Everybody has a happy place. I mean a physical place they go to where they get that happy feeling and goose bumps all over. Mine is Joann Fabrics, at least until the end of May. I have two more months to spend there. I am not sure how to savor these precious last moments, except maybe to visit my local store weekly to browse the aisles that have inspired me for decades.
I may appear a tad dramatic, but if you haven’t heard they are going out of business. It is quite devastating for us who still appreciated shopping for craft supplies, sewing equipment and fabric in a brick-and-mortar store. Unfortunately, they were one of the last options for this experience. Here are a few things I will miss about Joann’s.
Casa Collection Fabrics
This collection of special occasion fabrics was designed and produced exclusively for Joann Fabrics. It consisted of satins, lace, crepe, sheer and chiffons in every shade you can imagine. It was a dream to make gowns for bridesmaids, wedding and prom using these fabrics. I was able to give many clients a wide range of colors of match their wedding color scheme to a tee.
The Sewing Center
I bought my very first sewing machine at the sewing center in my local store in. I think that is what the area dedicated to sewing machine was called. There, a wonderful lady who knew everything about sewing machines helped me choose my brand-new Singer. She helped me with setting up the machine for sewing. It was also an area stocked with every machine accessory you would need. This personal touch will be missed.
The Pattern Table
I have said often that the best way to become an expert sewer is to use commercial sewing patterns. The cutting layouts and sewing directions provide a step-by-step tutorial on garment construction. At the pattern table there are books that you can use to browse hundreds of patterns. Commercial patterns can be pricey, so I always timed the $1.99 sales whenever they came around. At full price the most affordable option is New Look.
The Knowledgeable Staff the Cutting Counter
Staff at the cutting table were a great help when I wasn’t sure how much fabric I needed for a project. Other times I had questions about how to launder or clean it after use. Often, they asked what you were making and validated your choice making you feel good about the project you were taking on.
The Button Selection
The store had a great button selection. All types and shades of buttons for any and every sewing project you could imagine.
The Trim Selection
Fabric trims are used to decorate garments. They consist of lace, piping, bias binding, fringe, ribbons, tassels, and applique just to name a few. The store had an extensive selection of these.
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