I want to contribute to #EverybodyLovesJoAnn which is a request by Joann Fabrics store to share memories and appreciation for this beloved fabric (and craft) store. When I was 8 years old my grandma gifted me my 1st sewing lesson in Bowling Green, Ohio, and the project was elastic waist shorts and a drawstring bag. I remember my dad and I went into Joann’s for the first time, and the associates so kindly helped us, a clueless daddy and little daughter, find the sewing pattern and explain what was needed. I remember when I was told I could pick out any cotton print for my project I was completely overwhelmed with sheer JOY!! I had *loved* fashion since I was tiny but this was new… I could CREATE the FASHION with my choices! I almost couldn’t believe it. I picked blue and white gingham with watermelons. I was able to find the exact one on eBay to show you! My next project was with my grandma, and it was a reversible corduroy vest, one side deep purple, the other side rainbow cats!!! lol, I found the motif of that one to show you too! From then on, and to this day, I shopped regularly at Joann for my sewing needs. It’s as important to me as a hardware store is to my husband. I’m deeply saddened that my local JoAnn is on the closure list. I will not let this ruin my hobby for me, but what a loss this is. Very disheartening. I love Joann Fabrics, and I am so very sad my local store is one of the 300+ closing.
What do you think?