The Final Stitch: Joann’s Unraveling and the Rise of the Independent Quilt Shop

Dearest Readers,  

It is with no great shock—but perhaps a touch of schadenfreude—that we gather today to mourn the long, slow demise of Joann’s, that once-great fabric behemoth, now shuffling its way toward a second bankruptcy and, dare we say, its final curtain call. The news of store closures spreads faster than a bias-cut binding, leaving many to wonder: Where shall we turn for our quilting sustenance?  

To that, this humble scribe declares—fret not! For this is not a tragedy, but a renaissance. A grand revival of independent quilt shops, bustling vendor halls, and the return of fabric shopping to those who actually care about the craft, rather than corporate overlords who see cotton bolts as mere SKU numbers in an inventory spreadsheet.  

Joann’s, for all its deep discount temptations and perpetual “50% off” sales (which, let us be honest, were never truly half off anything), has long since lost touch with the very community it sought to serve. For years, quilters have lamented the shrinking fabric selection, the ever-thinning bolts, and the disinterested cashiers who would sooner sell you plastic flowers than find you a proper shade of cerulean blue. And let us not forget the endless aisles of faux farmhouse décor, because, as we all know, nothing says "fabric store" like an entire section dedicated to mass-produced wooden signs reading *"Live, Laugh, Love."*  

But there is hope, dear stitchers. Hope in the warm, welcoming arms of your local quilt shop, where the bolts are lovingly curated, the staff speaks fluent quilt, and the latest fabric collections arrive with the reverence of a royal coronation. And, should you wish to experience the thrill of fabric shopping in its grandest form, let us not forget the quilt shows—the true heart and soul of our industry. These vibrant marketplaces, free from corporate interference, are where fabric lines launch, designers mingle, and independent vendors thrive.  

And so, as Joann’s flickers and fades, let us not lament its loss, but rather embrace the opportunity before us. The time has come to invest in the shops and shows that sustain our craft, rather than lining the pockets of tech investors and boardroom executives who wouldn’t know a fat quarter from a fat stack of cash.  

Support local. Attend shows. And never forget—quilting was here long before Joann’s, and it will thrive long after its doors have shuttered.  

Yours in thread and truth,  

**Mistress Hemlock**  

**P.S.** If you must seek the thrill of discount shopping, might I suggest the vendor halls of a quilt show? One never knows what treasures might be lurking, and at least the proprietors can tell the difference between Kona Cotton and calico.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

“The Fabric of Christmas”: A Patchwork of Predictable Cheer

Dearest Readers,   As the holiday season envelops us in its familiar embrace, Hallmark has once again delivered a festive confection tailored to warm our hearts. This year's offering, *The Fabric of Christmas*, stitches together the quintessential elements we've come to expect, with a few charming twists that, while endearing, are as predictable as a well-worn quilt pattern. Our tale unfolds with Amy, a dedicated quilting teacher whose community craft center faces closure due to fire safety violations. Enter Liam, a strapping firefighter tasked with enforcing the regulations that threaten Amy's beloved haven. Their initial interactions are, predictably, threaded with tension. However, the narrative quickly embroiders a partnership between the two: Liam's sister is to be wed, and he wishes to honor family tradition by gifting her a handmade quilt—a craft in which he is woefully inexperienced. Amy agrees to guide him through the quilting process, and in return, Liam assis...
Read more

The Unraveling of “American Made Brand”

Dearest Readers,   It is with a measured stitch that Mistress Hemlock addresses a tale of unfortunate inevitability. American Made Brand, a name once synonymous with domestic pride, has found itself navigating the rough waters of a declining U.S. textile industry. The closures of American mills—those once-thriving hubs of craftsmanship—have rendered it nearly impossible to produce fabric fully onshore.   While the shift to trusted overseas partners ensures survival, it is a poignant reminder of the greater tragedy: the erosion of an industry that was once the backbone of American textiles. Let us not point fingers at the brand striving to adapt but instead mourn the loss of what made such a venture possible.   Yours, ever advocating for resilience amidst ruin, **Mistress Hemlock**   P.S. When the looms fall silent, who will champion their revival? Let us turn our gaze to this larger battle before it is too late.
Read more

To the Rejected and Resilient: QuiltCon’s Decision is Not Your Definition

Dearest Readers,   Ah, QuiltCon—the grand ball of modern quilting, where only the most favored of creations are paraded under the watchful gaze of jurors and peers alike. But as the chosen few revel in their gilded invitations, many a talented quilter has found themselves left on the proverbial doorstep. To you, the “rejected,” Mistress Hemlock offers this: chin up, for your brilliance is no less radiant.   Rejection, though a bitter pill, is no reflection on your artistry. Shall we forget that quilts are not mere objects to be judged but woven stories of passion, ingenuity, and perseverance? The jurors of QuiltCon may pass their verdicts, but their decisions are far from the definitive word on worth. Indeed, many quilts denied their moment at this particular fête go on to inspire, delight, and dazzle elsewhere—unfettered by the confines of a single stage.   And let us not overlook the ever-resilient hashtag #QuiltConReject, where quilters far and wide gather to display t...
Read more