I stopped by my local Michael’s this evening after ordering a news pair of glasses at the mall. I didn’t need anything but wanted some craft browsing “therapy”. I decided I’d see if there was anything interesting in the Clearance aisle.
I found a set of charms for $2 and a set of 10 double tipped markers for $3. I saw no remnants of note so headed to the back of the store. I wanted to see how the yarn reorganization is coming along.
Midway down the 1st double-sided yarn aisle, I noticed that something had changed. All of a sudden it felt like I was standing in a Joann store.
Michaels has been promoting their new “Knit & Sew” shop. If they had contacted me for my input, I would have recommended creating the FEEL of a Joann store. It’s clear to me that someone in that company has been paying attention to social media. They may also have been listening to customers who say, pretty regularly: “Michaels is never going to replace Joann“.
There’s a part of me that misses Joann stores so I may have been LOOKING for it. Last week I told someone that Michaels yarn selection had never measured up to Joann’s selection, and likely never would. I did not expect Michaels to step up their yarn game. Imagine my surprise when I found it staged it to give shoppers the feel of being in a Joann store.
I also noticed that they have moved the bolts of fabric to the back wall across the main aisle. They have also stocked batting, and similar sewing supplies. They’ve increased their selection of buttons and organized the sewing supplies. Now there is more than 1/2 of a dedicated aisle with many specialty sewing tools that Joann stores usually stocked.
I will admit that I was tempted to buy more yarn, even though I have an enviable stash. I resisted. I did find a Fiskars Ruler Handle for $18. Since I had a 30% off coupon in my app, I bought it to take on the upcoming quilting retreat!
I got the Ruler Handle for just under $13 which I thought was a deal (it’s almost $16 on Amazon).
It’s hard to explain what I felt in that yarn aisle (pictured at the top of this blog post). It was that same feeling that I got in any Joann store in any state or town that I visited. My sister says it was the aisles and aisles of POTENTIAL. I don’t disagree, but I think it was also something more.
I am sure that if I went over to the r/JoannFabrics thread on Reddit, I would find a ton of people who may not have a word for it either, but who would know exactly what I am talking about.
So, Michaels, it seems you may be on to something positive here in your yarn and possibly even your fabric sections. Please (please!) don’t let the Private Equity bros that are counting your money screw this up like they did at Joann Fabrics. I’m not sure we can take that kind of heartbreak again.
(C) 2026 Stitch ‘n Dish