Category: Kid’s Sewing

No looking good for Joann

February 3, 2025

Today, Sadie & I went to the Alpharetta Joann store. Our mission was to find fabric to make another sample tote bag for the beginning sewing class at the SQTM. We ended our shopping trip with Sadie saying good-bye to several staffers we’ve gotten to know from previous visits.  Joann received a lot more business from me because of its pet friendly policy once the local quilt shops in the area that were pet friendly closed.

Employees didn’t say much about the future of the company. One did say she hoped a new buyer would be found so that the fabric and sewing part might return after the bankruptcy was over.  I agree.  Joann fills a niche that Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Wal-Mart don’t.

This store reminds me of what Hancock Fabrics stores looked like before it went out of business (i.e. liquidation sales began).  There are posters in the check-out area reminding staff not to accept any more deliveries. Lots of holes in the shelves where merchandise would normally be. Disorganized bolts of fabric set out in big cardboard bins in the middle of the floor.  (The bins resemble the Gaylord boxes I used at the end of the school year to discard weeded library books and outdated instructional materials. They came in on pallets and were hauled away once full.)

WARN act notices (about pending layoffs) are being filed in states where Joann does business.  The one filed in Ohio, where Joann is based, shows that the business wind down will happen quickly, with most staff being gone by the end of March/April.

Joann has agreed to sell itself to Gordon Brothers Retail (who has indicated its plan to liquidate the company) should another buyer not be found in the next 10 days.

You read correctly. Joann has about 10 days before it goes back to bankruptcy court and sells itself to the highest bidder.  If you have a gift card, get to the store NOW to redeem it while it still has value and there’s some inventory left from which to shop.

And should Joann not rise from bankruptcy, we’ll figure out other ways to get our fabric and craft fix.

We always do. 

Stitching Stallions are back!

February 2, 2019

Yes folks, it’s time for Round 2 of Friday afternoon learning clubs at The River.

This time up, we have 12 students (9 girls + 3 boys)  and 8 sewing machines (3 computerized and 5 mechanical). Today, they actually learned how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew a couple of small “pockets.”

I’m a firm believer that the best way is to learn by doing. I demonstrate on one machine, point out the threading and bobbin winding diagrams on the machine and in the manual – then turn them loose. Of course, I have to step in and help…but they learn so much more by doing it themselves!

For a group of kids who were deathly afraid of sewing machines, today they learned that the machines don’t bite!  They were so proud of themselves when clubs ended today.

Sorry, we got so involved I forgot to take pictures! 🙂

Kid’s Club Schedule for 2019

January 11, 2019

Believe it or not, Miss Jackie and I have set the monthly classes through December 2019!

January – Hot Chocolate Mug Rug
February – Chenille Heart Door Hanger
March – Fabric Bunny Basket
April – Oven Mitt
May – Big Chicken Door Stop/Tablet Holder
June – no club
July – Drawstring Travel Bag
August – no club
September – Lined Pencil Pouch
October –  Pumpkin Coasters (set of 4)
November – Bowl Cozy
December – Gift Bags/Card Holders

We meet the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Class fee is $15 plus supplies.  Snacks are included.

We prefer that you bring your own sewing machine in good working order.  Stitch N Quilt offers machine service, as do Sewing Doc and Ashby Sewing.

A limited number of sewing machines are available for student use. Please let the shop know when you register. I bring sewing machines with a speed controller.

Policies:

  • Students must be 8 years old/rising 3rd grader to attend classes.
  • Students must be good listeners and able to follow directions.
  • Parents/caregivers are welcome to stay; however, realize your child is going to want you to participate along side them!
  • Classes are limited to six students. Payment is required at time of sign-up.
  • Some sewing machine familiarity is helpful, but actual sewing experience not always required.  That said, the January and November club projects are more involved and best suited for kids who have attended at least 3 sessions with us.