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From: Longblades
Date: 10-24-2006, 02:21 PM (1 of 21)
| This summer two fabric and sewing stores near me closed. One the dealer where I bought my machine and the best place in town to buy specialty fabrics like stretchy stuff. The other apparently the last remaining Fabric and Drapery Mill Outlet in Ontario. So sad, boy, I'm going to miss them. I guess there just aren't enough people sewing to keep them going. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 10-24-2006, 02:54 PM (2 of 21)
| Here in Naples,FL we have lost some machine dealers plus fabric stores. Now Jo Ann's is leaning more on the crafts than sewing. Still has fabric but a lot isn't good quality. The reason for some closing is that rent & leases are so high here. We have so many sewers here so it's a shame we have to search for good stuff. I got to Ft Myers that is 40 miles away or Port Charlotte that is about 1 1/2 hrs away because of traffic. It's a pain. We do have plenty of Walmarts but you sure have to pick & choose. One Hancock store that I'm not fond of here. They are pushing people towards the internet but I like to see what I'm getting. see it in person & feel the fabric. Also don't like to wait. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 10-24-2006, 11:43 PM (3 of 21)
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The problem is not that there are not enough people sewing. Sewing machine sales are very high. Whats closing a lot of dealers down is people buying from Wal-Mart and the internet thinking they won't need help or thinking "missing this little purchase won't hurt the dealer'. Often dealers would have made it had they averaged one more machine sale a month or had more notion/fabric sales. The little things add up. If you want a local dealer to be there when you need them it might be worth the out of the way trip to pick up threads and needles etc. A distributor confimed today that Wal Mart is closing nearly all of their Fabric Departments. Those departments are not producing enough profit per square foot. We could have told them that. Fabric is a very low profit, slow investment return, labor intensive product. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-25-2006, 12:07 AM (4 of 21)
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I was just in OR. (2 wks ago.) visiting my sister. She took me to the BIGGEST fabric store I've ever seen in my life (and I go to all the stores in whatever state/town/city I've lived in) It was the size of most Lowes/Home Depots. It was soooooooo full of fabric, notions of all kinds. They had the fabric laid out in rows with the manufacturers names in a large sign above. They were also in catagories. (bridal, fruit, flowers, Minkee/Minky). They actually had a ROOM full of fake fur. Animal looking, neon, hearts, whatever you could think of was in that store. In one small room, they had machines...not many, some Pfaff, Janome and Husky/Viking. Thats the -5th- quilting/sewing/machine store my sister has taken me to. (in the last 4 yrs.) They're all huge. I'm lucky to have my dealer who owns her own store with FABRIC of the highest quality. (Minkee, bridal, velvet, fur, quilting cottons by the thousands.) Wally Wold is down the street from me, but it's one of those dropping it's sewing/fabric dept. 30 mil away is JoAnns. I sometimes get good buys, especially with coupons. 40 mil away the other direction is JoAnn's, Hancocks and once that used to be owned by 2 sisters. (has a new owner now, but I can't remember the name of the shop). I also shop online...I think if you have a BIG fabric, machine, thread habit like mine, you buy all over the place. I also think that with some people they can't or won't buy -expensive- fabric, so the cottege stores that sell good fabric bite the dust first. (unless they're like mine and sell machines, cards/CD's ect, too.) Kath 11 cents...(extra for house ins...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Sancin
Date: 10-25-2006, 02:32 AM (5 of 21)
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Don't you think, Kath, that so many RTW garments are made with cheap fabric (throw away clothes) that many people don't know how wonderful it feels to wear good quality fabric? I once knew a woman who, unfortunately with little taste, took up sewing. She was so excited that she was able to get all this cheap fabric along the back wall. Due to her taste, as her sewing improved, her appearance didn't due to the poor fabric she purchased. As we shopped at the same store I often wondered where in the store she found the fabric till I discovered the clearance wall, which was essentially made up of fabric that was left over by the RTW manufactures. Sometimes a bargain isn't a bargain. One of the reason's I sew is I love great fabric and can't afford coutiour (sp?) clothes. FYI: I visited 2 of those huge fabric stores in Ontario this summer and didn't find a great selection. As Tom said fabric is expensive overhead and the large stores seem to have a lot of non sewing products like home decor and home decor fabric. As there was hardly anyone in the stores at the time I visited I did wonder how they managed. I had gone in for notions which I needed so didn't really check the price. I was shocked when I got home how much I paid for elastic! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-25-2006, 08:53 AM (6 of 21)
