Hancock Fabrics

I do not have a lot of experience with sewing, or shopping for sewing. While this store is large, and appears to have a lot of selection, I felt rather lost. And no one offered to help me find anything. I wandered around that store for at least 20 minutes looking for fabric for a Halloween costume, and I was never offered assistance. No one spoke to me until I had picked up a bolt of fabric and was ready to have it cut.
I was able to find everything I needed, and I think everything was fairly priced. All the people I spoke with were reasonable friendly. But, I don’t think I walked away with any incredible deals, and I don’t think the customer service was anything to write home about. I’ll be looking for a different store for any future projects.

Freaking friendly people there. When I walked in, unknowingly that the store was closing in five minutes, which I assume I had a whole hour and five minutes to begin with; the cashier notified me of the closing time, I asked if she had printable paper that I could print my digital design onto paper out of an inkjet printer. She took me to where they were located and was super super friendly and nice to me. She was such a cheerful lady that put a smile on my face and people like that tend to leave others feeling happy or better for themselves after. I really wish more sales people behave like she did, EVERY TIME in a retail establishment; as I have worked in retail for almost 8 years and I know customer service real well. Anyway, this store is in dire need of a major makeover, but since Hancock is reeling itself out of bankruptcy protection as a result of a lackluster economy, it is a great place to pop in and find cool stuff or stuff you’ll need.

I don’t sew. I don’t know how to sew. I don’t even own a sewing machine. Walking through Hancock Fabrics almost converted me, though. There is a plethora of fabric. Miles and miles of fabric of all textures and colors just sitting there waiting to be sewn up by me.
I came here specifically for a yard of pastel pink nylon netting (like the kind that is used to make mesh bath sponges) for a poodle costume I’m making. I was worried they wouldn’t have the color I needed. Not only did they have that color. .. they had a whole rainbow of colors begging to be bought up. Images of me designing actual wearable outfits started dancing around in my head. I’d see some material and immediately have a plan as to what I’d make with it.
The ladies working there were super nice and led a novice like me exactly where I needed to go. The prices made my eyes pop out. I hadn’t seen a «cents» sign in ages. The total came out to an amount that even a person who never carries cash like me could pay in pocket change.
Maybe one day I’ll be able to be some sort of master seamstress. Maybe I’ll be able to take Sedaris’ advice and dress my family in corduroy and denim (made by me). Maybe. .. . for now, I’m taking it one baby step at a time. I’m thinking a simple Christmas stocking for Badger will be a good start.