To its dedicated fans, JoAnn Fabrics wasn’t just a fabric store. It was a vital hub for small businesses – wedding dress makers, upholsters, milliners and rug repairers. It taught generations to make, fix and craft. A visit sparked new ideas in a way that shopping online just can’t replicate.
Since it became one of hundreds of US companies bankrupted by private equity investors in 2025, it has been sorely missed.
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“The ultimate big dream is to try to create an ecosystem that connects all of these people in the crafting world,” said Sandy McClenahan, 35, a legal assistant, hat maker and former tech industry relationship manager. “The model we’re investigating is how member-owned and/or worker-owned co-ops can help do that.”
McClenahan published a survey last month suggesting a call to action: “A craft and fabric co-op, owned by us.” The post got hundreds of responses, including one person from every US state and 30 who wanted to be founding members.
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