A new craft store, Hobby Lobby, just opened up in a town that’s one hour away. I had never been to a Hobby Lobby before, so I was particularly excited about blowing some money during the grand opening sale.
After talking with some friends, I was completely psyched about the trip. It seemed everyone I spoke with both loved and hated HL. They loved it for the atmosphere, variety, and value. They hated it because a single trip there could potentially drain the ol’ life savings account. Well, I spent a whopping $25…hardly my life savings, thankfully. One person went so far as to say they’d marry and make babies with the founder of HL, because the store is just that great.
Well, it is a great store and very well organized. Is it better than life itself? Well…no, not really. In fact, I still prefer Jo-Ann Fabric. Since I only sew these days, I spent most of my time in the fabric department. I was pleased that they offer a LOT of fabric prints that Jo-Ann does not. Overall, their sewing stuff is priced about the same as at Jo-Ann (with the exception of Insul-Bright–regularly $6.99/yd at JA and regularly $2.49/yd at HL!!!).
The variety of sewing notions differed slightly than what’s offered at my local JA and Hancock Fabric stores. I walked out of HL with a pack of four pattern weights for $5. None of my local craft stores have pattern weights, so I was pleased about this purchase. Oh, and after scouring all of the local craft and thrift shops for the perfect buttons for a fall corduroy jacket (Simp 3628), I found the PERFECT buttons at HL.
All in all, I had a fun and successful trip, but I don’t intend to travel that far again for some time.
Oh, and here’s my Hobby Lobby loot…the Alexander Henry U.S. print is fabulous! The teacher in me sees classroom bulletin boards, reading corner pillows, and curtains being made from it.
3 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 11, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Abby
Mmmm, Hobby Lobby. I’ve been eyeing that states print at our store : ) I really like HL, too, but it’s not my mainstay. I’m more of a quilter, so I hunt the bargain scrap bins at many stores and HL is definitely one of my stops. My JA and Hancocks are too far away, so I rely on the quickly disappearing Walmart fabric centers. Once they’re gone, I’ll be a HL only gal. Glad you had a great time and fun finds!
October 13, 2008 at 1:03 am
Skooks
I used to work at HL and I think it’s funny that it’s hyped as a mecca. I feel like it’s a hybrid Michael’s/Jo-Ann Fabrics and it does the Michaels part better, but not the Jo-Ann’s part. It still has a pretty good fabric department, but it’s only a part of the store and not the majority so it is definitely lacking if that’s what you’re solely going there for. The nice thing is that they run pretty predictable sales which you can always find online (and sometimes employees – even though they are not supposed to) tell customers when those are coming up. Or when the 40% off coupons are happening (which is almost every week – you can get them in the paper or online). HL definitely has its worthy points and I think the people that started the company had the right moral framework going (so sorry to the lady who wants to make some babies . . . they’re a Christian company, lol). Having said that, my experience with their lower level management has been less than stellar. I have done quite a bit of travelling for the company in the past (setting up new stores and creating displays, etc) and their lower level management, in large part, are some of the lowest forms of life I have ever come in contact with. A few good ones in the bunch, for sure, but still. I guess it always looks different from the inside. All that to say, I still shop there sometimes, for the good prices and good selection they have on a lot of crafty things. In my experience they are a better craft store than Michael’s, but like I said, fabric is not their forte which makes Jo-Ann a better pic for sewing stuffs. The nice thing about HLs in the midwest is that most of them are about a stone’s throw from both Jo-Ann’s and Michael’s so it’s really easy to price compare. Our neighborhood HL is actually right next door to Jo-Ann’s . . . and Jo-Ann’s takes HL coupons for stuff that is carried in both stores. It’s an easy way to get the best price. Sorry for the rambling long post and the diversion into management . . .
October 17, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Chelley
Hobby Lobby USED to be a lot better than it is now. Our store has drastically reduced inventory but is in the same building. So, now when you walk around there’s just a TON of empty space. Their fabric department was wonderful at one time and is now just pretty pitiful. I wish they’d kick it back up a notch.
Chelley