Sewing: Another Look After Joann's Closes

With the planned closure of 61 Joann Stores, and the announcement of going-out-of-business sales, the speculation of a white-knight converting the stores has quickly diminished.   

Perhaps the answer lies in this strange dichotomy. Home garment sewing was most popular in the 1920's and 1950's, a time when easy to access video's to teach-yourself techniques did not exist.  Most people learned how to sew a garment by a relative or in home economics class.  Patterns were affordable and material for fashionable garments did not require a large investment.  Consumer sewing machines even in the 1950's did not have the capabilities of even the most basic machine sold at Walmart.   What happened?  

• The dictate of disposable fashion requires a more frequent rotation of garments - faster than the most talented home-seamstress could keep up in production.  
• The single income household in 1950 gave one person (usually "mom") more time to sew.
• As less income was generated in fabric sales, other craft and hobby options began to take up more space in a retail fabric store.  Seasonal decor also began to require more space for inventory
• Pushed out of the space was any option for classes, as well as the staff to teach those classes.
• Joann's (and other fabric stores) lost interest in generating, regenerating their customers.
• Dedicated fabric stores typically sell only quilting fabric, which is 100% cotton and not as suitable for garments, which also include knits, blends, and tend to flow or move when worn.
• Interestingly, the growth of the estate-sale and small garage sale opportunities have given both seasoned and novice seamstresses a broader selection of better quality (of yesteryear) fabric for a fraction of today's retailers, even when they discount their prices.
• Retailers which offer fabric such as Walmart or Hobby Lobby have the advantage of a larger buffer for their profitability and expense of staff.  Michael's has added fabric to their already existing craft inventory, the opposite timeline of what Joann's did.  Time will tell if their executives have gleaned anything from Joann's year-long bankruptcy struggles.

A sample of resources online for novice seamstresses:

• How to Identify Quality in Clothing (A Rant)    
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• Learn to sew - adjust a neckline!  Want to learn even more about how to adjust, hack, and change necklines? After you watch today’s video, be sure to check out our (totally free) class on changing necklines. Haley teaches this one, and it’s a great intro to customizing your own patterns.  

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• Upcycling is a fun, eco-conscious way to repurpose vintage fabrics, reduce waste, and create something uniquely beautiful 
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• Bernina featured a link to Beginner Bread Basket - WeAllSew

Emily’s Bread Basket

Joann Fabric Stores In & Adjacent to SFV Closing | San Fernando Valley News Portal

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