I'm a planner but I had to go to one of the big box stores because I needed some supplies in a hurry. My projects are usually well thought out and everything acquired before I start. However, this project was a whim. See I'm allowing myself a little latitude with my sewing now to make it more enjoyable and less structured.
Anyway, because it was later in the day, my choices are Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby or in my world the dreaded Joanns. I avoid Wal-Mart like the plague because of the crowds. I'm still Covid shy around a lot of people especially people who are no longer required to wear a mask. Hobby Lobby comes with so many moral dilemmas that I always feel so unclean after a visit.
I decided to get over myself and try Joann's online site to see if I could get what I needed at the store closest to me. I will say that Joann's online experience is why I shop online. It was easy to do. Clear about the stock in the store (which I was concerned about) and online, and check out was a breeze even with choosing the store option. The follow up emails were on time and filled with information I needed.
So I bought the items and choose the pick up in store option. I knew I was going to need to go into the store because I wanted to "see" a few things before purchasing.
My daughter and I got there around 7pm which was perfect because the store wasn't that busy. Remember my Covid shyness. I wore a mask but there were few people wearing them...my daughter included. This store didn't look like the ones I'd seen on social media. The fabric selection was small and jammed in with the quilting and home dec fabrics in a corner of the store. More space was definitely given to crafts and furniture stuff.
Also the service was uneven. The cutting table person was so-so. We had to find her because she was talking with another sales person. But the cashier was amazing. Patient, informative on coupon codes - which ones could be used, and very pleasant. It wasn't a horrid experience but it was nothing I would rave about and/or tell others to experience...and yes, I shared that with Joann's.
When I got home and laid my purchases out, it really gave me an understanding of why I shop online.
1. My selection online is vast and limitless.
I can literally buy from anywhere in the US, Canada, worldwide actually. I just have to be okay with waiting for it.
2. I don't have to leave my home to do it.
Anytime, I feel the need I can surf the web for whatever I want. And Google is my friend...it sends me in a myriad of directions to find what I'm looking for. I just have to make time to search.
3. I don't have to deal with people.
With or without a mask, without their biases and bad day attitudes, the computer doesn't judge me, wonder if my credit card is stolen or not, or if I have enough credit to purchase my items...the computer just takes my information and processes it. Now this is not to say I'm a fan of non-human interaction or AI, but sometimes not dealing with a human is worth it especially during these endemic times.
4. I get to decide how quickly I want my purchase.
Do I want to spend extra on shipping to get it faster or not? Is this shop so far away that no matter how fast the shipping choice, I will need to wait weeks for it. Am I supporting a small business or another big box store?
The caveat to this is that I have to plan my purchases. When I'm making a garment, I either have to have the supplies on hand or make time for them to arrive. That's even true with my forays into the NYC Garment District. While I work in the district, I still make a list before heading out to buy. Even though there are a few stores no longer in business, the selection is vast, and I can spend my entire lunch hour looking at fabric, buttons or notions.
The experience at Joann's only made me long for my computer, phone, iPad even more. I will continue to shop online and wait for the UPS, FedEx, or mailman to deliver my treasures. How about you? Do you shop online or in-person? If so, why? Also, do you have a local fabric store that you can shop at to help you get everything you need for your projects? This is my Question of the Day, so talk back to me.
Also, if you're using ANONYMOUS would you mind leaving your name at the end of the post! It helps if I'd like to reply to you. THANKS!
...as always more later!
To begin, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you've said about shopping online. With one caveat. If the online store doesn't have a swatch service, the fabrics I buy may not be exactly what I thought they'd be. That's not at all a deterrent as I've had few misses. And with some online fabric stores they'll accept returns. My experience with JoAnns isn't so terrible. I've shopped there for literally decades, have watched the decline in quality and diminishing of the quantity of garment fabrics...Actually, believe it or not, the quality of the garment fabrics is getting a bit better. I suspect that as a new group of garment fabric buyers comes in, they're listening to the customers reviews and are trying to provide better quality fabrics.
ReplyDeleteAs far as quantity, again I've shopped there for decades, watched the amount of garment fabrics decline year after year. But that was due to a sharp decline in people buying those fabrics. Honestly, if JoAnns hadn't become JoAnns Fabrics AND Crafts, they'd of suffered the same fate as Hancocks (Minnesota) Fabrics did. JoAnns still exists due to two groups: quilters and crafters; that is those crafters that make scrapbooks and cards and such.
Frankly, I do agree that the fabrics aren't that great anymore, and that there isn't a great deal to choose from. Mostly I get notions and patterns and yarns from JoAnns. The patterns are typically on rotating sale, and I stock up on the .99 and 1.99 patterns. Vogues (my fav) are 5.99 now, and as I have so many (of all the Big Four) I don't buy as many of those. Only a few here and there.
