This past week marked a couple of transitions for me around some fiber arts habits. Crafters everywhere are painfully aware that the Joann era for shopping around arts, yarn crafts, and sewing supplies, is almost gone – forever. I had been wanting to shop there a few more times, but when I would think about it, it made me sad, so each time I would change my mind, and not go. Reading the posts on Reddit didn’t help as the stories shared by employees, former employees and shoppers continue to paint a very sad picture.

Joann was historically an accessible place. Affordable, but not cheap (until they were acquired by private equity); expertise in-house, but not snooty; a comfortable and welcoming place to browse for a creative distraction, project supplies or to stock up on things that keep our hobbies in motion.

There were always generous coupons and sales, which spoiled most of us as to the real cost of fabric and yarn. The closing of Joann stores across America will leave a deep hole in the hearts of many crafters, crocheter, knitters and sewists.

One afternoon this week, I decided to visit a Joann store outside of my neighborhood, so it wouldn’t be as painful; or at least that’s what I told myself. It’s hard for me to see the employees I came to know and care about at my local Joann store, knowing what is coming for them in the near future and to think about that shopping center without a Joann store.

I picked up a couple remnants, some interfacing and a G crochet hook by Prym (50% off!). I browsed the aisles of fabric but soon was overwhelmed and unable to think about choosing fabric.

I left after making my purchase and felt a heaviness in my heart that surprised me. Perhaps I felt the collective sadness of the Joann employees, and the crafting and sewing community, as we – each in our own way – say goodbye to a store, the employees we came to know and appreciate, and a beloved place to shop for fabric, yarn and other craft supplies.

As this was going on, my son and his family were in the process of saying goodbye to one of their cats. This is NEVER easy and always painful. I had the opportunity to spend a good bit of time with this kitty over the years, and most recently spent a couple days. I felt my son’s and his family’s deep grief as they faced this terrible day – one that pet parents all have to navigate at some point in lives shared with pets.

Linus’ (my grandkitty) passing helped me remember that life is filled with joy, connection, and happiness; but also with separation, heartache, and loss. Having traveled the path that stopped at the edge of the rainbow bridge myself a number of times with dogs and cats whom I loved deeply, I know that the tender time in the aftermath of saying goodbye is a time of reflection, cherished memories and reminding ourselves that those of us who remain must return to life and continue on.

The heaviness in my heart for the loss of Linus helped me put the Joann issue in a new perspective. There is a time to grieve and mourn; and a time to heal, and when the time is right, we open our hearts to new loves that come along.

After this rollercoaster of emotions over the last couple of days, I decided to do some self-care by changing things up a bit. I planned to start stopping by a local fabric and sewing shop that is close to my office as a sort of new sewing ritual. It is a local, small business and carries delightful fabric options in gorgeous colors. They are also open to hearing what items Joann shoppers would like them to carry (can you say interfacing,… ?!?!).

I found some super cute cotton cat fabric, and indulged my love of rummaging in their fabric scrap bin, where I found some great pieces of beautiful fabric, including the fabric that ended up being made into a folded fabric wallet (pictured above). They also stock the brightly-colored foldover elastic, available to purchase by the yard. It adds a perfect finishing touch (better than plain white elastic, or as my sister and I call it – “bra strap elastic“) for projects like this.

My cat (“Mr. Kitty“) and I are now enjoying our “senior years” together. He and I lost his sister (they were littermates) about 3 years ago, and so we share a sort of silent understanding about these bumps in life’s road. Last night as I was working with my new fabric, Mr. Kitty sat on my cutting table which is his usual spot (he’s pictured above). I’d like to think that we were, together, acknowledging the passage of time, accepting the changes that come, and taking advantage of the opportunities for small pleasures in between – like a quiet evening, some fabric and a few scratches behind the ear and under the chin.

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