Tag: shopping

Alternatives to Joann’s – ATL edition

February 20, 2025

This post examines brick & mortar alternatives to Joann’s in the Atlanta area for sourcing fabric and sewing supplies.

Garment/Bridal/Cosplay
Gail K. Fabrics (Decatur) and Fine Fabrics (Norcross). Gail K’s Cheshire Bridge location is my personal favorite.

Home Dec Fabric/Trims
Fabric & Fringe Warehouse (Marietta) plus any of the showrooms in the Chattahoochee Industrial area (Lewis & Sheron Textiles, Forsyth Fabrics, etc.). Some of the home dec showrooms at ADAC in Buckhead (wholesale vendors) have warehouse sales. Get on their mailing lists.

Quilting Cottons
Any of the quilt shops in greater ATL/north Georgia can source your cotton fabric needs. Tiny Stitches in Marietta is one of the largest shops in the area. Like to treasure hunt? Check out Thread Bear Fabrics in Cumming. Sew Senoia does monthly pop-up shops at the SQTM in Carrollton.

Atlanta Sewing Centers in Marietta and Duluth have an assortment of quilting cottons, canvas and the occasional dressmaker fabric. They are also a Bernina/Baby Lock dealer.

Sew Sew Studio (f/n/a Discover Sewing) in Bogart and Duluth have an assortment of quilting cottons and bag making supplies. They are also a Janome, Brother, Pfaff and Viking dealer.

Tip #1: There are a number of recently closed quilt and fabric shops that still appear in search results as open for business. Always verify the company is still in business before you head that way.

Tip #2: Attend the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo at the Gas South Convention Center (Duluth). This show comes to ATL every March. If you are a garment sewer, there’s usually a vendor or two selling quality knits, wools and other apparel fabrics at good prices.

ATL is also home to several Hobby Lobby and Michael’s stores. Sewing supplies and fabric selections are available and vary by location.

Most Wal-Marts still have a sewing/craft section – some even have cutting counters. If you need a zipper, thread, scissors, batting, stuffing or interfacing late at night – here’s a source of supply.

Last, but not least – as of now, we’ll still have Joann stores in Kennesaw and Decatur once the bankruptcy dust settles.

Geographically speaking: Other than Gail K. Fabrics and the home dec warehouses on the Westside, the majority of independent fabric and sewing machine shops are located OTP (outside I-285) in the north ATL suburbs. Chain stores such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Joann have at least one location ITP (inside I-285).

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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.

Shopportunity

October 9, 2016

 

Come Stitch With Me, LLC is expanding its retail offerings!

Soon, you will see specialty sewing items for sale in my Etsy sho20160406_172242p.

Only those items that I absolutely, positively use and love will be offered for sale (and very few of said items are available at the big box stores!).

Calling all stitchers! It’s time to get those Christmas wish lists started!

Competitive prices, speedy shipping and you’ll be helping a child R.E.A.D. with Boomer!