I do shop at JoAnns, and gratefully so. When I need a quick zipper or thread or whatever, it's convenient to head over and get what I need when I need it.
I debated back and forth over whether to ask my question, but my curiosity got the better of me because you did not sign your name to your post. Just wondering if you're a Joann's employee?
DeleteHey Carolyn! Nope. Not at all. I've just been a loyal customer for decades. Again, I get and agree with everything you've stated about JoAnns. It's all true. But. I've been loyal due to the many many independent garment fabric stores that have indeed gone out of business. The only other "big-box" garment fabric store, Hancocks couldn't survive either. The reason that Hancock (Minnesota) Fabrics went out of business was because they didn't see the change in peoples' wants and tastes. Unfortunately, they stayed pretty much a big-box garment fabric store that tried to adjust to more quilting and crafts, but it was too late.
DeleteNow, I don't buy very many fabrics from JoAnns anymore. A few. But not much. The quality just isn't really there. That said, they seem to be doing better, I recently saw an array of Liberty florals at my local JoAnns that looked really lovely. I'm not a florals type gal, but for those who are, I think it was great for them. Also, they've added Jason Wu and other designers to their online roster, which is cool. The ppy (price per yard) isn't something I'd want to pay....there are other online fabric sellers that offer better prices...but it shows that the buyers there are trying to revamp JoAnns inventory to better serve its' customers. A good thing, no?
Lastly, again I go for the pattern sales and notions, mostly. And the yarn. I knit, but my LYS's prices are way more than I care to pay.
Oh yes, and one other thing. Hancock Fabrics had waaaay better quality garment fabrics than JoAnns ever did. By far. In fact, I still have several pieces that I purchased from them, and the quality is obvious. They sold better goods, but because they didn't shift inventory with the times, they didn't survive. Unfortunate, because I liked them a lot more, when it came to garment fabrics. Miss their "truckload sales". And my name is Kim. Pleased to meet you.
DeleteHey Kim! Nice to meet you too!
DeleteActually the reason Hancock’s went out of business is because they were bought by an equity group with the intent to close it for the tax write-off!! Renita in NC
DeleteThanks Renita! That's interesting to know. I watched as Hancock's employees twisted in the wind when they announced the closing. It was terrible to see. I thought that it was due to mismanagement. They sold their inventory to Michaels, but I've never seen any of it at the stores in my area. Anyway, thanks again! Learn something new everyday. Kim
DeleteCarolyn, I totally agree with your reasons for shopping online. All my shopping is done online because I'm a wheelchair user so planning how to get to a shop would be a feat in itself, let alone navigating around the aisles/displays in the shop. Ordering online means I don't have a security guard following me around, I presume to check I'm not hiding things in my wheelchair, despite having a basketfull of shopping on my lap (this happened when shopping with my daughter when she was younger!). I don't have to put up with the cashier telling the person I'm with how much I need to pay, instead of talking to me (it's my legs that don't work, not my voice!)
ReplyDeleteI am also continuing to wear a mask as I'm clinically vulnerable and being around people who are mask-less would stress me out too much.
So being able to shop online is perfect for me!
I also agree. I was getting this way before the pandemic, now would rather be home than anywhere. Currently though I’m looking for a skirt and pant pattern for my six year old granddaughter. Not having much luck online. Any suggestions? Not much of a seamstress, I quilt and knit!
ReplyDeleteMy three go to pattern companies for kids are: Ellie and Mac, Love Notions and 5 out of 4.
DeleteTry Style Arc. They recently came out with children and tween patterns. You can buy from their site, on Etsy, or on Amazon. I buy PDF's but they have paper patterns as well.
DeleteEven in Los Angeles we have some of the same problems, Joann's has. never had qualitu fabric, I would go for patterns and notions. Locally, we had an eclectic family run large fabric store. filled to the gills and it was always a hunt but the variety was there! Faster than downtown L.A. which has lower prices and I loved and had some favorite haunts. However, in my youth, living in Manhattan spoiled me forever. Quality fabric was there on Orchard Street, standing there with my Vogue designer pattern in hand would elicit help from the most experienced sales people who loved fabric. Covid changed so much on how we shop and availability. I am a touch person and sometimes I just need adjust and trust and I have had some great results. I just miss "the hunt" on foot.
DeleteI have done a lot of online shopping but I feel so wasteful when I get a piece of fabric that I am unhappy with. It is fun to get a mail package but it is also fun to stroke the fabric in person. I flip back and forth between which kind of consumer I am!
ReplyDeleteThe rare times I get something I don't like, it hits my donate pile. I feel no guilt about sharing with others. One man's trash is another's treasure!