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I finally made it to the Joann store near my new home. It is huge and has some fabric all crowed together in the middle. The line to get fabric cut was so long -- take a number -- I said forget it and just grabbed the notions I wanted and headed to check out. Another line. Forget it. I can get needles and such at a smaller Joann store in the town where I go to work at least twice a week. If there was a local independent shop I would shop there -- I did have a couple not far from where I lived before but it's quite a drive from here. One sold me my machine and I did call them and have them send me the feet I lost in the move. But I get swatches every 6 weeks or so from a large independent shop (three brick and mortar stores I think) in Chicago and buy a lot from them. Very nice fabric, great service and prices aren't too bad -- some are real good. And this weekend I am going to New York. I told my daughter, whom I am visiting, to keep me away from the garment district but my husband is determined to take me there. What can I do? I'll have to go to please him. Need anything Patty? Give me a call. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-25-2006, 11:44 AM (7 of 21)
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Machine sales are high - but I was in my local Pfaff dealer and we were talking sewing after a class. Quite a few of these ladies were only interested in Embroidery and had bought TOL machines. They could not be bothered with sewing their own stuff. There are always questions as to where to buy blanks. What started us off on the subject - I had used the Grand Hoop lesson and created fabric for the collars, yoke and insets on a Victorian dress shirt. The pattern called for felled seams, and a rolled hem. I did a lot of handsewing on the hem and inserts to make sure the stitches were not visible on the right side. I was told I could buy a dress shirt cheaper. Maybe so - but the shirt is a one of a kind and my design! I can understand the market and with the attitude of buying blanks - I can't find really good T or sweatshirt fabric locally, nevermind real Polarfleece. So if the stores won't stock it or take too long to order it, I go elsewhere. Weezy 
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User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: kmccrea
Date: 10-25-2006, 06:18 PM (8 of 21)
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Phoenix has a collection of sewing machine and fabric stores and I've been to almost all of them! Yes, I do buy my fabric online and the notions I like to keep stocked up on, but I would NEVER buy a sewing machine, iron, press or anything which requires a large outlay of money online or from WalMart (hate WalMart with a passion)! The Singer place closest to be closed a couple of years ago and I immediately set about finding another. Not only did I find another place close by, but my sewing machine technician was there, too! She's the one who tells me maybe I ought to give my poor old machine a rest. She also gives great recommendations for new stuff. I want to be able to get my machines serviced by a knowlegeable person, so I buy and get service from the dealer. Believe me, they care about their customers. Their prices are good, too. That might be because there is more than one guy or gal in town.
Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 10-25-2006, 09:50 PM (9 of 21)
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I have an embroidery machine but I'm not really into embroidering everything in sight. There are some people who bought tol embroidery machines with the idea to make a living selling emboridered items online, at flea markets, craft fairs, etc. Enough is enough, however. I'm not one to put an embroidery design on everything I wear and own and people get a litlle bored with dishtowels, bath towels, etc after a while. I much prefer to spend time quilting or sewing garments rather than playing with my embroidery machine. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-26-2006, 08:29 AM (10 of 21)
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Well I just hit the local Fabric land here in Kanata (part of Ottawa) the other day and it is a REAL fabric store, garment fabric, home dec, silk, wool, linen, thank goodness!! They had one tiny corner (and quilters don't kill me) only for quilt fabric and it was a mess - there was a very nice quilting shop across the way and I think they were just not bothering to compete. Which is good, both stores had their niche and I spent money at both! I have found so many stores are filling themselves with crafty stuff b/c the profit margins are so much higher. But I'm happy I can get my fix with a 10 minute drive!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: weezyrider
Date: 10-26-2006, 11:04 AM (11 of 21)
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I do have the TOL Pfaff, but I usually embroider to personalize. Or to make something I don't have. I didn't have the fabric for the dress shirt inserts, so I made it. The software also has the option for endless borders, so I will make edgings. I also used to highlight my own fabric. When the stores first started carrying fabrics with metallic highlights - could never find what I wanted. So I'd do my own using Pfaff's maxi stitches. I also like cutwork and applique, and these techniques will fancy up a Tshirt enough. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-26-2006, 07:49 PM (12 of 21)
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Well I just hit the local Fabric land here in Kanata (part of Ottawa) the other day and it is a REAL fabric store, garment fabric, home dec, silk, wool, linen, thank goodness!! They had one tiny corner (and quilters don't kill me) only for quilt fabric and it was a mess - there was a very nice quilting shop across the way and I think they were just not bothering to compete. Which is good, both stores had their niche and I spent money at both! So mommydionne...you found a couple of my favourite haunts. I love the QS across the way but will usually visit Fabricland out there too. Have you heard about or visited Sew-for-it yet? It's down the road at Moody Drive. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: Patty22
