Hi, it’s Michelle 👋
Yesterday, I visited the Shenandoah Fiber Fest and all I can say is “wow”! I learned so much! See some pictures on my Facebook page. Check to see if there is one near you and make a point to visit and support local yarn farms and stores.
Michaels dropped their big news this week: they've launched a fancy new "Knit and Sew Shop" concept. (Apparently, us crocheting rebels don't deserve equal billing! 😤 )
As soon as I heard, I rushed myself over to my local Michaels to investigate this "revolutionary" transformation.
I don’t know what I was hoping for, but this was not it.
It's kinda like when your friend says they got a dramatic haircut – “It’s so different!” – but really, they just got bangs. 😆
The most obvious change is a "The Knit and Sew Shop" sign hoisted above the yarn aisle announcing the “entrance”.
Yarn racks got fresh signage. Lion Brand's Wool-Ease—that reliable workhorse we all have seventeen skeins of in our stash—now has its own welcome mat declaring "Welcome to the World of Wool-Ease" plus an expanded section of colors.
I don’t know if it’s the season, part of the “transformation” or a bit of both, but the “Home Décor Yarn” featuring Bernat Blanket yarn is fire! 🔥
Someone at corporate clearly got the memo that chunky blankets are still a ‘thing’ with new Blanket colors and varieties. Not to mention a great selection of colors in the Loops & Threads Posh, Demi and Petite Purl lines.
Bernat Blanket Regular and Big Section
Next, the "Caron Cakeshop". The bakery is open! So many cakes: Cloud, Cotton, Chunky and more.
The cutest is the Cupcake that comes with a pompom and just enough color coordinating yarn for a chunky hat. 🧁
Plus, my store still had Anniversary and Smash cakes stocked in the main center aisle.
The "Cuddly & Snuggle" section has an impressive amount of Snuggle yarn and colors, and Big Twist yarn is starting to make appearances! Word on the street is more varieties are coming in October.
Michaels claims they've boosted their yarn selection by 25%, and you know what? I actually believe them. They haven’t added more aisles, but their displays have migrated into the main aisles to add the extra space.
As for the "Sew" part of this whole rebrand... meh. To be fair, I'm a yarn girl, but it seems like they have a tiny bit more fabric variety. Definitely more sewing machines, including some Singer models and notions. 👉 If you’re a sewer, let me know your thoughts.
Is this the craft store revolution we've all been waiting for? Not exactly.
But it seems Michaels is embracing the Joann persona and giving us quality brands and bringing back favorites, even if slightly rebranded.
The real test will be whether they can keep shelves stocked AND have decent sales. Because let's be real—we're all just waiting for that 30% off all yarn offer to hit our inboxes. IKYK 😉
Until then, I'll be over here in the "Cuddly & Snuggle" section, pretending I don't already have enough yarn to last three lifetimes. Don't judge! 🧡
👉 What changes have you noticed in your local Michaels store? Let me know.
LOOPED IN
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WEAVING IN THE ENDS
I’m off to another local fiber festival next weekend and get to learn about “Broom Crochet” so I’m excited! Stay tuned for the outcome!
—Michelle 🧡
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