A Stitch in Time: My Search for a New Fabric Sanctuary
The news hit me like a pair of dull scissors—my local Joann Fabrics in Westford, a mere 10-minute drive from my home, is closing its doors. And it’s not alone. Its four sister stores in nearby Nashua, North Billerica, Leominster, and Burlington are also gone. My beloved havens of creativity, brimming with vibrant fabrics and endless accessories, are now just a memory.
This is a gut punch for any creative soul. The joy of fabric shopping, the feeling of material between your fingers, the allure of colors catching your eye—it’s an experience that an online shop, no matter how convenient, can never truly replace. My sewing itinerary now includes a 45-minute trek to Milford, MA, or Hooksett, NH. It’s a bit of a journey, but my mission to create continues!
Fear not, for my personal treasury of fabrics, collected over the past year, offers some solace. I've always been one to "stock up," and thankfully, my collection feels like a personal fabric festival at my fingertips. And let’s be honest, who can resist leaving a fabric store with more treasures than intended?
My love of creating keeps me going, and I’m determined to find new allies. I’ll be visiting Fabric Place Basement in Natick, Hobby Lobby in Nashua, and exploring the vibrant Spoonflower website. If you have a vision for a custom fabric accessory, consider it made. I haven't surrendered yet!
Michaels Takes Over Joann Fabrics—Here’s My Fabric Comparison
In the wake of Joann’s closures, I heard the news: Michaels would be taking over their sewing inventory. Naturally, I had to see for myself how their new departments measure up. I visited two local Michaels stores to compare their fabric selections and overall sewing departments.
First Stop: Michaels in Nashua, NH
My first impression was disappointing. The fabric selection was limited—just one disorganized aisle, mostly filled with holiday and children’s fabrics. Zippers? Almost none. I’m so glad I stocked up at Joann’s before the doors closed for good.
Interestingly, the cutting station for fabric is at the Framing Department. I did see someone getting material cut, so the system is in place. But overall, it wasn’t very impressive—at least not yet.
Next Up: Michaels in Chelmsford, MA
This location was more promising. There were three neatly arranged aisles of fabric, and I even purchased some to test out the cutting process. The staff member who helped me was a former Joann's employee, and her experience showed—she cut my yardage quickly and accurately. The rest of the sewing department looked decent, but again, the zipper stock was extremely limited.
A quick heads-up if you’re heading to Michaels for fabric: you can’t use the self-checkout. After your fabric is cut, you’re given a QR code card that can only be scanned at a staffed register.
The Search Continues
I’m hopeful that the inventory at Michaels will improve in the coming weeks. For now, for a better selection of fabrics, zippers, and other sewing supplies, my go-to spot will be Fabric Place Basement in Natick, MA. It’s a bit of a drive, but it's worth it for the quality and selection. I’ve also checked out Hobby Lobby in Nashua, which has great fabric options but, once again, a very limited selection of zippers.
As someone who uses zippers on almost every purse and crossbody bag I make—and takes pride in matching them perfectly to the fabric—I’m definitely going to miss the convenience and selection that Joann Fabrics offered.
But don’t you worry! I have a fantastic stockpile of fabric and zippers, and I am never going to stop looking for the best designs out there to create my Betsy Platt Originals accessories. The show must go on!