Local crafters express satisfaction

For Terri Cook and Tracy Webb, the biggest holiday in March had nothing to do with shamrocks or the color green. Instead, the Red Wing residents kicked up their heels for the soft opening of the new JoAnn Fabric and Crafts store March 8.

“We’ve had it on our calendars as a national holiday,” Webb said with a laugh.

The sign announcing the store went up well before Christmas, but the opening came this month.

The women were the first through the doors at the company’s new location at 160 N. Tyler Road in the Red Wing Mall. They camped out for about an hour before the doors officially opened at 9 a.m.

“We were up against the glass (doors),” Webb said laughing, “just so we could say we were the first ones.”

Webb and Cook are both avid crafters. Webb said she does a lot of work with fabric — including recovering things and making pillows — and also makes purses and garden art. Cook spends more time knitting.

Whenever either wom-an previously needed craft supplies, a trip to Rochester was usually in order.

“When Walmart closed their fabric department, I emailed JoAnn’s and said ‘You need to move here,’” Webb said.

“It was desperately needed. I’m really excited,” she added.

Webb, who has already made multiple trips to the new JoAnn location in the first few weeks, said the store has a large fabrics selection and also carries sewing machines, scrapbooking supplies, paints and jewelry-making components.

“I think it’s the fabric that is just going to be amazing,” Webb said.

The Red Wing location also will be offering classes such as knitting, Webb added.

“It does fill a need. There’s crafters in Red Wing, Stockholm, Bay City because of the creative environment we live in,” Webb said.

The Red Wing location will hold a grand opening celebration March 21-23. Events include gift card giveaways, face painting, class samplings and instructor introductions.

Saturday includes a chance to meet “Project Runway” designer Chris-topher Straub, the store’s website says.

JoAnn’s corporate website says the company operated 790 stores in 49 states as of last summer.

The details

What:JoAnn Fabric and Crafts

Where: 160 N. Tyler Road

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

More information: www.joann/redwing