As a mostly e-commerce quilt shop, the closing of Joann's will be hitting me more personally then professionally. My GVQS products are not generally found at Joanns. But I will definitely feel the loss of such an iconic store and convenience of shopping and touching products.
Like you, I have spent many of a days wandering the aisles for inspiration for a new project, or aggressively focused on completing the new Pinterest craft. After my babies were born, when my husband was on bedtime duty, I would unwind throughout the store until I was asked (forced 🤣) to leave at closing time. Between Joann's and Target, the store would fill my exhausted mommy cup! Yes, I purchased the unnecessary, and many times, I paid full price for items at Joanns only to sell at a 90% discount to others at my neighborhood garage sale. Regardless, I will MISS JOANNS!
Before it's too late, 10 Products at Joann Fabrics to Pick Up Now! You may find these products even difficult to source at your Local Quilt Shop.
1. Have you ever missed the 1/4" seam and come up a little short? I use this product frequently when longarming when a client has done just that. Be sure to stock up on at least one, STITCH WITCHERY. This works amazing for a quick fix for pant/skirt hems and so many other uses when you a temporary fix versus a sewing machine repair. This is a MUST in your toolbox for the quick repair! By the way, STITCH WITCHERY comes in several sizes.
2. One type of item that really bums me out to not source easily is fusibles! When I got into this business, I took the time to understand and eduacated myself on the different fusibles. It can be confusing! Joanns has been my first choice to get fusibles because you can source by your own needs and read about the different options. Now it will take a little more time searching and learning as you go. These are my 3 must haves in my sewing toolbox:
The New Brothread brand of sticky water soluble embroidery stabilizer printable paper Stabilizer is perfect for hand & machine embroidery. This stabilizer it perfect for the added touches whether you're using for quilt tops, quilt labels (which I HIGHLY recommend you do) or any type of personalization you enjoy.
3. Another fusible I recommend is Pellon Wonder Under Fusible Web Heavy Duty.
Soft Fuse would be my first choice but is very hard to source these days. This Pellon product has been my quick next choice because of ease to source. Another brand I am currently purchasing for my embroidery machine is Floriani. Such a great product! But this post is about Joann products, so before it's too late, have this in your toolbox!
4. I haven't done one in years, (and I need to make some soon)...Hot Pads! Such a great hostess gift or small birthday gift for a friend. And an easy holiday gift to make using scrap for any holiday! Insul-Bright® Insulating Thermal Lining is not only perfect for hot or cold insulated interface, but when sourcing without a big box store, comes in reasonable packaging. For years I've used Pellon Insul Fleece, but it is sold by the segment of yardage and will be more challenging to source at a custom size.
5. Another item which is a must in the sewing toolbox, Thermo Web Heat and Bond Iron-On Adhesive.
Thermo Web Heat and Bond Iron-On Adhesive is another of my favorites for using as a bond for appliqué. You know how it's trending to decorate apparel (jeans and jean jackets) with fabric pieces, or fabric patches and embroidery? Well, this is a product that helps achieve that art. 😍
6. When we do quilting longarm services for our clients, we offer batting at a discount. Many longarmers do. But if you enjoy doing your own quilting, run to go pick up your batting of Joann Fabrics at the close out sale prices!
Hobbs Batting Heirloom 80%/20% Cotton/Poly Queen Size: 90" x 108" Quilt Batting is a great size to have on hand. Hobbs Batting is a very common request for 2 reasons. First, it's very economical and light weight. And second, if you use dark backing or background, Hobbs 80/20 Black will be the best choice to prevent show through. Purchasing right now from Joann's, you can get the best on sale pricing. Personally, I use Quilter's Dream and Warm and Natural for my personal quilts. Some Joann's locations would carry Warm and Natural, but not all. If you can still get it, do it now while on sale!!
In my shop, I offer Hobbs and Warm and Natural consistently, and when I can source Quilters Dream on sale, I love to offer that. Both Quilts Dream and Warm and Natural are superior products, offering thicker loft and stability. I love how both products can elevate the quilt design and make a quilt immediately look and feel cuddly! 😍
7. If you are looking for a table side iron, the Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron with Solemate is the best! For my pressing and fabric prep, I use my granny's 1960's Good House Keeping Iron. I have 3 of them just incase one ever brakes! But for sewing side table use, the Oliso is amazing. So many of my quilting friends use the large one too. The point here is purchase one from Joann's now!
Several times I have tried to source these irons for clients and my cost for these items is more then the sales at Joann's, Craft Warehouse and other big box stores. The time is now to get an iron like this. Today, Joann's is selling for $53 which is $6 less than Amazon! But you gotta hurry!
8. Sewing Machine Needles are easy-ish to source but why not purchase some extras before the sourcing becoming a little more difficult.
Recently I learned there are otehr sewing machine needle companies, but Schmetz is my go to. In a future post I will detail the differences in needle types but for now, pick up Universal and Quilting needles while on sale!
This Universal Needles are perfect for piecing. The Schmetz Quilting Needles come with 2 different size needle options in the packing. The larger 90/14 is great for piecing. The more sharp 75/11 is for the Quilting portion of your project. This needle is able to easily poke through layers of fabric.
9. 505 Spray & Fix Temporary Fabric Adhesive is a must have for basting. You can buy individually at Joann's but it seems to be sourced in packages of 3 elsewhere.
10. And lastly, my fabric starch. 😭. Fabric starch is like hairspray. Some people like Aquanet like hold, like me! Others prefer a lighter touch, like Best Press. Some prefer fragrance, like in the Flat Products. Joanns offered a variety of starches and I will definitely miss that!
My mom used Plaid Stiffy Fabric Stiffener in her making and my grandmother used Faultless. I like both brands because I want to texture of my fabrics to be paper-like as possible. I like my fabric Aquanet stiff, just like my 1980's hair styles!
BONUS ITEM! BUY YOUR THREAD! I love Gutermann Thread. My machines love it too, when it comes to piecing and making. (I use a different brands for embroidery and longarming.) Joanns has always been my go to for my piecing thread. 🥺 So last week, I had purchase and now will offer in my shop. Just like I buy at Joanns, I will be offering the neutral colors and will be posting upon their arrival.
I know I am not alone in feeling sad to lose such an iconic store. I guess my quest to always use those 40% off coupons caught up with them. 🤭. But honestly, I will miss the ease of sourcing, the convenience in finding what I need and the ability to save money when I did find it. My BIGGEST fear is the younger generations not having the convenience to source for their crafts. Creative meditation is such an important part to grow as an artist, homemaker, crafter and quilter. It is also important for our mental calmness and internal peace. Please continue to make and share your passion for making with others! I know you will. It's just what we quilters do! 💖
Until next time, Happy Quilting!