DeleteOh, yes...I too, echo your store vs. online shopping. I nearly lost my coffee when you wrote that you feel unclean after shopping in Hobby Lobby. I haven't been in there in years but feel the same way only you voiced it perfectly. Joann is for notions and patterns.
ReplyDeleteAllie - I hadn't been in Joann's in 3 years. So I was totally surprised to see that patterns only sold for 30% off instead of the 50% off I remembered. Also the price of a little girl's romper was $19.95 full price! When is Joann's selling patterns? Only during sales?
DeleteThe 30 % happened when the British company took over ALL the main commercial pattern companies!!! Renita in NC
DeleteWell, yes, I only buy patterns on sale and then again, not so often.
DeleteI'm the total opposite, love to see and feel my fabrics and yarns. Our Joannes is great! Fabric and yarn selections could be a lot better but it's not bad. We also have Hobby Lobby and our local quilt shop, which is Awesome. I'm also leary about being around others and I'm one of the few who wear a mask. I will admit shopping online at certain places is great, fabric choices are fabulous and the quality is great. Unfortunately I can't afford to shop online which breaks my heart cause the selection is fabulous. Enjoy your blog, have a fantastic week.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the fence on online shopping vs in-person, it's getting to the point that I rather shop my stash and if I don't have what I need to create a project, I move on to something else. You're so lucky that you could check stock before heading out to a fabric store. We don't have that option here. I believe the medical experts that were very much still in a pandemic. As countries enter into the endemic stage at different times, we're not there yet (I'm not in the U.S.) Since they have dropped mask and vaccine mandates and more and more people are ignoring social distancing, mask recommendations and hospitalizations have increased, I venture out into the public less. I assess the risk with how much I need to go out. And if I absolutely must mix with the unmasked, I double mask or wear a N95 if I can find one. I used to be someone who loves to see and touch fabrics at the store, not anymore. And the ever increasing prices we're seeing here is a huge turn off. Thankfully, I have a big enough stash to keep me busy at the sewing table until we do reach the endemic stage and inflation is under control.
ReplyDeleteMy fabric is usually from online. Joanne's generally does not carry anything that I want to make up. But I will go there is I need emergency thread, zips, pins and etc. I miss Hancock Fabrics because I think they had a better selection of apparel fabric-maybe that's just nostalgia talking.
ReplyDeleteI finally broke down and became a Mood Insider last summer which means free shipping and that can be dangerous. You described Hobby Lobby perfectly for quite a few of us. I haven't been in there for years, not since I discovered what their ideology was.
As far as getting the feel of the fabric, the fabric companies will send samples. But I also think that if you have sewn for a while, you get a sixth sense about how something is going to feel. It's the weights that mess me up. I know I need to understand that better.
That's it-Take care, Terri
This was a good topic to bring up because I'm sure all of us have different opinions on this one.
Terri - thanks for answering. I really just want to know what people think. Imma do me but I'm always interested in how others are dealing with situations. One more thing, I do agree with you that if you've been sewing for a minute you do have an understanding of what fabric feels and sews like. And when I don't understand weights I google them!
DeleteAm I clueless? What is the ideology of Hobby Lobby that makes it so bad? I haven’t lived near a Hobby Lobby store in years, and always thought they were good back in the day. Please fill me in. My name is Debby
DeleteHobby Lobby has ultra-right wing political values that some, including myself, are uncomfortable with. And so, I do not usually shop there either. The quality of their fabric is quite poor (cheap) so if that is okay with you, go for it. If I'm going to spend my time making something, I don't want the finished garment to feel and look cheap.
DeleteThank you for showing that there are many of us who love online shopping. I can do it at 3:00 a.m. if I can't sleep, and often I find things I didn't even know existed. It also helps that I am a homebody. As Dorothy said, "There's no place like home."
ReplyDeleteGreat subject. I love seeing you model your made by you clothing. I tended to buy more online during the pandemic than I would have in the brick and mortar store because it was on sale or I needed a bit more to get free shipping. 🙃 These days I think about time and cost of fuel I'd need to spend in a store shopping experience and just shop online for the most part. Thanks for masking up. I do too. I'm fully vaccinated but vulnerable to higher risk of severity for a number of health reasons. 🥰 I wish people would just be kind (and smart in my humble opinion) and continue to mask up to protect others.
ReplyDeleteAnother great reason I shop online is Collections. I am a quilter as well as a garment maker and I like to purchase an entire designers collection of fabrics. The brick and mortar stores do not carry entire collections as a rule because of limited space in the store. Therefore the store will have 3 or 4 of the fabrics in the collection. So it's online for me.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's interesting to know that...and I understand that logic completely!
DeleteUnfortunately for me, about 80% of my online fabric purchases have been duds, usually because a print looks different in person than on a 12" screen. Heck, even the colour of a solid looks different. For now I've sworn off online fabric shopping until I use or donate some of my stash.
