Oh, JoAnn's

If you’ve kept up with your sewing bloggers, you surely read about the deplorable condition of some of the JoAnn’s locations. I had no idea that it was even possible that they wouldn’t have a pattern stocked – or even in order in the drawers until I read Lindsay T’s rant. Wow. Luckily both stores that I frequent locally are the exact opposite. In fact, lately at both locations I’ve noticed younger sales associates that seem genuinely interested in garment sewing. Having said that, last night I made a discovery that I need to share. I had two bolts of presumably 60” wide fabric. One bolt didn’t have enough fabric and I said something to the sales associate about the width. She looked at the end of the bolt and told me it was 50”. 50”??? Then I looked at my other fabric and noticed that it was the same width. Then I came home and measured another fabric that I purchased two weeks ago, thinking it was 60” – nope 50” wide!!! (Then I started remembering a rayon/cotton blend that I bought over two years ago and was shocked when I thought it shrunk over 4" in width...maybe it really didn't shrink!) Not 54, not 52, 50 inches wide! Sheesh, the fabric companies don’t even put the yardage for that on their envelopes, do they? I sense a company-$$-saving conspiracy. If you’re a JoAnn’s shopper – check your widths before you buy. And if it’s 50” go to the back pages of the big 4 pattern books and study the conversion chart so you get the right amount the first time.

As a follow-up to my daughter’s wardrobe rant, there were a couple of recent successes!
Here’s a dress I made that she put on without a single complaint or criticism. I even heard her proudly announce, “I love it!” followed by a big hug. Of course, she hasn’t worn it since (rolling my eyes).

Then she got this little gem for her birthday (mommy’s proud ebay purchase :)). Somewhere before her birthday someone asked me if she liked to sew? Uhhh, uhhhh, uhhhhh … she better! Well, even if she doesn’t I’ll use the machine! Since the big reveal she’s said, “I’m going to be a seamstress just like you!” and after two enthusiastic sewing session “You know mom, sewing’s really not my thing.” Both comments were made on the same day – so I’m not too concerned.




I’m gearing up for a serious project – the jacket that will match the gray pants from my previous post. This is the biggest obstacle for my Stitcher’s Guild SWAP. Now that I confirmed it doesn’t need to be done until the end of April I think I’m ready to devote some quality time (i.e., tailoring, and hand sewing) to this project.

Happy sewing to all!

Comments

gwensews said…
Thanks for the heads up about Jo's fabric width. I'll have to start checking the bolt ends more carefully, not just assuming it's 60" wide.

Your little girl is a cutie. She may love sewing, someday. The machine is wonderful!
Robyn said…
Good to know. I'll keep that in mind next time I shop there. Which will be tomorrow, when the 50% coupon goes into effect.
Birgitte said…
Your DD is beautiful! And you shouldn't worry; just being around you will continue to inspire her, and when she's ready, she'll get right to it :)
Meg said…
Good tip about fabric widths. I've been burned with 50" fabric from Jo-Ann's that I thought was wider.

Adorable dress, adorable daughter!
wendy said…
Oh, that dress is so adorable. I love the blue tights with those bright colors :-)
Dana said…
Thanks for all your kind words about my daughter!!
Sharon Sews said…
I love her dress with the bright blue tights! Such a little sweetie.

I don't remember the last time I purchased any fabric from JoAnns, but I'll keep the 50" in the back of my mind if I ever do. Thnx
Remnant said…
When I was at JoAnn's yesterday, a customer was returning 1 1/2 yards of decorator fabric. Folded, the fabric measured a scant 1 yard, 13 inches. The sales associate, eyebrows raised, argued with the client about the shortage. I almost suggested measuring the salvage, rather than the fold, when the customer finally (!)suggested that herself, stating that the fabric had NOT been folded when the cut was made. Moral of the story: the fabric had not been cut straight and the customer had been shorted the few inches in the middle of the cut. I will be watching JoAnn's like a hawk. Sadly, it's the only game in town.
I would TOTALLY wear that dress, especially with the tights and shoes. Lucky daughter!
Summerset said…
That flowered dress is super cute!
Tanya said…
First I have to say how adorable your daughter is and good luck with passing on the sewing gene, I'm still waiting for my dd to get the bug, she's 26. Just the other day I tried to email JoAnn's Fabric to complain about my local store, it's horrible and the sales people are horrible as well. The store is always in shambles and the fabric selection sucks. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Karen said…
Remember when there used to be real small town fabric stores with gorgeous fabrics