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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-05-2006, 11:22 AM (1 of 53)
Headlines in the local paper --

Customers disappointed Hancock Fabrics is closing
AUBURN - Workmen unfurled and tried to place the “Store Closing” banner near the Hancock Fabrics sign in Auburn Plaza Wednesday afternoon. But the yellow and black rectangle would not stay - as though it, like Hancock's customers, were protesting the shuttering of the shop.

It's only been there less than two years and was so refreshing because the JoAnnes in Auburn sucks.
It's one of 50 that are closing.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Bama
Date: 05-05-2006, 11:53 AM (2 of 53)
I'm sorry to hear that. I hear of more and more closing the past few years. The Hancock Fabrics that was closest to me closed a few years ago. Now I have to drive 35+ miles to the nearest one. I keep looking for that one to close too. The area it's in is getting run down. No new businesses there in quite a while.
On the bright side, there's a new Hobby Lobby just over 20 miles from me.
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000
Total posts: 2116
From: paroper
Date: 05-05-2006, 02:55 PM (3 of 53)
I'm sorry Dorothy. I understand their stores are not doing well.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 05-05-2006, 05:18 PM (4 of 53)
I just recently went to the Hancock fabrics on the other side of town, and they had signs up all over the place saying that they were *not* closing. I had never been to that one before (there's both a Hancock and a Joann's closer to me), but it kind of made me wonder what was going on!

Sorry to hear your Hancock fabrics is closing. I guess they seem to be having a harder time keeping up with Joann's, Hobby Lobby, and Michael's crafting "superstores" all around, and even Walmart selling fabric and produce at the same store. :sad:
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
Total posts: 222
From: Mariellen
Date: 05-06-2006, 09:48 PM (5 of 53)
We don't have a Hancock here in Western MA but we are lucky enough to have a great Joann's. When we were in VA a few weeks ago, I saw a Hancock store so while hubby took a nap I went to check it out. It was the worst store I have been in! All together I think they may have had about 60 bolts of fabric, the store was dirty, there was no organization whatsoever and the staff were slightly less than helpful. I was pretty disappointed as I had heard good things about their stores. But all was not lost...there was a Joanns across the street, so even on vacation I managed to buy new fabric. LOL. I am sorry to hear that the store near you is closing. I am sure the one I visited was not a good example of all their stores.
If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!
User: Mariellen
Member since: 02-16-2006
Total posts: 58
From: Hogmami
Date: 05-07-2006, 12:42 AM (6 of 53)
While in Toledo this week. I went into a Hancock's on Mason St. It was beautiful. All kinds of fabric. Had alot of fabrics on sale. So guess what I got. Lots of fabric. The JoAnns that we have here, is very limited. They have lots of cotton, but not alot of different choices. I go to alot of quilt shops and buy their stuff on sale. But I did enjoy the Hancock's
Carolyn
Michigan
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004
Total posts: 800
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 05-07-2006, 01:57 AM (7 of 53)
Hancock's home office is based in Northern Mississippi, run by all men. It's all based on business. I went to a grand opening of a Hancock's in Metairie, LA before Katrina and spoke to some of the "higher ups" and told them I was upset we didn't have one in Chalmette there was one there a few years back that closed. They told me if the store is not a "million dollar store" then it closes. I really don't understand that one because there is 3 Hancock's in Baton Rouge La and I'm sure there is not that much business there in Baton Rouge before Katrina to have 3 stores maybe now but not before. There was one about 30 minutes from me in Hammond and they moved to Baton Rouge. There is a Hobby Lobby in Hammond and I'm sure they took away some of the profits from Hancock's. I like Hancock more then Joann's. At least the stores close to me the Hancock's are better than Joann's.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005
Total posts: 1118
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 08:18 AM (8 of 53)
It was the worst store I have been in! All together I think they may have had about 60 bolts of fabric, the store was dirty, there was no organization whatsoever and the staff were slightly less than helpful.