ReplyDeleteI'll be moving soon and as I pack I'm experiencing a lot of buyer's remorse. Plus a sense of having wasted a fair amount of money. But I'm happy for you that online shopping is successful.
I used to crave a fabric store visit. Gradually over the past few decades, this desire has diminished to almost nothing, and for all of the reasons you mentioned. I’m okay with that, things change. Not all independents were well run, welcoming, etc. and independents are plentiful online anyway. There aren’t many quality fabrics I can afford when I do look to buy in person. It’s disheartening to walk out without a thing, because I told myself some version of “can’t afford it”. it’s a negative message that is simply not true, I just have to plan better, and go into the store with the plan. Shopping online avoids all of that angst.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have a local fabric shop, or a couple of shops owned and managed by the same people. They have dressmaking fabric and quilting cottons galore, and publish a monthly sale flyer with coupons and occasional freebies. PLUS their employees actually sew, which is so invaluable. Rather than order online, I've often gone in for miscellaneous notions and supplies at full price.because I want them to stay in business! I've shopped at Joann's for years and years, used to love the $1 and $2 sale racks -- I can't tell you how many sets of curtains I made with those fabrics. Now, however, their sale fabric is ridiculously expensive, so I only shop their pattern sales. I confess I shop at HLobby only once a year, in November, because I collect a particular kind of Christmas ornament; I found my glass hearts last years displayed between two other ornaments, a shotgun shell and a crucifix. Go figure. I'm also lucky to have two excellent quilt shops, both of which stay in business through online sales -- those are the ones I visit when I just need to feel some fabric. I have a hard time choosing fabric from small swatches, there's nothing like feeling the hand of the fabric. That's why they call it the "hand."
ReplyDeletejmsx3 - I'm jealous and would do the same thing to insure that the indie stayed in business. I have a semi-local fabric store and even though I don't go in the store, I try to shop online to help them too!
DeleteI live in the Bay area and there are some fabulous fabric stores, but I shop quite a bit online. I do like to lay hands on fabrics, and there's a quilting store/sewing machine dealer nearby where I get my thread and some notions, but service there is surly and uneven (I drove an hour and a half away to buy my Bernina because I didn't want to deal with them), and the fancy-pants fabric store in the city has some nice clerks and some who are pretty rude, making fun of customers after they leave and telling me I don't know what I want. I know what I want, lady. You just don't happen to have trim that goes with this French Jacket I've put fifty hours of work into, and I'm not going go settle. There's a great store in Berkeley, but I don't want to drive all the way over there and they don't always have the kind of fabric I like in the colors I want.
ReplyDeleteThe Joann nearest me actually had some great staff, but the store closed and the next nearest one doesn't have that same quality of service, which is a shame.
Just curious - I really liked the staff at Joann in Mountain View - was that your closest Joann
Delete? Also every time I go to Eddie's Quilting Bee I find the attitude of the owners quite surly.
Great post. I'm 35 miles from the closet store that I'm able to purchase sewing supplies - WalMart. There is a bernina store but it's limited. I'm on the eastern plains of Colorado. So far, I've not had any problems with online shopping related to my sewing.
ReplyDeleteI buy online if I know the fabric already (from the selvage information), know and trust the retailer, or just can't find the thing I need. Sometimes I still can't find it because I guess I'm not a super Google searcher. I am fortunate to have several really good fabric stores within an hour's drive or less (I live in central New Hampshire) but finding notions or specialty things can be challenging. I do also have a Joann's and a Michael's nearby but they're not my first choice of shops.
ReplyDeleteI've been buying fabric online way before the pandemic so I feel quite comfortable shopping that way. I know the companies that work for me by supplying Pantone color numbers, fabric weight, and return policies which removes doubt and almost guarantees success. I understand sewists needing to touch the fabric but online knowledge helps getting over that lack. As usual, Carolyn, thanks for bringing up this topic which can help sewists deal with our love of quality fabrics. Karen in Austin
ReplyDeleteKaren - may I say thank you for signing your name! And I was nodding my head yes through your entire comment!
DeleteCarolyn, someone else may have mentioned this already, but for whatever reason, blogspot wiped out our pre-populated user names, and gave us the option in our replies to “update” our profiles, or some such techie annoyance. This is why you are getting comments from so many regular readers with the user name of Anonymous. Sorry, for my part, updating it was just one more piece of shadow work I wasn’t willing to do yesterday (signed, R)
DeleteR. - I understand that blogspot has changed. It would just be nice if people signed their names or blogger handles after their comments. That way when I reply, I can address you directly. I tend not to respond to Anonymous posts cause I just don't know who I'm talking to.
