What to Buy when a Fabric Store is Going out of Business

We’d like to share some suggestions for what to buy when a fabric store is going out of business.  It is early enough in Joann’s going-out-of-business sale to pick up some fabrics that might just help you expand your sewing practice for a modest price. Our Joann’s is brimming with fabric as they move stock out of warehouses and begin to reduce inventory.  Take advantage of this situation while you have a chance.  We promise to write in the future about sources for fabrics and notions that can be trusted as we transition away from having a big box fabric and craft store available in our community. But for now, use this sale to help you set some great sewing intentions.

Purchase Mock-up Fabrics

We know we sound like a broken record when we encourage you to make mock-ups, but it is such a great way to personalize your patterns and test the fit.  Both basic mock-up fabric and acceptable fabric for wearable mock-ups are great to have on your shelf:

• Want to start sewing with knits but they make you nervous?  Pick up some easy-to-sew cotton interlock or brushed poly jersey to make a knit mock-up and first top or two. At the same time, pick out a pretty jersey print and maybe a sweater knit too to try sewing with some of our variations. Then sign up for our Tabula Rasa Knits Virtual Class, which you can follow at home, on your own schedule, to help you on your way to knit expertise.
• Look for light-colored medium weight fabrics without stretch for jacket and pants mock-ups and lighter weight fabrics for blouses and dresses.  While we tend to think of using solid fabrics for mock-ups, a print that is plain on the back and doesn’t have much show through can be used just as well.
• It is useful to have 5 yards of stable fabric to begin a Eureka! Pants Journey!  Joann’s carries lightweight denim or twill with no lycra that can be used on the wrong side for the marked mock-up and then on the right side for the first pair to test the fit during the day.

Stock up for Wardrobe Basics

Take some time to review your wardrobe before you go and think about what needs to be replaced or what holes need filling. Purchase fabrics that will be useful for wardrobe basics.

• If there are colors you wear regularly, pick up fabrics to sew when you need them.
• Basic bottom-weight fabrics for pants and skirts for each season of the year are great things to stock up on in colors that go with your existing wardrobe. For example, look for twill, linen, cotton sateen, denim, or corduroy. 
• JoAnn’s drapey polys are perfect for Carpe Diem Shells to dress up or for the office then add a sweater weight Twin Set Variation to finish the look like this one Rae made for her Daughter Sarah.
• Do you need an exercise clothing refresh?  Find the corner of your Joann’s that has performance and athleisure knits to pick up at reduced prices. There’s a huge variety of knit styles, weights and colors on the Joann shelves. 
• Sewing for kids?  There is a vast array of kid-friendly prints to choose from in knits, cotton, flannel and fleece, as well as coordinating solids.
• Don’t forget to look at the Home Decorator department for jacket possibilities such as fabrics for collage with great motifs that can be cut out.  Or simply find something to perk up your pillow covers at home.

Try a New Style or Technique

If you’ve been hesitating to take the plunge into a new technique, or to experiment with different styles, now is a good time to pick up some material without a big investment.

• Shirts and blouses can be a great sewing adventure and there are so many potential shirtings at Joann’s including cottons, linens, lightweight denim or chambray, and blends to perk up your everyday wardrobe.
• Plan a Tabby Jacket sewing project with a child you love and pick some fun kids’ print to use for that project. Look for some coordinating colors and prints to make a jacket for yourself at the same time.
• Want to make a quilted jacket or vest but don’t have lots of quilting cotton? Check out the choices at Joann. They might not be the very best, but they are a great place to get started.
• Want to play with embroidery or mindful mending?  Check out the options in the craft department.  Maybe even buy a discounted kit that has all the tools you need to play around with these ideas.
• Beads and ribbons make fun garment details too; buy some in colors you like to wear and incorporate them into a fun new make.

Tools and Storage Solutions

Carrie took a trip to our closest Joann’s last week to find out what’s still available. We are sorry to report that virtually all small notions – such as thread, zippers, snaps, buttons, binding and hem tapes – are completely gone. However look around for some other non-fabric items you might need, for example:

• Have you been meaning to organize your sewing room or stash fabric?  Check out the variety of storage containers for a system that will work for you!
• If you don’t have a dedicated sewing space and have to clear and store your things away regularly, try a large folding cardboard work surface or cutting mats that can slip under the bed when not in use.
• Improve your lighting and handwork with an Ott lamp, with or without magnifier.

While we hate to see our friend Joann close its doors, we never miss an opportunity to take advantage of a sale and you shouldn’t either.  But don’t go in a rush; these fabric curation possibilities take some thoughtful looking, especially in the midst of an inventory reduction sale.

Happy Shopping for New Sewing Adventures, Carrie and Rae