That sounds like the JoAnns in Auburn. Well it's not really dirt and the staff would be helpful but they don't sew.
The one in Lansing -- same distance, other direction -- is much better. Not great but better.
The Hancocks here had lots of fabric for real good prices and a row or two of bolts for about what you'd expect to pay. The staff didn't know much when the first opened but they eventually advertised and got clerks that did.
I'm going to miss it.
The good news is, once my daughter gets moved from Staten Island to Brooklyn she will be minutes by subway, rather than hours by ferry and subway, from the garment district in New York and I will be able to hit the shops every time we visit.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 05-07-2006, 08:19 AM (9 of 53)
They sure aren't handling the variety of fabric they used to handle though.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Patty22
Date: 05-07-2006, 09:07 AM (10 of 53)
Dorothy, I too was very disappointed about the Hancock closing in Auburn...........WE'RE NEIGHBORS!!! Talk about a small world!

You're right about the JoAnns in Auburn. I have also been quite frustrated with the online customer service for JoAnns. I wrote several times to them inquiring about the silvercloth that they carry online. They were not very helpful and when the order did arrive it was in several pieces and not the entire amount ordered. I wouldn't order online from them again.

In February I ordered some fabric online (something I wasn't going to do as I need to use up my fabric stash) as it was a color I didn't have and it was for a baby quilt. I was very pleased with the quality and service from fabric.com. I would definitely use them again.

Patty
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 09:18 AM (11 of 53)
Patty --
Where are you?
I'm in Moravia so going to Lansing and Ithaca is just as easy for me as Auburn. Hancocks was the only store I went to in Auburn anymore -- I don't hunt and fish so no Bass Pro for me.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 05-07-2006, 12:09 PM (12 of 53)
Dorothy, I live in Skaneateles - not a native though as we moved to the area in 1977. I've been married 31 years, have four children (30,26,24,18) and made my first dress when I was 12. I don't have family members that share my sewing passion (they appreciate the gifts but just don't sew or do any needlearts) and it is nice to know that there are other sewing enthusiasts out there!

Patty
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: paroper
Date: 05-07-2006, 03:04 PM (13 of 53)
Dorthy L, Patty22, I wanna be your neighbor too! Why don't you guys just move down to Oklahoma. We still have Hancocks stores!!!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 03:56 PM (14 of 53)
I just got back from helping them liquidate at Hancocks. Bitter sweet and I am $119 poorer.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 04:00 PM (15 of 53)
Skaneateles, Huh. That's right next door.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 05-07-2006, 06:16 PM (16 of 53)
That was very generous of you to donate to the cause, Dorothy.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 06:23 PM (17 of 53)
That's just the kind of person I am. There were a lot of generous people there. It was like a wake.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: beachgirl
Date: 05-07-2006, 06:23 PM (18 of 53)
We are losing our Jo-Ann's here in July. It's been here forever it seems. That one is 2 miles at most from me so I'll miss it for sure if I need just an item or 2. We are getting a huge Jo-Ann's etc store in Noth Naples. That will be nice but it's farther away & our roads are so crowded. We call most of them parking lots during season & now even before & after. They really need one on this end of town also. No plans for it yet though. :sad: We do have a Hancock store here but I don't care much for it at all. I don't care for the material they carry here. The notions dept is real small & higher than Jo- Ann's. It is clean though.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: Patty22
Date: 05-07-2006, 06:51 PM (19 of 53)
Pam, the closest I get to you is when I visit my daughter in Lincoln, Nebraska. But, I am not locked into living in NY for the rest of my life, so I may take you up on the offer to move to the other side of the Mississippi. I'd be neighbor's with anyone with a sewing soul like yours (well, and it sounds like you're a great mom too).

Dorothy........you're breaking the bank before the big markdowns? I need to make some new curtains and draperies so I should be heading over to the store soon.

Patty
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-07-2006, 07:22 PM (20 of 53)
Patty --
Most of the home dec is still only 20 percent off but some is 50 percent off. There is a five yard minimum cut.
I expect it will go down before they are done.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 05-19-2006, 12:42 PM (21 of 53)
Dorothy....

I stopped by Hancock this morning and I was very disappointed at the sales. I found fabric that was cheaper before the store advertised the liquidation sale of 20% markdown. For example there was cotton that was selling for 1.99 a yard and 2.89. Today, those signs were down and you had to take 20% from the 5.89 original bolt price.