DeleteVery good blog topic. Pre pandemic I did not shop online at all. Now I have a large collection of fabrics which should get me through my summer sewing. Most of this fabric was purchased online.
ReplyDeleteThere is a small sewing machine shop a few miles away with a moderate, interesting fabric selection. They made many accommodations to keep going during the pandemic and I try to buy many of my notions from them, along with fabrics- mostly bottom weights.
I am also a quilter and purchase those fabrics from my local quilt shop. They also occasionally have knits and rayons from their fabric suppliers and I have found a few gems.
I go to Joann infrequently, with coupons in hand that are generally worth little. This year I think the store has cleaned up a little, but is still mostly filled with poor quality decor items, flannel and fleece. So much fleece!
I am now much more thoughtful about my purchases.
I enjoy your blog and seeing your makes!
My fabric buying is mostly for quilts. I buy a lot from the secondary market, i.e., Facebook destash groups, independent retailers online, and such. The big box stores hold no big place in my plans. Once in a while, I'll buy a notion or thread from Joann's, but that's it. They won't get much of my money.
ReplyDeleteWe lost several of our independent quilt shops, leaving only one in our small city. The price of new quilting cottons is through the roof. So I've moved to making more small quilts that use less fabric. My existing stash will supply some bed-sized quilts.
The one thing about buying mostly online, though, is that there's no face-to-face time with other people. To me, it's yet another bottleneck to socialization brought about by the pandemic. We are social creatures, no matter whether we're extroverts or introverts. Having yet another face-to-face opportunity gone. Gotta be creative to get "people time."
Thanks for not shopping Hobby Lobby--it's one store, for political and ethical reasons, that I will not visit in any way. I'd rather go without than give that business my money.
ReplyDeleteAs for fabric shopping--I am not often an online shopper for textiles as I like to see the actual color. That being said, I save up for fabric shopping trips in the Twin Cities, and I am there often. Lately though, I've had success buying pre-owned items and altering them to fit me. And yes, I wear a mask even though hardly anyone else does.
I love this question. I love the answers. Everyone has thought about where and why, and that is what really really matters to me at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteI am a customer service phone rep, doesn't matter for what as it's the same experience for all of them: I troubleshoot customer's experiences with the website. I used to do other things (in this case, sell symphony tickets) but it's 95% talking customers down from how the website has screwed up their purchase/ attempted purchase. I love that I get to help customers, I am just sorry how they get to me now. A good website (and Joann's isn't bad at all) is a great road to buying too much fabric.
What I miss are the shops that have reorganized or closed over the last five years, and the friends I made there. The kids at Joann's on Hwy 99 were always a gas (cosplayers all), the entire staff at Pacific Fabrics (that was my second home), and specifically District Fabrics (now in Port Townsend). I love you all. I miss you all so much. PacFabs isn't closed entirely, but their corporate seems entirely indifferent to keeping the last store open, making Joann's look actually friendly.
Between Wawak, Emma OneSock, Stonemountain, Elfriedes and Harts, I keep clothed.
I shop online and I agree about Joann's. I live in a small town of about 33,000, the only way out is to fly or go by boat and yes we do have a Joann's it is small and the people know little about fabric. We also have a quilting and garment sewing store that I go into periodically. I was able to get out of town last October for the first time in 2 years. I had a great time shopping in a couple of fabric stores but some of the ones I use to know are out of business
ReplyDeleteShopping online can be problematic because of the descriptions and the photo not showing the color correctly. I have solved the color problem by dyeing the fabric. Fabrics I can't dye or the fiber content is not what I expected go in the donate pile including one pile to go to villages my husband worked in. They appreciate the fabrics and will put all of it to good use. For me the major problem is shipping--if they wont ship via Post Office I will not buy. For 2 reasons the cost if I get next day service and if they only offer ground service that means it gets shipped to Seattle and then waits for them to take to the Post Office to continue shipping and they choose the slowest method. Yes some fabric shipments takes weeks to get to my house and I am only 2 hours flying time from Seattle. Yes I live in Juneau Alaska. The pandemic has just increased the hoops we have to go through.
I shop my stash for lots of projects, dyeing fabrics so I get outfits that go together.
