Replies

1. 
   spicegirl | May 14, 2007 06:14am | #1

   Sorry, I can't be of help.  I am as stranded here in SW Ohio as you are.   There is one upscale fabric shop in Cincinnati, but that is an hour away and $$$ in gasoline.  I have to settle for the old decrepit Joann's 15 minutes from me.

   Manufactures of sewing equipment keep coming out with fancy machines, but if we don't have easy access to fabrics what is the use of buying their products.

   Is it time for sewers to petition the SM companies for help?

1. 
   Crazy K | May 14, 2007 06:29am | #2

   There is so much talk and even newspaper and magazine articles written about how sewing is making a huge comeback.  So.......why are all the fabric stores closing??  Makes little sense to me.  I think someone should do something but I am not sure who or what!!!!  It has me stumped!  I am fortunate after reading the different threads from others.  I have a JoAnn ETC 2 miles from me and others within easy distance.  Even though our neighborhood Hancock closed, there is another about 11 miles away.  It seems like the smaller shops cater to the quilters...........so that doesn't do those of us who do garments or home dec. a whole lot of good.

   What's a woman (or man!) to do???  If anyone has any good ideas, please share!  I think we need to petition or protest someone.............only not sure who!!

   Crazy

1. 
   dotty | May 14, 2007 05:31pm | #3

   Its not just sewing stores. The big chains of every type are taking over the universe. Our cute little town in a NYC suburb has, like everywhere else, struggled to support small buisnesses. We've temporarily stopped a big box store from taking over a totally inappropriate space. I have my doubts about the long run. A fabric store here only lasted about 3 months. I never even had a chance to drop in.

1. 
   Crazy K | May 14, 2007 06:02pm | #4

   I live in the Midwest.......an eastern suburb of St. Paul.  We have many stores and I would probably be surprised at the amount of smaller fabric shops around the St. Paul/Minneapolis area but as I said, the ones I have been in carry quilting cottons and supplies.  The fabrics are gorgeous (eye candy for me!) but I am not a quilter and all cotton fabrics are not my fabric of choice for most projects.  I guess I'll have to do more checking.  I still think I am luckier than many of you. 

   It still boggles the mind that with this big upswing in sewing interest, that the fabric stores can't make it.............even the established ones.  Is it the internet and online shopping that is cutting into their profits?

    

2. 
   Ralphetta | May 14, 2007 08:50pm | #6

   I've been asking the very same questions!  I just don't get it.  For the last several years I've been reading that there would be a resurgence in sewing.  Maybe that explains all the wonderful machines available...manufacturers read the same things I did! 

    They must be selling the machines because I don't see as many "equipment" stores going out of business as I do fabric stores.  I guess if most of the equipment is aimed at embroidery and quilting, that could explain it.  

   Like others, I acquired a lot of my stash from stores going out of business. Currently, my town still has Jo-Ann, Hancock and one very, very pricey place.  Although I'm happy the up-scale store is still here, I wish there was something in-between.  There used to be a much better range of quality and price. Maybe I'm just hard to please.

    

2. 
   SewFit | May 14, 2007 08:34pm | #5

   Ditto to all!   The area of NC (what used to be the heart of textile country) where I live has both Hancock's and Joann's.   The closest truly fashion fabric store is a couple of hours away in Gastonia.  I also visit G Street in Centreville VA when I visit my children in that area.  (7 hours from me) I'd love to have access to a fabric store that carries quality fabric (not crafts, yarns, picnic supplies and garden items-leave those to the crafts stores), notions, interfacings, etc.    If a revival of sewing is in the making, I'm not seeing it except in the number of quilters.

3. 
   Sew Biz | May 14, 2007 09:10pm | #7

   Have you tried Denver Fabrics? They have a brick & mortar store in Littleton. We drove up there yesterday, but the sign said they were closed for Mother's Day. Their website says that they don't carry the same things as they do online, so I have no idea what their selection is like.

4. 
   mimi | May 15, 2007 05:36am | #8

   pattern junkie:  I have given up on finding fabric locally.  We are down to one Joann's in a 50 mile radius and I can't even rely on it for lining!

   But I can recommend two web sites:  http://www.SawyerBrook.com and http://www.Waechters.com; both have very high quality merchandise, are very friendly on the phone and are not really that expensive.  I'm sure there are others out there but these two have worked for me consistantly.

   If you are ever inthe DC metro area, G Street Fabrics is absolutely heaven:)

   mimi