I'll be holding out awhile for some real markdowns..........but I did tell my daughter they will pay $40 cash to walk Route 5 with the liquidation sign :shock: Her reaction was priceless.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-19-2006, 01:47 PM (22 of 53)
Patty --
What really disappointed me was the minimum cut. Two yards for the cotton. I often buy a piece just to cut a bit of the print off to applique onto something else. Usually I just get one repeat -- 1/4 to 1/2 yard at the most.
I didn't get any.
Don't quilters usually buy cuts smaller than 2 yards? At only 20 percent off it doesn't seem it would be worth buying more than you really want.
Also the home dec fabric was a percentage off the original price -- not the lowest price on the tag as the signs say. And there you had to buy a five yard minimum. I wondered if they might even be bringing in things from other stores!
I think eventually the prices will go down and maybe there will even be some remnantsremnantsremnants.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Laurie H
Date: 05-19-2006, 02:25 PM (23 of 53)
Dorothy, your last comment kind of got to me. I haven't followed all of this thread, but as a quilter, I have to say that if I really like a fabric and I know I'll use it in a quilt, I buy at least 2 yards and often 3 of that fabric. I rarely buy less than that unless I'm following a pattern and I'm only using that fabric in a specific spot and I know I won't use it again.

I'm a sucker for something I really like.
User: Laurie H
Member since: 05-07-2006
Total posts: 40
From: beachgirl
Date: 05-19-2006, 04:05 PM (24 of 53)
Even though I'm so sad that the JoAnn's store close to me is closing in July I'm sure getting some great deals. Yesterday I got several yards of regular $14.99 per yd fabric for 60 % off. There's no mark up on the reg. prices either. Everything is 40-60 % off. Yep, I'm spending my mad money. :shock: Hey, where did that saying come from anyway ? I not mad & don't spend money when I'm mad even. Wonder if I can talk DH into building another room onto the house ? Think I'll need it.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-19-2006, 04:29 PM (25 of 53)
I have THE BEST Jo Ann's I have ever been in 30 min form me. Send me your list - I'll shop for you!

This Jo Ann's is the biggest one I have ever seen.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006
Total posts: 257
From: Patty22
Date: 05-19-2006, 05:01 PM (26 of 53)
soooooooo Laurie, how big is your cotton stash? I ask this because I had also been doing this kind of purchasing for quilting for the last two decades. Now I am at a point where I have to use up the stash.............and my how the palette has changed over the years :shock:

Dorothy, you can come over to my house and cut out some designs for applique if the need hits you :cool:

2 yards of cotton is a good length though - enough to make a fitted crib sheet :up: and more than enough to back and bind a baby quilt......
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: paroper
Date: 05-19-2006, 05:02 PM (27 of 53)
BG, I know of a nice lady in Oklahoma that would be glad to store that for you...now, when did you say you'd be wanting it back???????
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 05-20-2006, 01:54 PM (28 of 53)
I just called my local Hancock store, and they're closing tooo!!!! Oh no, say it ain't so....but it is!! They were the best place for me to get Kwik Sew patterns. I'm gonna cry in my tea now :cry:
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!"
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005
Total posts: 198
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 05-21-2006, 09:45 AM (29 of 53)
I'll bet any one of us here would be happy to go buy you anything you need. Just send us your list! I'll start saving my coupons for your notions!

Smile . . . :wink: We won't leave you hanging!
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006
Total posts: 257
From: grandmasue
Date: 05-21-2006, 10:22 AM (30 of 53)
Within the last 2 years I have seen the closing of both the Hancocks that I shopped at and then a nice JoAnn's. The Hancocks closed so fast I never even got to visit before it closed but I sure did a number on the JoAnns. I was there every week to check out the markdowns. (keyword: checkout!)