Date: 10-26-2006, 08:20 PM (13 of 21)
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Isn't there some kind of law about forcing wives to go to fabric stores and telling them they better buy beautiful fabric? Wally better watch it! Thanks for the offer Dorothy, but I've taken a detour from garment making back to quilting. Still have some fabric to use up from the Hancock sale too  I did go to the local quilt shop this week and didn't buy a thing! Go Figure?????!!!!! Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-26-2006, 09:20 PM (14 of 21)
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::hanging head:: I must confess...I went to my fabric shop TWICE this week. (now I haven't been in there since BEFORE sept 23.) I went in just to look...(of course I look with my hands and I'm MOVED to buy). I bought some Minkee (to back my sisters new blankie). Then I saw a fabric I'd seen online and been dying for (for about 8mnths...)only bought enough for a shirt... Then 2 days later my dealer/shop owner calls...they have the new Emperors (Kona Bay) Collection in, finally. Had to have 2 panels only of that....but then I saw some gold and black dragon fabric. ( I used to collect dragons, but I KNEW this would go well with some OTHER Emperors fabric I have...soooo......) This was after this past sat, when I went to JoAnn's with coupons in my purse...paw print fleece for my sisters dog. Tassels (to replace what Jack, my babiest of ferrets, has destroyed) and some batting for 2 baby quilts for someone who works at my local shop. (shes a first time mother and needs EVERYTHING.) So I guess I'm making sure none of my local stores close... 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: cjtinkle
Date: 10-28-2006, 06:59 PM (15 of 21)
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The problem is not that there are not enough people sewing. Sewing machine sales are very high. Whats closing a lot of dealers down is people buying from Wal-Mart and the internet thinking they won't need help or thinking "missing this little purchase won't hurt the dealer'. Tom I agree, however there is nothing stopping the dealers from setting up shop online. In fact I think those that don't are missing the boat, because many of us either prefer to shop that way, or don't have much choice. If my dealer would finish getting all their fabric and supplies online, I'd buy everything from them in a heartbeat. The Wandering Quilter's Life in a Box!
Bernina Artista 730 · Bernina Aurora 440 · Bernina 1300MDC |
User: cjtinkle
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-29-2006, 11:53 PM (16 of 21)
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Hey Kath!! Where in Oregon did you go to THE fantastic sewing fabric store???? I'm a couple of hops skips and jumps from Oregon and that is something I'd take a weekend to do for fun with my sister!!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-30-2006, 12:22 AM (17 of 21)
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www.fabricdepot.com also try... A Common Thread (quilt shop, will be in the phone book.) If you can wait till tomorrow I can get some more names from my sister. She drives the surface streets and I can never remember where she takes me...just that there LOADS of great places. Back Yard Birds is a wonderful shop... If you like nurseries with FABULOUS gift shops, Al's Nursery. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-30-2006, 09:35 PM (18 of 21)
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Fabric Depot 700 SE 122nd Portland Mill End Store 4955 SW Western Ave Beaverton A Common Thread 16925 65th Ave Lake Oswego As for The Backyard Bird Shop – there are about 47 in the area – they are very popular… (forewarded from my sister in OR) Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-31-2006, 12:29 PM (19 of 21)
Hi Judee, haven't made it to Sew-for-it yet, maybe next week... did you get to the sewing show? I popped out to look, didn't take any classes (had the toddler boy with me) but got some new embroidery thread etc so that was fun. I did get a new piping foot at the QS, it's funny, there is a Bernina, Brother and Viking dealer all around that intersection!! Perfect for me 'cause I have one of each
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-31-2006, 01:25 PM (20 of 21)
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Mommydionne, I'll be interested in what you think of Sew-for-it when you get there. FYI - They are White & Husquavarna (spelling??) dealers but sell mainly quilting cottons and flannels. Yep, I went to the show on Friday & Saturday. Friday was for me to see the demos and shop around. On Sat. I attended the Today's Fit class with Sandra Betzina. On Sunday, I went to the store & bought her pants and jacket pattern. The pants are something that I definitely want to make and hope that what I picked up re the fitting works. Now I have to get busy and make them up! Haven't sewn clothes for myself in years. This should be interesting! TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: bridesmom
Date: 11-01-2006, 12:47 AM (21 of 21)
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Kathy, thanks so much for the info!! I hope to get down that way in the new year maybe for the sewing expo in pullwalyup (or something like that)
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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