Is it just me, or does Joann's suck?!

[MBA]

I am just getting started and went there yesterday to stock up. It's got the large store syndrome of bad customer service and few choices. No organics (of course) either. I think the 2 specialty stores in my area carry more "fancy" stuff for dresses, etc. Where should I shop? (online?) I'm looking to make knit cotton baby clothes (hopefully cheaply!).

Thanks!

[westernmamomma]

My experince with Joann's has been that if they don't have what you need, they're pretty good about ordering it. I don't know if the same holds true for organic fabrics, but you could ask. Don't really know where to get many organic fabrics online, as I don't sew much with them.

I do know that Joann's does have a pretty good clearance section for fabrics, so you can get some pretty stuff there relatively cheaply if organic fabrics end up being too pricey.

[Vanessa]

Honestly, I'd love to have even a Joann's by me. Apparently, they must think no one sews where I live!

I don't think most mass market stores carry many organic fabrics. I can barely find organic food here.

[MBA]

Hmmmm......maybe I need to look better. And be more grateful

[lupineperriwinkle]

Most people buy organics as part of a coop. You can buy an offwhite knit and then just dye it the colours you'd like.

[bendmom]

I use:

www.fashionablefabrics.com

www.fabric.com

www.sewzannesfabrics.com

www.ciaspalette.com

[fek&fuzz]

I have to search for good fabric there, although I did find some fabulous Tracy Porter http://sewlaine.blogspot.com/ (the pants) fabric there, a few bolts of coordinating fabric that will comprise my neices spring wardrobe.

When I was waiting to get the fabric cut, there was just one woman cutting and the customer had a whole bunch of fabric (as did I), so when another worker went behind the counter I asked if she could cut, she said "No", and then asked the other woman if she should get someone else to help. I said "Yes, please." Finally someone else came to help cut. I think you have to be a little assertive to get assistance sometimes, but I've also had good experiences where one of the women explained all about curtain measurements to me.

I also like using their quilting gingham as summer clothes.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by MBA

Hmmmm......maybe I need to look better. And be more grateful

Don't worry. I had no idea how spoiled I was until we started moving around.

[magpie mamma]

sometimes it does

MBA, I've had poor shopping experiences at JoAnn too, it is not just you. I think that what you may save in dollars you pay for in other ways. I am lucky to have some independent fabric stores nearby which I try to support, although the prices are high, so is the quality and expertise. I think you are right though, individuals make the difference when you shop big chains, some are great, others just put in their shift time. I've been trying to encourage great service and write a letter to the manager to let them know when someone has been very helpful. I am sure the employee is not making big money and a glowing letter or two may help someone get a bit better raise or at least have a better day. We all like to know that we make a difference. That said I have also written a few letters to let managers know when service was very poor too.

[ColoradoMama]

The Joann's by me is awesome. The people are great - helpful and friendly. Of course, it's a big chain, so maybe it's just the one by you. Sorry you had a bad experience. Here in Denver we also have the world's most awesome fabric store - Denver Fabrics. It's kind of a pain for me to get to sometimes though. I do believe you can order stuff online from them though. I'm going to be really bummed when I move back home because the only thing there is crappy Hancocks and Wal-Mart! I'll probably be doing a lot of shopping online after I move!

[cchrissyy]

the one by me does amazing sales (50, 75, and 90% off) but is chronically undserstaffed and they move s l o w at cutting and cash registers.

[Shiloh]

okay I am Canadian but I saw my first Joann's in Buffalo when we were there but promised dh I wouldn't go in and didn't...

but what could I get there that's good quality?

[smudge]

I call it SLO-Ann's because they move so slow at the cutting table! The JoAnns by me has a number system, pick a number and they call it out. I think this makes it slower! The sad thing is, there are so few GOOD fabric stores anymore. It used to be that you had fabric stores and craft stores. Now the fabric stores are trying to be craft stores too and what happens is that they can't do justice to any of it. That is my big gripe with JoAnns (and Hancock Fabrics).

[hadassah]

Yes it does!!! At least mine does. They always have great sales but I almost never buy anything because they have a terrible selection!! And they are so.......s..l..o..w... I barely go anymore.

[comamma]

Ours is slow, but the staff makes up for it in kindness. It took me over an hour to get 8 yards of fabric cut last time I was in there.

[westernmamomma]

Wow, I don't think I'd be able to wait that long for fabric! Kudos for your patience.

[Autumn Breeze]

mine is slow too! I went ISO PUL over the summer and was waiting.....and waiting.....and waiting (did I mention 7 mo pg and had to pee) and waiting.....while she cut two yards and chatted it up with the lady infront of me for 20 minutes!!!

But I have fun looking at all the fabrics!

[PikkuMyy]

The one near me has lots of fabrics but I'm a knitter and their selection was horrible. Hardly any needles or accessories, and mostly their own brand of yarn. Yuck!

[Shiloh]

they stock pul?

[Autumn Breeze]

Originally Posted by Shiloh

they stock pul?

No, I didn't know I couldn't buy it there.