In fact we were on our way out west for a vacation to Yellowstone when I convinced my husband to "stop in quick" because it was their last weekend of business. Four big bags later and many dollars poorer I contentedly continued on our way out west. He chuckled everytime I used one bag as a pillow when napping in the car saying it was sad excuse to explain away my purchases. made perfect sense to me tho.
Grandma Sue

------------
At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!"
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004
Total posts: 138
From: MartySews
Date: 05-22-2006, 03:58 PM (31 of 53)
Over the past 10 years, Hancock Fabrics has been closing their low profit stores. I now have to drive almost 40 minutes to get to one. Seems as if they are moving more and more into the suburbs instead of the inner city. There are not any competitors unless one considers Wal-Mart or a quilt shop which seldom carries garment fabric. Here in the South, we don't need but about 1/3 of the fleece that they stock. Very little dressmaker fabric is found in the store. I'm not into crafting, quilting or scrapbooking so I get frustrated trying to buy fabric. However, I do want to keep the one nearest me open so I shop and buy things while I wish I had a better selection from which to choose.
Marty :wink:
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: pinkroses
Date: 05-22-2006, 07:22 PM (32 of 53)
We have a Hancock fabric in Va. here where I live; but to tell you the truth I like JoAnns better. Some of their things I do buy however. Pinkroses
I know I have a guradian angel watching over me. I am very gratefull. PINKROSES
User: pinkroses
Member since: 11-30-2005
Total posts: 64
From: MartySews
Date: 05-22-2006, 09:18 PM (33 of 53)
There are not any JoAnn stores within 200 miles. I am not fond of JoAnn Fabrics because the first time I tried to order something online from them, they refused my order. I had a gift card and they would not honor it so I ended up sending it to my Mom in TX and ordering what I wanted from Nancys Notions. Because of all of the grief they gave me over trying to place an order, I doubt that I will purchase from them.
Marty :cool:
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 05-25-2006, 07:30 AM (34 of 53)
I was able to make a quick trip to my Hancock store here in Amherst NY last Saturday after work. If the lady there is correct, all of their stores in New York state and in Detroit are closing. She told me this when I handed her my Hancock's shoppers card and said that I guess I wouldn't be needing it anymore. She said I could use it if I go out of state to another Hancock store (yeah, like that's gonna happen :cry: ). All of the ladies feel that the store will remain open till at least the middle or end of June. I can see my fabric stash and pattern collection growing....time to sew faster! :nervous:

Cookie :wink:
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!"
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005
Total posts: 198
From: Patty22
Date: 05-31-2006, 11:57 AM (35 of 53)
I stopped by Hancock yesterday and the fabric was 30% off.....still not as good a deal as before the store liquidation started :sick:

I realized running my fingers through some nice pieces that I am such a bargain hunter that I won't budge till the sale is better. I did notice that the store furnishing are for sale and I was tempted to get a pattern file. I was having a tough time parting with $50 though (which you already know since I hesitatind to buy fabric).

So Dorothy.........when are you going back to clean out the store and will your other daughter demand equal treatment in ordering her own set of coffee coasters and matching bowl?
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: paroper
Date: 05-31-2006, 12:13 PM (36 of 53)
I LOVE my pattern file cabinet but I could sure use another.....
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-31-2006, 12:51 PM (37 of 53)
I don't know when I'll go back, Patty. Maybe when I get paid -- and who knows when that will be. There is some mail order fabric I have my eye on so...
I'm the opposite of you when it comes to spending on fabric. If I want it, I buy it and wonder why later. Fabric, music and books.
My other daughter is getting a wedding dress (of sorts). She sprang it on me only about 7 weeks before. She's used up equal treatment for a while.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 05-31-2006, 01:33 PM (38 of 53)
PS.....I'm not as much as a cheapskate as I one might think from reading my posts. I am very frugal on my needs but I am very generous to family and friends as I get more joy out of making those around me happy.

Also, I have this stash of fabric that I need to deplete.....ladies, I have had problems throwing scraps away knowing that there is always a way to utilize that little itzy bitzy piece ....if even for applique.