Annette
Annette--I'm impressed by your creative problem-solving. Dyes can be a great help for a fabric of indifferent impact or when you want the perfect shade of a color,--Anne
DeletePre-pandemic, I traveled to another state about an hour away at least twice a month for dr. appointments for my son. The office, at that time, was right across the street from one of the 2 Joann's in the area. I would usually stop in to pick up thread, notions, check out the new fabrics etc. After Covid, most all of my son's appts. are done via Zoom, and I haven't been there nearly as much. I have started going back up there a little more often to go to Sams Club or BJ"s so I'll usually stop by there if I need something. We have a Hobby Lobby here locally but since they have stopped having pattern sales I haven't been there in a few months. I also don't care for their brand of thread - my Babylock machine prefers Gutterman so I either pick some up at Joanns or take advantage of Fabric Mart's thread matching service. I always check the notions section of FM when I make my fabric orders so I can take advantage of their flat rate shipping. That being said I actually went to Joanns twice last week- once when my husband and I went up to get groceries at BJ's and then Saturday my son and his friend wanted to go to a local mall so I stopped by again because I forgot elastic! I try to pick up supplies like buttons, thread, zippers etc when Joanns have sales, but I do utilize Amazon. I am fortunate that the Joanns I frequent is very well stocked and usually fully staffed.
ReplyDeleteI live in Melbourne, Australia. I was already having to feel my way through online shopping as quality and selection was limited at Spotlight, our big store chain. I have gathered stores that I know will have great quality fabrics. I love supporting small businesses through online purchases. Many staff are so helpful through messaging or on the phone.I do also love going to fabric stores when I feel safe, and now mask mandates are dropped, I will probably be less brave. It was hard enough to relax with a mask on! One lovely store here posted that staff may choose to wear a mask and would happily wear one if requested. I felt that was a great response. Thanks for asking such a great question, I've enjoyed reading others views and you've made me feel better about myself.
ReplyDeleteI live in a small town, and our two largish fabric stores closed even before the pandemic. I'm down to a lovely but small mostly-quilting store which I try to support, their handful of garment offerings are fine but pricey. A large well-appointed modern quilting store further away, a bit too mono-thematic for me. An old-timey all-quilting store nearby, whose selection is so limited I hardly ever think of them. Furthest away within a day trip, we have a sad Joann, one of those with walls of pilling fleece and hardly anything wearable, although I am detecting some glimmers of better quality but at prices superior to shops that really have better quality. It's too far for emergency notions, and as someone pointed out one spool of thread from wawak comes out cheaper with shipping than even sales at Joann. So Joann is basically fulfilling my needs for flannel, which honestly has been my main fabric lately (still basically home).
ReplyDeleteThere's a huge new Hobby Lobby near Joann, but it's out of the question to even set foot in there, it may as well not exist as far as I'm concerned. Unclean is a good description, and my mother would rise from the dead to slap my face on several counts.
Mood's swatches have reconciled me to online shopping, because they're not just easily available and cheap, but large enough to really evaluate what I'm getting. Their website also features good descriptions, written by people who sew, and a good idea of print scale. So I've had better luck there than anywhere else. Once in a very great while I get to swing through LA and buy fabric like a grown-up, I live for that. May I live long enough for NY and Paris again.
M-C
First, I have been reading your posts for about a year and I have enjoyed every one of them. I love your creativity and the way you incorporate pattern into your designs. I sew for myself and sometimes my daughter. I live near some nice fabric stores, but there were times that they did not have what she wanted, or I wanted to pay. So, I became an online fabric shopper like you and many of your readers. I have loved every purchase that I have made. I have found many sources in the United States and all over the world. Some of my favorite purchases have been from India and England. I started to collect a list of all of the sites that I discovered. The list became large and I am working on a directory to enable people to find fabric stores and fabric all over the world. It has been fun for me to do, because of the variety of fabrics that are available.
ReplyDeleteLike I said before, following your creative adventures has been fun for me. I admire that you are able to sew so consistently and create such beautiful outfits.
Melita
Agree with you about the righteous Hobby Lobby. Periodically I will shop at Joanne’s mostly to stock up on patterns when they are on sale. Agree with others and find that our local Joanne’s is doing better with choice of fabrics I like to sew with but at sky high prices! My online purchases have been hit and miss, I’m still trying to educate myself about that.
ReplyDeleteMargaret from Nebraska
I myself have not had much problem getting what I need from Joann’s. The closest one to me is about an hour away, it seems to be well stocked with a great assortment of fabrics to choose from. I have been shopping with them for years and frankly, I’m not sure what I would have done without them sometimes. I like to be able to see and feel what I’m getting. Although in the last couple of years I have began ordering fabric online. I have been pleased with most of my purchases, more hits than misses. I quilt as well and my local quilt shop sells quilting fabric which can work depending on what I’m making. What it all comes down to is being a personal choice. We all share the love of sewing and creating so what does it matter if some of us don’t like certain stores? That shouldn’t even be part of the discussion. And our political views on how we feel about certain stores should be left out of the discussion, too. I take quilting classes and what I enjoy the most about it is our love for quilting. It really doesn’t matter how we feel otherwise. It’s a personal choice and should stay that way. Caroline, I had just found your blog not too long ago and have really been enjoying it. I love all your creations. You are a wonderful seamstress. How I wish that you had not gotten so personal about how you don’t or do like certain stores and why you do or don’t. Not all of us are fortunate to live in a place that we can just go to on our lunch break to browse. We have to use the resources that are closest to us.
