Sewing without Joann: Where to find fabric and supplies in Tampa Bay
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A couple of Renckens' favorite outfits made from thrifted fabric — mostly bedsheets. Photos: Courtesy of Ali Renckens
Ali Renckens remembers her interior-design enthusiast mom taking her to Joann as a kid just learning to sew.
- That's part of why the fabric and craft retailer's closure is so sad, Renckens, of St. Petersburg, told Axios: It's integral to beginners.
Yes, but: These days, as a seasoned seamstress who models her handmade clothes on Instagram, Renckens finds fabric almost exclusively from a less-conventional source: the linens section at local thrift stores.
Why it matters: Renckens' use of thrifted bedsheets, tablecloths and more offers DIYers a creative way to source fabric in lieu of the well-tread path to Joann.
- "It's such a great sustainable and cost-effective option," she said.
- Plus, cheaper fabric means less pressure to get it right the first time. "It gives you a lot of freedom to just start and to experiment," she said.
State of play: While getting back into sewing over the last 2-3 years, Renckens stumbled across YouTube videos of DIYers turning vintage linens into outfits and thought, "Oh, I could do that!"
- Her outfits show just how far she's come: a Winter Wonderland dress with fur trim made from a curtain; red gingham shorts made from a tablecloth; and a dupe of a $280 Reformation two-piece set made from pillowcases she thrifted for $2.
Her tips: Be flexible. Thrifting is hit or miss.
- Pay attention to fabric quality. Touch it yourself, but also look for a tag with the fabric composition.
- Look for holes, discoloration and other imperfections to ensure you have enough fabric for your project.
Her favorite thrift stores: Sunshine Thrift (locations here) and Goodwill (locations here).
👋 Kathryn's thought bubble: I also talked to Jennifer Fairbanks, founder of Sew Pinellas, about local fabric stores she'd recommend in lieu of Joann. (I took the studio's intro to sewing class in January and loved it!)
- Sew Pinellas sells fabric and other supplies at its location in Lealman. That includes stock from The House of Make Believe, a costume store in Clearwater that closed last year, Fairbanks said. She also takes requests and will likely travel to Los Angeles later this year to source more fabric.
- Bottom of the Bin sells secondhand art and craft supplies at storefronts in Seminole and Brandon.
- Lakeland Fabric Warehouse sells fabric, supplies and more north of downtown Lakeland.
- Fabric Smart in St. Pete is a great destination for quilting fabric, Fairbanks said.
- Pennie Fabrics in Sarasota sells high-end fabrics and includes its stock online.