DEAR JOANN FABRIC

I understand that the decline of shopping in a fabric store must be great. After all I can remember when there was a choice between Joann Fabrics and Hancock Fabrics and the latter has been gone for a very long time now. 

Years ago I taught classes at my local Joann Fabric store. Both my oldest daughters first jobs were working at that same store in their teens.

I have done my best to keep you afloat dear Joanne Fabrics. I have invested in uncounted yards of fabric, with no foreseen purpose. I own nearly every hue of thread and enough yarn to crochet dozens of afghans. 

I do understand that this was just not enough. 

I know there are quilting shops for all my quilting needs, but…please, tell me, (and I understand that I have the availability to research it on line) where will I go to find apparel fabric? Where can I wonder the isles and touch all the textiles and admire all the textures and colors. Where will I go to look at all the ribbon and lace? Where will I go when I just need to sit and look through all the latest fashion patterns books? Most of all, where will I go when I need to escape the real world and go somewhere safe where I feel loved and at home, no mater what city I am in?

Joann Fabric have filled so many needs in my life, and I hate to see you go. 

As I walked through my local store this morning for the last time, seeing it nearly completely empty, it may sound silly and sappy, but I felt as though a beloved friend had passed. And my heart hurts.