Category: craft business

Grateful

November 16, 2025

Earlier this week, I received an early bird sign-up link for the spring retreat in Idaho I’ve attended the past couple of years. One of the quilters I befriended at last year’s retreat even texted to see if I was coming again in April. Sadly, not this time. The retreat dates don’t work with everything else going on and travel costs make it difficult to justify attending. My friend totally understood and said she’d see me at QuiltCon here in Atlanta in 2027.

When our conversation ended, I’ll admit I was a little bummed. I’ve always had a great time at my Idaho retreats. Curious, I researched what other quilting/sewing events were available locally and regionally in spring/summer/fall 2026. Quilters in the Southeast are indeed fortunate to have many opportunities available for every budget, accommodation type and retreat style desired. I’ll just leave it at that. For what I’d spend on my entire 5 day trip in Boise, I could attend several events closer to home, particularly when traveling by car.

I’m grateful for those opportunities – especially the BYOP retreats offering single room accommodations and meals. Show up, set up and sew. That’s what I like! Near a beach or body of water? Even better!

Photo by tengu jack on Pexels.com

Happy Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2025

Thank you to everyone who has served or is currently serving in our military. We appreciate you!

Thought it was only fitting to complete my Patriot Block today. Block pattern is from Lori Holt’s Sew Your Stash Series #20, slightly modified so that the unfinished size is 12″ x 12″. It will be donated to The Great American Birthday Quilt sponsored by Visit Williamsburg in celebration of our country’s 250th birthday next year. My CraftLAB students will be making blocks, as well.

Have your shopping habits changed since Joann closed?

November 9, 2025

Quilty friends and I were chatting about this at a recent get-together. The general answer is yes. More are shopping online, spending more and getting less. A couple of folks noted that we were already heading in that direction with the rise of inflation, online shopping and Atlanta traffic.

Me?

(1) I have to plan ahead more.
Joann was convenient. It carried just about anything I needed for sewing, quilting and crafts. It was open 7 days a week and prices were less than my local quilt shops. It took a little while to find suitable replacement sources for the supplies I prefer to use. Now, I shop 2-3 places to get the same merchandise I could find in a single trip to Joann.

(2) I don’t buy something unless I absolutely need it.
Joann sales & coupons were a great way to stock up on consumable supplies that I regularly use. With Joann gone, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby no longer need to offer as generous of a discount to remain competitive.

(3) Shopping at brick & mortar locations for sewing & quilting stuff has become less frequent, more intentional.
Joann in Kennesaw is where you would often find Sadie and me on Sunday afternoons. It was part of our routine. Sometimes to shop, sometimes for inspiration and sometimes for Sadie to visit different public spaces and practice walking on slick floors in between therapy dog visits. We thoroughly enjoyed our social interactions with customers and staff. Nowadays, the Hobby Lobby location on Akers Mill welcomes us on random Wednesday mornings when I need quilt backing fabric or interfacing that’s on sale.

The only pet-friendly quilt/gift shop in my area recently changed to a no dogs allowed policy after another customer’s dog hiked his leg on several bolts of fabric. Totally understand, but the new policy means this shop is no longer a regular destination on our “Sadie shopping” rotation. We bought special jerky treats carried in the gift side of the shop. (I recently found the same jerky treats at a new specialty pet store closer to home.) I’ll pop in on the way home from monthly guild meetings if I have time to stop, but that’s it. Specific online retailers with reasonable shipping rates are now my usual go-tos when I do need something only found in a quilt shop.

How about you?