Tag: crafts

Packing for a quilt retreat that requires air travel

April 14, 2025

Do you ever fly with your sewing machine? I have on five occasions – twice with my Featherweight and three times with my Elna STAR edition (3/4 size machine similar to the Janome Jem Platinum 720). I prefer to take the computerized Elna because it has features the FW lacks. For me, the Elna also goes through TSA security without the need for additional screening.

With Delta’s new boarding rules and a main cabin ticket for my recent quilt retreat in Idaho, overhead bin space for my carry-on sewing machine was a concern. Here’s the thing: in ATL, more than half the plane will be boarding before me because I’m a general Skymiles member without a co-branded credit card. I anticipated overhead bin space but packed my 3/4 size Elna STAR edition sewing machine in an underseat rolling tote in case she had to ride under the seat in front of me. At no time do I want my sewing machine to ride as checked luggage! I actually had no issue getting overhead bin space on either flight.

Packing for a retreat where I’m driving is definitely easier. I can take whatever I want in my SUV. Flying requires a more minimalist approach. I took small projects to work on – Mini Brightly in spring colors and 4 blocks from the Middle GA Shop Hop. Everything was precut and bagged. Projects in baggies, batting and FQs are packed along with the sewing machine, foot pedal, power cord, machine accessories and manual. Everything else goes in my checked luggage.

Post retreat update: Retreat swag and other souvenirs had to be shipped home or I would’ve exceeded the weight limit for my suitcase. I definitely plan to return for future retreats. I’ll bring the same machine, but with fewer feet (all-purpose, 1/4″, open toe, zipper and a walking foot with guides). Sewing supplies will be kept to a minimum: thin heat resistant pins, magnetic pin cushion, wonder clips, purple thang, seam ripper, glue stick, small scissors, 8″ scissors, pencil, frixon pen, thimble, hand sewing needles, rotary cutter, 12X18 folding cutting mat, 8-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ ruler, 10″ square, 5″ square, 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ ruler, mini-iron, press mat, mini clapper, small extension cord and travel Ott light. Of course, I’ll bring extra thread, needles and bobbins plus my extension table. I’ll also include any specialty rulers or notions my projects may require. Anything else, I can borrow or buy at the retreat.

The retreat organizers taught a new project each day. Skill building and fun, but they didn’t think the logistics on the train case all the way through. If they had, we would’ve been told to bring a 9-1/2″ square ruler and a larger cutting mat. I took my 8-1/2″ square and my 9″x12″ cutting mat. Not good when 30+ retreat attendees are trying to use the 2 cutting stations.

Joann’s future is doubtful

February 23, 2025

The winning bidder of the bankruptcy auction was a partnership of Great American Group and some of the lenders. They bought the assets of Joann with the intent of liquidation rather keeping it as a going concern. The bankruptcy court will approve/disapprove of the sale on February 26th. This means all 800+ stores will most likely close on or before May 31, 2025. FYI, Great American is the same group that liquidated Hancock Fabrics almost 10 years ago.

The Hancock’s closures didn’t bother me as much as the closure of Joann does. I have a personal history with Joann. Cloth World, the fabric store I grew up with, was bought by Joann in 1994. Shortly after, I helped reset one of the Gwinnett Cloth World stores to the new Joann format. As we moved around the country with hubby’s job, finding the local Joann store in our new town was the same priority as finding the nearest library. I am a librarian, after all.

With the closing of Joann, crafters have lost a major option in where to buy supplies. In some areas, Joann is the only fabric/craft store for miles around. Even in markets served by Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Wal-Mart, some crafters refuse to shop any and all of these stores for various reasons. Besides, Joann is open on Sundays and allows Sadie to shop with me. The teacher discount and sales meant this teacher could afford to do craft projects with her students without breaking the bank.

Practical me has been surveying my fabric and notion stash to see if there’s anything I need to stock up on should I find a great price during the closing sales. Honestly, I don’t need a thing at the moment. Should I need more Pellon SF-101 interfacing for a t-shirt quilt currently in the queue, I have other ways to get it. Hobby Lobby usually runs a 40% off fabric promotion every 2-3 weeks. Today, I learned that interfacing by the yard is included in that promotion. Bonus? Hobby Lobby is much closer to home, too!

Fortunately, we still have options to source materials our creative endeavors. It’ll be an adjustment to figure out where’s the best place to get certain things from now on, but I’ll survive. Something will eventually come to the marketplace to fill the void left by the closure of Joann stores.

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

Your last chance to redeem Joann gift cards

February 12, 2025

Joann has a big hearing on Friday morning (2/14/25) at 9:30 a.m. in bankruptcy court to finalize store closing procedures, which will include not accepting gift cards after a certain date. There’s usually a 14 day notice until a retail shop in bankruptcy stops accepting gift cards as payment. If I read the pleadings correctly, Joann is requesting the 14 day window to start ticking as of the date of the signed order. My best guesstimate is that you’d better redeem any gift cards you find by the end of February or you”ll be out of luck because the gift cards will be rendered worthless at the end of said 14 day period. Check with a Joann staff member before loading up your cart if you plan to redeem gift cards.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Joann’s has posted a rather large list of stores it plans to close. According to the list, we’ll have two stores left in the Atlanta area by the time all is said and done – Kennesaw and Decatur. The powers-that-be appear to be leaving some other Georgia stores open, too – namely Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville & Savannah. When I looked at locations around the SE, it seems that one location will remain open in most larger cities or locations where the single store may draw from a wide geographic area. For example, I did not see the Pensacola, FL or Panama City, FL locations on the closure list, although the store in Ft. Walton Beach, FL – located between the two stores – is on the closure list. It appears someone gave some thought as to which stores to actually close, rather than going strictly based off numbers. Thank you.

The two remaining Atlanta locations are about the same distance from me, so Sadie gets to keep shopping at Joann. Folks who live farther out will still have options – online shopping plus brick & mortar at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels or a local quilt/fabric shop. All is not lost. We’ll just have to find new ways to get our fabric and inspiration fix.

Scour your desk drawers, junk drawers, old purses, tote bags and car cubbies for any unused Joann cards. Check your balance here, make your list and get shopping! Your best bets are likely to be fabric, interfacing, batting, some notions, yarn and storage containers.