So I know the cosplay community is being hit hard right now and I wanted to help people to accept it and to make plans for their future without being able to just go to one store or having a place that doesn't force their hand.
This list is something to take into consideration and it will also explain the problems with each option and how to plan for it.
At the end of this list I will answer any questions either about Joann's closing (I do work for Joann's) or about the list I made. I also recommend everyone post their recommendation on what they suggest looking into or maybe something I didn't think of.
I do want to take a moment to give a call to action that Yaya Han had asked the community to do.
Yaya Han's fabric line is at stake as Joann's was they primary carrier of her fabric. She has asked people to contact fabric/craft companies such as Mood or Michael's and tell them to carry her products. If you will take a minute to send an e-mail to them, it would mean the world to not only her, but the community if we could do something.
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2025 8:24 pm
In Person Shopping
Local Stores
Local stores are going to vary from place to place and it'll really depend on where you are or traveling. Here's a recommendations on what you should look up and organize these locations.
1. Search Key Words on Google Maps Try Words like: Craft Store Fabric Store Yarn Shop Upholstery Paint Antique Store Second Hand Stores Hobby Store/shop
It's important to remember there are different types of stores that can carry the craft items that you may need at one time or another. Places like Second-hand stores may have random things, but remember they can help finding items to use. It also gives you a chance to support local.
2. Ask Around.
Find a club or organization such as a quilting organization, SCA, or cosplay club. Sharing resources will help you find places to shop. If you also talk to people who work at craft stores you may find out some good tips or opportunities to learn new skills.
3. Make a list for when you travel.
Are you traveling to a city for cons? Great. Take the suggested list of search words above and make a Google Maps list for that town. I do think with towns that I travel to at least once a year.
4. Look for a maker space
This could be at a library, college, or in a privately own club. The people at maker spaces can help you find resources that they recommend or how they find the material they use.
5. Estate Sales/Garage Sales/Yard Sales
Find out with someone is doing a clean out of their basement. You may find a chance to find something you need.
6. Update frequently
Just because you did these searches once, doesn't mean that new places and options will wont be out there.
Stores That Have Craft Stuff
The Dollar Store
The Dollar Tree What you can Find: Stuff for props, basic crafting, crafting kits
Pros: Great to find kits for cheap. You can use those kits for learning a new skill. It's also great for finding cheap items to tinker with other skills. Sometimes have brand name items.
Cons: The items are cheap (quality) and may not be the best for final products.
Notes: the company that owns most dollar stores is known for some less than savory political beliefs and if you don't support them, you may want to consider shopping other places.
What you can Find: A little of everything crafting related and fabric.
Pros: Great jewelry options, resin is pretty good too, yarn is decent, carries some cosplay related fabrics.
Cons: Lack of fabric options over all.
Notes:
Walmart
walmart.com What you can Find: A small selection of everything.
Pros: Fairly affordable, offers kits
Cons: Most fabrics tend to be on the bad in quality and the ones that are pretty good are mystery fabrics. Not a large selection.
Notes: The family that owns Walmart is known for some less than savory political beliefs and if you don't support them, you may want to consider shopping other places.
They also don't treat their employee's well compared to other companies.
Hobby Lobby
hobbylobby.com What you can Find: A little bit of everything.
Pros: Great jewelry selection, fairly affordable (most departments), free idea/project pamphlets. Cons: Lack of fabric options and fabrics tends to be a little pricier.
Notes: The family that owns Walmart is known for some less than savory political beliefs and if you don't support them, you may want to consider shopping other places.
They also don't treat their employee's well compared to other companies.
The family who owns the company has been convicted (in court) of illegally trafficking historical artifacts into the US.
Goodwill/DI/Youth Ranch/Value Village/Other Second Hand Stores
What you can Find: Anything and nothing at the same time.
Pros: Cheap items and items that can be consider more environmentally friendly and sustainable such as bed sheets. Cons: You can't always guarantee that you'll find something and to get more stuff frequently will require you to come often.
Notes: Some entities that fall into the Second hand stores do not have savory actions. Please review each and shop at those that you feel are worth your time.
Re-Use Markets
What: Re-Use markets are second hand craft stores and can be found throughout the country, though primarily in larger cities. They can have fabrics and other items at must lower prices than bigbox locations.
What you can Find: Random craft supplies.
Pros: Great deals on fabrics, vintage patterns, small bits of things. Cons: No promises on finding anything you like.
Fabric Districts
Where: Major cities, but particularly L.A., New York, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Montreal
What you can Find: Fabrics and Sewing Notions
Pros: Lots of options at various shops with decent prices. Cons: Lots of walking, searching, and possible elitism.
Tandy Leather
tandyleather.com Where: Throughout the country in large to medium size cities.
What you can Find: Leather making goods.
Pros: Lots of dye options, plenty of leather goods and kits. Cons: It just does leather.