ReplyDeleteIt’s Caroline’s blog, she can say whatever she wants.
DeleteI shop online mostly because the only fabric stores near me are a poor Joanne’s, Hobby Lobby (won’t give them my money), and Fabric Place (last piece I bought from them was mislabeled as wool. So, online it is unless I’m traveling, in which case I always make it a point to bring home fabric souvenirs! Best, Martina
I’ll add her name’s not Caroline, it is Carolyn.
DeleteWhoops! I have a friend named Caroline, my muscle memory must have taken over my typing! ~Martina
DeleteDarlene - Since you've only been reading the blog for the last year I understand how you've come to believe that I don't discuss anything but sewing. However, if you'd read any of my prior posts from the last 15 years you will see that I discuss a variety of issues...politics included. I'm happy you have the luxury of leaving your beliefs out of your creating. I as an older plus-size Black American woman do not have that luxury. However, I'm FINE with you stating what you want and I respect that. There's no shame here that you prefer to create without the world influencing you. I don't have that option so please feel free to skip the posts that state things you don't believe in. Or feel free to leave an opinion about it. I'm good with either. Finally, I do have one rule. My name is Carolyn. I hate being called Caroline. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.
DeleteI agree with you about online and Joann's. I do go there for basic notions when I need them quickly. But even local independents can be disappointing. I just had a rather unhappy phone call with the only independent fabric store in town. They have some selection, but honestly, much of it is tired -- an indication that not many people are frequenting the store. They are half home dec and half garment -- but I think most of their business is upholstery. I wanted some petersham ribbon for a waistband, and I knew Joann's didn't carry it. I ordered some online right away from The Sewing Place, but was concerned it wouldn't get to me in time to participate in an IG sewalong. I called this shop as I was ready to leave work, hoping to swoop in on my way home. The person who answered the phone had never heard of petersham ribbon. I tried to explain how it was like grosgrain, but with a different edge and could there possibly be some in their older stock of ribbons. She didn't care to listen and cut me off, saying, "We don't have that." I understand not having petersham, but being rude about it (and not having heard of it) means I probably will not being giving them my business again. The Sewing Place ribbon arrived two days quicker than I expected. So another vote for online shopping. Good topic! This is Pam (sewnonthemap)
ReplyDeleteHey Pam - I knew it was you. You've been commenting for quite a few years. BTW love the skirt you made and glad you got the ribbon in time. Yes, indie fabric stores employees can be just as challenging as the big box ones. Which makes me wonder? Are we really a service oriented country or were we just forced to become one?
DeleteThanks for your question, here's what I can add: sometimes I think I just cannot wait for a package to arrive in a week or so, and yet --- it sits in my little sewing room waiting another week or three for me to actually show it some love. I try to remember that before I search for a parking spot downtown. ;) Robyn W in Santa Fe
ReplyDeleteRobyn - LOL! Been there, done that!
DeleteI still have to feel the garment fabrics before buying. I don’t want to bother with returns, or giving away what’s disappointing. Either still costs me yet more time and money. And I don’t need disappointing fabrics in the stash, that costs space - physical and mental. I’ve been disappointed so often in Joann and WM that a fabric (including their quilt fabrics) I like turns out to be thin and flimsy, and already showing wear on the ends where people touch it or where the bolts slide in/off the shelf. I will not order fabric on line from Joann or WM unless it’s to get more of a fabric I already have and need more off, and the store is out. I also prefer to buy things like zippers and buttons that need color matching/coordinating in person. I’ve ordered quilt fabrics on line a couple of times, so far, they are more consistent on their quality, but I prefer supporting the local stores. Even when it comes to chain stores, buying in person keeps those items in the stores*, and keeps a local person employed.
ReplyDelete* unless some idiot in corporate decides to get rid of the department like WM did a while back.
Another reason for me to avoid ordering on line - I sort of fear finding a site that has nice fabrics for decent prices. I don’t need the temptation to wedge yet more fabrics into the stash. I already have far too many “oooh I like” fabrics that do not coordinate with anything else in my closet. Trust me “does it go with denim?” is not the best way to choose fabrics. I used to hit the Joann cheap pattern sales, until I realized much of what I was buying had nothing to do with my lifestyle. And they spoiled me from being able to purchase from some independent companies. Somehow I can accept so-so results or failures from a $1.99 pattern better than from a $19.99 pattern. Or maybe it’s easier to blame the cheap patterns for failures than my sewing/fitting abilities?