Dorothy......
I was down in your neck of the woods last week and will return there next week......very long story and it involves a large cloth painted mural of historical importance to the community....I was volunteered to give a workshop on Collection Management Policies to your local historical society. I was told the coffee shop in town makes a great latte........maybe I could meet you afterwards for a tall,stiff, heavily caffinated variety.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: Patty22
Date: 07-19-2006, 06:21 PM (39 of 53)
Hey Dorothy........I dropped by Hancock this afternoon and the cottons were 60% off and another 10% if you finished the bolt. I got some neutral cottons thread at 60% off also. The store is quite bare and I think I was able to get the fabrics I liked because no one else was into the reproduction fabrics. The woman cutting my fabric kept inquiring how I would use them :sick: I was sad I didn't buy the roll of crinoline earlier as it was gone.

Needless to say, I am going to have to really get busy sewing now to deplete my stash :nervous: However, I am quite pleased to have some very nice pieces.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-19-2006, 06:28 PM (40 of 53)
That store closing sure does a number on the stash, doesn't it. I was in there a week or so ago and ended up buying some cotton, I just liked the silhouette of dancers on it. I don't know what I'm going to do with them but they will be dancing across something for me I'm sure. They are black so they will go on almost anything.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: harleyladie
Date: 07-20-2006, 12:51 PM (41 of 53)
I need to go to Abilene here in Texas to see if they are closing. I have to drive over an hour to get to any kind of good fabric stores. I would sure hate to loose that one. :mad: It would break my heart. Better try and go soon. What will this sewer do???? :nc:
User: harleyladie
Member since: 07-07-2006
Total posts: 1
From: Patty22
Date: 07-24-2006, 12:16 PM (42 of 53)
Dorothy.....I walked into Hancocks (it was my treat to myself for sitting through my dental appointment) and the clerk asked me if I was spending all my grocery money. :shock: They really know what I'm up to (or else they're doing the same thing).

Goodness......Does it show? Do I look thinner? :up:

The fabrics I like are still there....I can live without them, but if they were really, really low I would take them off their hands.

I did buy some ribbon as it was cheaper than buying gift ribbon for packages. 6 spools for less than $3. Some of the ribbon I am going to use for making fabric flowers when I do a package.

I know you're probably getting into the details and work of moving, so I hope all is going well for you.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-24-2006, 12:30 PM (43 of 53)
I promised myself and my husband I wouldn't buy more fabric until we move -- but I lied! I did a little -- just about 6 yards total -- mail order.
I HAVE made arrangements to get rid of some stuff. My daughter is coming this weekend to take some embroidery stuff and to box some up to get rid of elsewhere.
I'm sending some scraps to Texas.
I'm taking two old sewing machines and an old serger to Booker T Washington
Center in Auburn. They have a sewing class for the kids and can probably make good use of them.
I may also take them some fabric they can use for beginner projects like pillows and tote bags.
I'm also hoping to loan my treadle sewing machine to the museum in Union Springs.
Patty -- do you know of any fabric shops in the Syracuse area?
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 07-24-2006, 12:55 PM (44 of 53)
There is a quilting shop on route 20 in Marcellus and other than independent little quilt shops, all I know of is the drapery fabric outlet in Jamesville. JoAnn's moved out of Carousel, so the only chain stores are in Clay or East Syracuse.

There use to be several more 15 years ago......however the Syracuse economy killed them.

I wouldn't worry about finding a fabric fix in Syracuse when seeing your daughter means NYCity, and Vogue Fabrics by mail. That is what I am telling myself when Nik moves; Poli Fabrics is calling my name....... :nah:
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: stephi
Date: 07-24-2006, 01:16 PM (45 of 53)
My joannes ladies promise they are not closing but if they are closing all low proffit stores I dont think it will be long. There is hardly anyone in there when I go in and I see the same bolts of fabric on the sale rack all the time which makes me believe that no one looks at them or they dont have the heavy flow to create a desire for sale fabric. I normally go to walmart but when I need a nice quality fabric or hard to find then I head to joannes.
Stephi

"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it"

"if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten"
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006
Total posts: 361
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-24-2006, 02:14 PM (46 of 53)
Patty is right. I'll just have to head to the city more often.
Now that my daughter is in Brooklyn I will have a shorter trip from her house to Manhattan's garment district. No more Stanton Island Ferry.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 09-23-2006, 02:37 PM (47 of 53)
Last year......exactly a year ago, I went into the local Hancocks and signed up for their fliers.

