When 80-year-old crafter favorite Joann Fabrics closed all of its more than 800 shops last year, it left behind a lot of gaps. Recently, What Now has covered some of the ways other businesses are still moving in to fill those gaps. Sometimes these gaps are literal: What Now Orlando reported, for example, on plans for beer, wine, and spirits retailer Total Wine to move into one former Joann location.
The real gap, though, isn’t physical: it’s the lack of places to buy the fabrics and other crafting supplies so many people depended on Joann for. St. Pete Rising pointed to this gap earlier this week, with coverage of September Sewing Co., a new business set to open in Seminole this fall and provide “ethically sourced fabrics, sewing classes, and a creative space designed for both experienced makers and beginners.”
“I remember growing up going to Joann Fabrics with my grandma as a child. I loved going there and just touching the fabric and feeling inspired,” owner Diana Andreyko says in the St. Pete Rising coverage. “I want to create that kind of space in my own way, bringing my knowledge and expertise to help foster the next generation of sewers, makers, and entrepreneurs.”
“For the September Sewing Co, I had a vision in my mind of ocean blues, white wood and wicker baskets on worn antique tables,” Andreyko wrote in a Substack post earlier this month. I envision a mix of coastal charm and a Nancy Meyers aesthetic. I want it to feel like a coastal cottage that has the most thoughtfully curated things to peruse and purchase. The fabric selection will be handpicked by me and I want every bolt to be a ‘wow this is so pretty’ feeling when you pick it up. I also want the non-sewer to walk in and be able to enjoy it just the same and sort through a selection of thoughtful gifting items. Ultimately, I aim to create a space that fashion lovers and sewers can meet and have a sense of community.”
September Sewing Co. will open this fall at 11000 70th Ave N.
You can keep up with the opening by following @septembersewingco on Instagram.
