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Goodbye Joann, I Will Miss You

Joann Fabric Closures



My Thoughts and Shopping Strategy

By now, you’ve probably seen the news—Joann Fabrics is closing all of its 800 stores almost immediately. For those of us who rely on Joann for crafting and sewing supplies, this news may feel overwhelming. However, I’m not panicking, and I want to share why.

Why I’m Not Panicking

I’ve been preparing for this possibility since Joann first filed for bankruptcy months ago. At the time, I thought it was just a strategic move to restructure debt, but I was wrong. Things have taken a turn for the worse, and now here we are.

Despite this, I have a plan in place that will help me transition without panic-buying or overspending.

My Shopping Approach

  1. Assessing My Needs I visited my local Joann for about an hour to take stock of what was available. At that point, no markdowns had been announced, but we all had a feeling it was coming. After browsing, I left empty-handed—there wasn’t anything I had to buy at that moment.

  2. Strategic Online Shopping Later, I placed an online order for items that were online exclusives and deeply discounted. I focused on:

    • Joann house brands (K&C, Big Twist)

    • Limited edition collaborations (Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Juicy Couture)

    • Yarn I knew I would love

    My total came to about $109, which is a larger purchase than usual for me, but I made sure I was only buying things I truly wanted and would use.

  3. Focusing on Wool and Blends I have realized I prefer working with wool and wool blends rather than acrylic. That guided my purchasing decisions. Some of the best deals I found included:

    • Hand-painted sock wool (Superwash Merino and polyamide)

    • Jumbo weight yarn in unique colors

    • Mercerized cotton (K&C Luster Cotton in Olive)

  4. Avoiding Impulse Buys I revisited the website even after hearing the official closure announcement, and I found nothing else that I had to have. This is a personal victory because I’ve worked hard to overcome a scarcity mindset and impulse spending on bargains.

What’s Next for In-Store Shopping?

Joann stores are expected to liquidate their stock with progressive markdowns. I will likely make one trip to my nearest closing store to see what deals are available. My focus will be on:

  • High-use sewing supplies (thread, rotary cutters, cutting mats)

  • Organizational products

  • Reusable project bags

  • Fabric prints that fit my existing color schemes

One thing I won’t be buying is fleece—I still have some from years ago that I haven’t used.

Alternatives to Joann

The good news is that most of Joann’s yarn selection is available elsewhere. You can find many of the same brands at:

  • Herrshner’s (great prices and selection) Click HERE to visit

  • Manufacturer websites (Lion Brand, Premier, Yarnspirations)

  • Independent yarn stores (though they may not carry the same budget-friendly options)

For my own preferences, I’ve narrowed my top two favorite online sources to Wool Warehouse and Knit Picks/WeCrochet. They offer great deals, frequent free shipping, and high-quality yarns that align with what I love to use.

Final Thoughts

The closure of Joann stores is sad, especially for those of us who love feeling yarn and fabric in person before buying. While online shopping offers convenience, it can’t replace the tactile experience. That said, I believe we can adapt by focusing on high-quality, thoughtfully chosen materials and supporting alternative suppliers.

If your local Joann is closing, I encourage you to be intentional about your purchases. Don’t panic-buy—focus on what you truly need and love.

Are you impacted by Joann’s closures? What’s your plan moving forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts!


Watch the video on YouTube!

Thoughts and plan for the closing of all Joann stores





(Some links may be affiliate links which I make a small commission)

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