Today in the mail, my first flier arrived. :shock: Too bad the store has closed and is long gone now. The closest store now is in PA.

Bwhahahahahaha.......talk about day late and dollar short.

Now I probably won't be able to get them to stop sending them to me when before I kept begging in the store for them.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-23-2006, 03:16 PM (48 of 53)
Patty --
I went to the Joann store in Auburn today (I was in the neighborhood for a hair appointment). All I was going to get was fluff to stuff a pillow and a yellow zipper.
They had some nice fabric on the clearance racks for $5 a yard and I was ready to spend $40. on fabric.
I got to the register and when she rang up everything -- fabric, zipper, fluff and a magazine it was $14.27!
I told her "That can't be right."
The poor girl seemed a bit annoyed, since there were several people in line.
She checked the receipt and said it was right.
I think maybe she didn't want to admit a mistake. I looked later and she had charged 50 cents rather than $5 a yard.
But maybe it was one heck of a sale.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: beachgirl
Date: 09-23-2006, 04:12 PM (49 of 53)
A very similar thing happened to me I guess a year or so ago. I bought a number of things at a Jo Ann's that had newly opened in a town over 40 miles from me. I knew I'd have a large bill even with my 40 % coupon on the one big ticket item. The girl scaned all the items & took my coupon. Told me what the amount due was & I said that can't be correct. She looked the ticket over & said it was. I told her it had to be more than that. She called another clerk over, that one glanced at the ticket & said " no mam, this is correct. Later when I got home & looked the girl hadn't charged me for the most expensive item I bought. She ran the scanner over it but it must not have rang up. That's what I used the coupon on as well. There's not much you can do when 2 of them check it & say it's right. The second clerk even saw what I had bought as she looked it all over. I still wonder if I should have driven another over 80 miles round trip & talked to the manager & paid the extra. I'm honest & that bothers me.
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-23-2006, 05:52 PM (50 of 53)
I'm the same way, Beachgirl. The thing that kept me from arguing was the line behind me. You know how impatient people get when you are arguing that you are over charged. Imagine the looks I was getting for arguing about being under charged.
And I really got the feeling the young lady was not going to admit the mistake.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Patty22
Date: 09-23-2006, 06:24 PM (51 of 53)
Gee Dorothy......the clearance rack fabric was another 50% off this weekend. I stopped in on Friday and got some very nice shiriting fabric for $1.00 a yard. If it was $5 on the bolt the price was $2.50. I saw some nice fabric that was $5 but it labeled dry clean only and I didn't want to take a chance.

I just don't find the clerks at JoAnns very friendly. I don't need people to be maple syrupppppyyyyyy, but I will take congenial. A smile also goes a long way in my book.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-23-2006, 07:31 PM (52 of 53)
Butterfly, I want to know where there is a JoAnn Fabrics that is NICE??? I live 20 minutes from Corp. Headquarters and the store next to the offices is not that great!!!!!!! How in the world can they have a store somewhere that is> !?!?!?!?!
I used to be able to shop at Habcock's when it was in Cleveland, but now my closest one is over a hour away in Youngstown.
Dorothy, I read where you said you are $119.00 poorer from your shopping trip. You need to look at it as if the glass is filling up!!!!!!! You INVESTED $119.00 towards your HAPPINESS!!!!!! You can look at it, touch it, admire it, get the picture??
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: kmccrea
Date: 09-25-2006, 11:06 PM (53 of 53)
I used to love Hancock's, but a couple of years ago they got really crappy! Just like Joann's. I even went to the big Joann's a couple of weeks ago because they used to have more selection than my neighborhood Joann's but all they have is craft and smelly stuff. If I wanted that junk I'd go to Michael's!
Thank God I live in Phoenix and there are a fair number of independent stores because Joann's and Hancock's do not carry anything beyond the basics anymore and they charge way too much for that :bang:!
Oh, yeah and my internet stores!
Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006
Total posts: 173
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