Joanne's bankruptcy haul

Okay, so let's dive deeper into my Joann haul, especially since I came primarily for thread! When you're new to sewing like me, you quickly realize how crucial good quality thread is. I've always heard whispers in sewing circles about Gutterman being the gold standard. And honestly, after trying a few generic brands, I can kind of see why. Gutterman thread seems to glide through the machine without snagging, and the colors are just so vibrant and consistent. At a closing sale like Joann's, it's the perfect time to stock up on all those essential colors you don't yet have – black, white, gray, beige – plus a few fun pops of color for future projects. I grabbed a whole rainbow of Gutterman spools, trying to get ahead in my sewing journey! Sometimes, investing a little more in quality thread really makes a difference in your finished project, preventing frustrating breaks and unraveling. Beyond the thread, those fabric remnants were another treasure trove. Seriously, if you're a beginner or just love small projects, sniffing out the remnant bins at Joann's during a sale is a game-changer. I found some absolutely adorable prints and solids that are perfect for making scrunchies, small pouches, or even just practicing new stitches without committing to a whole yard of fabric. It's fantastic for experimenting! And can we talk about pinking shears? I finally bit the bullet and got a pair. They're amazing for finishing raw edges and preventing fraying, especially on fabrics that are prone to it. It really makes your projects look so much more professional. I also snagged some different types of fabric glues – you never know when a quick bond is going to save a project! Plus, a good variety of elastics is a must-have for comfort in garments, from thin ones for delicate cuffs to wider ones for waistbands. And of course, a skein of cozy brown yarn somehow found its way into my basket for a future knitting adventure! It's funny, when you walk into a sale like this, you go in with a list, but the deals just pull you in. My receipt showed I spent $95.68 but saved a whopping $54.17! That's where the 'girl math' really kicks in, right? If I saved more than I spent, it's practically free! 😉 But seriously, sales are a great opportunity to get those tools and supplies you've been eyeing, especially when a store is closing down. It's a sad thought that Joann's might be gone, but it does mean amazing discounts for us crafters. It makes you wonder what the future holds for brick-and-mortar craft stores when online options are so plentiful. My biggest tip for shopping these kinds of sales? Look for quality essentials first – thread, needles, basic notions – then allow yourself to browse for inspiring fabrics or tools you might not normally splurge on. You'll thank yourself later when you're not scrambling for a specific color of thread mid-project!