord will provide in interesting ways to meet our needs.

Your projects always sound exciting, HH!! What an incredible talent you have -- please keep us updated on how this goes.

Thank you for the reminder that God will provide for us in any condition, no matter what happens.

I have a muslin (test/practice run) of a blouse laid out on my floor right now, and I'm already praying and asking where God wants me to look when I need more fabric and supplies.

 

[HopeinHim98]

May God bless you for passing on this valuable skill to others!

Do you use commercial patterns or do you draft your own?

One big thing I'll miss about JoAnn's was being able to buy patterns for only a couple dollars when they were on sale, seeing as the regular prices ($20+ per pattern) were outrageous. I have a friend who is an amazing self-taught seamstress and she drafts everything from scratch. I don't have that kind of talent, so I sure am glad I've held on to a few boxes of patterns I bought decades ago. Who knows where you'll be able to buy them now -- and it makes me wonder if the pattern companies will go out of business as, too. JoAnn's was the only one who carried names other than just Simplicity, which was everywhere. I loved going through the Burda, Vogue, New Look, and lesser-known catalogs for creative detail ideas.

I hate the trend of digital patterns because having to print out 40 sheets of paper on your printer and then trying to tape them all together into a usable pattern sounds like a nightmare to me.

I will also miss their large notion section, which was second to none (for non-sewers, this was basically a huge section of newfangled gadgets to make various tasks easier.) While I know most quilters can probably miter corners in their sleep, the only time I did this was when making a collar, etc., so I appreciated going in and looking at the newest inventions that made these steps less of a chore.

Thank you Lord, for our time with this memorable retail chain, and I pray you will lead us to support other businesses you want to succeed.



Your projects always sound exciting, HH!! What an incredible talent you have -- please keep us updated on how this goes.

Thank you for the reminder that God will provide for us in any condition, no matter what happens.

I have a muslin (test/practice run) of a blouse laid out on my floor right now, and I'm already praying and asking where God wants me to look when I need more fabric and supplies.

I use patterns but sometimes draft my own. I love designing so for myself I'll often use my pattern for a foundation and create something unique with it.

Yes! Notions! Seems I'm often losing something or breaking needles or running low on something so I need the notions section.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

May God bless you for passing on this valuable skill to others!

Do you use commercial patterns or do you draft your own?

One big thing I'll miss about JoAnn's was being able to buy patterns for only a couple dollars when they were on sale, seeing as the regular prices ($20+ per pattern) were outrageous. I have a friend who is an amazing self-taught seamstress and she drafts everything from scratch. I don't have that kind of talent, so I sure am glad I've held on to a few boxes of patterns I bought decades ago. Who knows where you'll be able to buy them now -- and it makes me wonder if the pattern companies will go out of business as, too. JoAnn's was the only one who carried names other than just Simplicity, which was everywhere. I loved going through the Burda, Vogue, New Look, and lesser-known catalogs for creative detail ideas.

I hate the trend of digital patterns because having to print out 40 sheets of paper on your printer and then trying to tape them all together into a usable pattern sounds like a nightmare to me.

I will also miss their large notion section, which was second to none (for non-sewers, this was basically a huge section of newfangled gadgets to make various tasks easier.) While I know most quilters can probably miter corners in their sleep, the only time I did this was when making a collar, etc., so I appreciated going in and looking at the newest inventions that made these steps less of a chore.

Thank you Lord, for our time with this memorable retail chain, and I pray you will lead us to support other businesses you want to succeed.



Your projects always sound exciting, HH!! What an incredible talent you have -- please keep us updated on how this goes.

Thank you for the reminder that God will provide for us in any condition, no matter what happens.

I have a muslin (test/practice run) of a blouse laid out on my floor right now, and I'm already praying and asking where God wants me to look when I need more fabric and supplies.

I have a difficult time with light fabrics. Yours might be heavy enough and well textured. I've found that white tissue paper that was at the Family Dollar Tree had lots of long precut sheets in a package. It was with the party supplies. There are good YouTube instructions on use. It's turned a frustrating experience into a merely difficult one. 😄

I think that was another answer to prayer after searching with no success. Just wanted to pass it forward for avid seamstresses/ taylors like yourselves.

 

[HopeinHim98]

I have a difficult time with light fabrics. Yours might be heavy enough and well textured. I've found that white tissue paper that was at the Family Dollar Tree had lots of long precut sheets in a package. It was with the party supplies. There are good YouTube instructions on use. It's turned a frustrating experience into a merely difficult one. 😄

I think that was another answer to prayer after searching with no success. Just wanted to pass it forward for avid seamstresses/ taylors like yourselves.

You mean you use the tissue paper for drafting patterns? At the chicken farms we worked on they had these rolls of tissue paper they would lay out under the water lines cuz apparently the chicks liked the rustling sound and it attracted them to the water. Anyway at the last farm they didn't bother using that system anymore but had a leftover roll from former days. We adopted it lol and it works great for copying patterns. It's the same thickness of tissue paper which is great cuz you can see thru it.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

You mean you use the tissue paper for drafting patterns? At the chicken farms we worked on they had these rolls of tissue paper they would lay out under the water lines cuz apparently the chicks liked the rustling sound and it attracted them to the water. Anyway at the last farm they didn't bother using that system anymore but had a leftover roll from former days. We adopted it lol and it works great for copying patterns. It's the same thickness of tissue paper which is great cuz you can see thru it.

I think mine is too light to write on (maybe felt tip, nut sure), but would be easy to use a tracing wheel thru. I have a very heavy mil / thick pliable crystal clear plastic for patterns if I start production.
The tissue paper is white because I don't want the dye to transfer.
It is the kind for lightly wrapping gifts before they're sent or delivered. A while back I spent hours online to find the information, but now it's readily available with the best, short vid here .

Basic:

This information is valuable when you are working with fine textiles or dresses.

I was in the process of providing a dress maker/ taylorette, (wedding and prom dresses mostly), a store and shop one year. There were all the special high dollar industrial machines she'd ever want for any project from sheer up to cow hide available for asking.
For all the fine dresses she made and altered, there were some major challenges because she did not know this important pro tip. She had an easy yoke available if she chose differently. It wasn't just a pro tip but a cup that runneth over with everything, so to speak.

30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Advanced for stretchy knits: