After 80 years, Joann Fabrics has officially closed its doors. This news hits hard for so many of us in the sewing, quilting, and crafting communities. Joann’s wasn’t just a store, it was a source of inspiration, and a place where creativity came to life.

I remember walking through the aisles of Joann as a beginner sewer, overwhelmed by the endless bolts of fabric, notions, and towering pattern cabinets. Joann Fabrics was where I discovered the thrill of $1.99 pattern sales and where my very first projects began as I learned to sew.

Remember when Joann’s used to offer sewing classes? I still have such fond memories of those days—especially the class where I made a fabric bag holder that, believe it or not, I still use every day.

For decades, Joann served as a gathering place for makers of all kinds—whether you were sewing a dress, quilting a gift, or just picking up last-minute elastic. It was dependable, familiar, and deeply woven into our creative routines.

Its closure marks the end of something bigger than just a craft store—it’s the end of an era in the legacy of home sewing.

Along with other makers, I’m turning to online shops, small fabric boutiques, and trusted brands like Simplicity.com to keep my sewing inspiration flowing. It’s not the same—but it’s a new beginning.

Thank you, Joann Fabrics, for 80 years of inspiring us to create, and all of the memories made along the way.

If you are struggling to find online fabric resources, Whitney over at TomKat Stitchery has compiled a very impressive list with the help of her subscribers. Head over to her page to get a copy of the list!

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