One Stop Fabric and Craft Store —
Jo-Ann is the MAX!
Jo-Ann Fabrics
If you sew or enjoy crafting, then Jo-Ann is the Internet site to check out. A one-stop shop for all crafters, Jo-Ann carries a wide range of typical craft supplies as well as hard-to-find items like some of the quilting tools my Granny would ask for at Christmas. Granny could always write up a list that would turn into a family scavenger hunt. They even have the old style stamped pillowcases my Grandma enjoys embroidering on.
The different craft sections at Jo-Ann include sewing, quilting, needle arts, rubber-stamping, knit/crochet and scrapbooking. They also have a great selection of craft books. Search works great and led me right to the candle-making supplies I was searching for.
The only craftie type category I can't find at Jo-Ann's is cake decorating, but most similar craft stores don't carry that either so you'll be looking at a kitchen site somewhere.
If you are like me, then you end up scratching your head in most craft stores. It's kind of like those Tupperware gadgets. They look neat, but you don't have a clue what to do with them. Some of Granny's quilter tools look like something I might use to remodel the bathroom. As you might guess, I go to see the Lowe's man when I decided to remodel. He helps me figure out what to get for that kind of projects.
Confusion is not a problem at Jo-Ann's. While you can buy the hard-core crafter supplies, you can also purchase kits with everything you need and the directions. That's especially nice in the kid's section. I know buying base supplies is much more cost effective, but I hate to invest in supplies until I'm sure we've hit on a craft we'll enjoy doing. One soap making kit for Eli was enough to convince me that Zest is the way to go. I was glad I had not purchased molds and scent vials.
If you're feeling brave, then Jo-Ann has a great range of projects listed and archived. Some are pretty complex like the Internet quilt, but others like the spider cupcakes are simple enough to make with the kids. You can find a project you like, print out the directions, and buy the supplies right at Jo-Ann's. It's almost as nice as having the local fabric lady give you ideas and help you find the stuff.
The community bulletin board is another great feature. They divide that by categories so that you're not asking about crochet patterns around the wreath makers. They even have a kid's section, which includes members asking about projects to make for and with kids. Kids also click in to ask how to make different crafts. With so many great crafters buying at Jo-Ann, an expert is always standing by to help out.
If you decide to shop Jo-Ann, be sure to sign up for the newsletter. They send you specials. You can sign up at a brick and mortar store also. They have a blank for your email. You'll often get deals like 10 percent off your order. They'll let you know when they have holiday specials and such.
Jo-Ann has been voted the best of the craft online stores, and it's easy to see why. They have the things you need and want at fair prices, offer advice and help, and stand behind what they sell. They've been around since 1943 as a very popular craft supplier, and they made the leap to online with a top notch site.