I have several Joann & WM stores, 2 Hobby Lobby, several sewing machine dealers that also sell fabrics, and about 5-6 quilt shops within about 45 miles. Now that I’m retired, a “quick trip” to most of them is a couple of hours & 3 gallons of gas minimum. I try to keep a supply of basic notions on hand - elastics in several sizes, snaps, all sorts of bits & bobs. The sewing machine shops don’t have a lot of garment fabrics - quilt fabric has become their primary focus, along with machine embroidery supplies. One used to carry a variety of garment fabrics, including bridal/formal wear items, but over the last 20-ish years, their garment fabric selection was replaced by quilting fabrics, and along with that most of their notions also disappeared. A couple of quilt shops have brought in some garment fabrics and a few independent patterns.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who still misses Hancock Fabrics, even though they were also overloaded with polyester, I had better luck finding garment fabrics there than Joann or WM. As to the trash talk about Joann - so far I’ve never been in a store that deserves it, corporate certainly does. Hobby Lobby - I hadn’t been there in years, and in desperation went in looking for something last winter, with no success. It will be a long while before I go back again.
JustGail - loved this line, "Another reason for me to avoid ordering on line - I sort of fear finding a site that has nice fabrics for decent prices. I don’t need the temptation to wedge yet more fabrics into the stash." I so understand that! And please don't flip in when I'm bored, upset, or angry something will definitely arrive within the week. Though I'm trying really hard to overcome those urges! ;) I'm glad your Joann's is one of the better ones cause some of the ones I see posted on social media makes me drool. That's just not my local experience. Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your comments!
DeleteAnother Australian over here. I have a Spotlight near me and I mostly buy notions there. Sometimes I buy fabric for children but it's been a long time since I've seen fabric that I myself would make up and wear. That said I'm grateful to have one nearby for emergency supplies.
ReplyDeleteI buy most of my fabric online and have a list of trusted stores that I've supported over the years. My favourite store (Remnant Warehouse) lists all the details of the fabric including composition and weight and actually posts videos of the fabrics (where they do the drape and scrunch test). They're also fantastic over the phone as well so if I didn't already have a crap tonne of fabric in the stash I would continue to buy from them.
Hi Carolyn. Firsty, let me say how much I love your blog. This is actually the first time I've ever commented on somebody's blog. Your question and the responses has really piqued my interest as we have a trip to the US coming up this summer and I'd been really looking forward to visiting Joann's. I'm in the UK and we'll be visiting my husband's family in CA. Also going to Idaho & Montana. I'd perhaps better look at some different stores to get my fabrics. I currently buy most of my fabrics online but do feel that you can't beat actually handling the fabric and seeing the colour (UK spelling😁) in person. I'm too mean to pay for swatches. We have a fabric store about 20 miles away which has dressmaking & quilting supplies plus lots of notions all in a fairly small space. If I go there I rarely find the fabric I want for a particular project but never come away empty handed. Thus my stash grows. And grows! Oh, and I'm Caroline.
ReplyDeleteIf you are in the San Francisco area be sure to go to Stone Mountain & Daughter Fabrics and A Verb for Keeping Warm. They are both in Berkeley. Stone Mtn has such lovely fabrics as well as patterns from most Indie companies. A great assortment of garment fabrics and remnants are sold by the pound in the upstairs area. They even have free fabrics. Verb has lovely but limited fabric selection, lots of books/magazines, yarn and supplies, their own pattern line and M & M patterns. A lovely little store.
DeleteYes, we will be in San Francisco as DH's family are just an hour away. Thank you so much for the info. Caroline
DeleteEven though I live in a major metropolitan area, I don't drive so there's fewer options for me to make a quick stop at a fabric store. Hancock's was the only that was a quick subway ride away. Now to get to JoAnn's or an independent store, I have to either ride an hour on public transportation or have someone take me and all that arranging is too much trouble. The internet is perfect for me, especially for fabric. Luckily, I worked at JoAnn's in college (when they actually sold fabric) and I hoarded a lot of notions. Although, I miss those 99 cents and $1.99 pattern sales. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAs a relatively inexperienced sewer (in the UK) the problem I have is not really knowing whether the fabric is right for my project, and quite what the colour will be like. Some places seem to have sold out of something lovely by the time I have my swatch in hand and have made my mind up. But I guess the knowledge of fabric types will come with practise? :) Helen S in the UK
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, As usual, you have nailed some of the key pros and cons of online vs in-person shopping. Joann’s is such an unreliable in-person experience. In my region, there are 3 outlets w/in 50 miles. Just one—the smallest
ReplyDelete—has knowledgeable, helpful staff. For fabric shopping, I always buy online. I stick to a few tried and true merchants who have historically carried quality merchandise and offer superb customer service. I love reading your plan of action regarding prepping for sewing and taking care of all contingencies in advance. It reminds me of how great chefs nail down the details before beginning to cook. You are a wonderful example of making it work!