One for the little guys

I recently saw a letter to the editor in the Moultrie News that really disturbed me. I don't know the lady's name who wrote in, but the gist of her letter was that she really wants there to be a couple of new stores in Mt. Pleasant. First she wants a store that sells fabric and then she wants one that sells crafts. What really hit me about this is that what she wants is a Hancock Fabrics and either AC Moore or Michaels. She admits that there are a few independent stores that carry a limited supply of items, but apparently not enough to suit her.

What riled me about her letter is that she wants to destroy what the town of Mt. Pleasant is all about - a community that has flourishing small business owners. I have no idea how long this person has lived here, but I remember when there was a chain fabric store here, and guess what! It closed because it was not profitable. Of course I am partial to the small business owners because I have worked for one for many years. I have watched as the sewing industry has changed drastically from focusing on apparel, to quilting, and I am now seeing it tip a little back toward apparel again because of shows like Project Runway and the popularity of Charleston Fashion Week.

Ever since Walmart discontinued carrying fabrics and notions, I have seen a steady stream of new customers come through our doors. If I had a dollar for every time I have heard " I am so glad to find you! Did you know that Walmart is no longer carrying thread?" I would be a lot wealthier.

Independent stores have many advantages over the chain stores. We are experienced sew-ers who can generally answer any questions you might have. Have you ever tried to get help at Hancocks with a problem you're having understanding pattern directions? I was actually in their store last week to pick up a pattern and there was a couple in there trying to decide if a walking foot would fit their machine. The saleslady's only remark to them was to try not to destroy the packaging when they opened the foot. I finally went over to them, because I could tell they were clueless about how the foot went on, or if it fit. I told them I worked on machines and showed them how to put the foot on properly, and assured them that it would do its job. They were so appreciative of my help, and asked me where I worked and assured me they would stop in next time they were in Mt. Pleasant.

I understand that we have a limited supply of some things. We simply do not have the space to carry major pattern lines. But we do have a good supply of speacialty patterns, threads, zippers, buttons and fabrics. We sell Bernina machines and service all brands. We offer sewing classes, both group and private, and we have kids camps in the summer. And if we don't have what you are looking for, we can generally get it for you. Can they do that for you at Hancocks? Admittedly, our prices may be a little bit higher because we do not receive the quantity discounts the chain stores do. But we make that up in customer service, expertise and convenience.

Hancocks has its place in town, because they do carry all major brands of patterns. I was already in that area last week and stopped in to get a pattern. But shops like Fashion Fabrics, and The Dressing Room in downtown Charleston, deserve kudos for the items we do carry. And as far as crafts go, The Country Bumpkin is another independently owned business. She has a good supply of most items for the crafter.

So support your independent retailers when you can. Locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community. If the chain stores are allowed to invade everywhere, our community will lose a lot of its charm. So you have to occasionally make a field trip to the north area. Plan it accordingly, and make an adventure of it.

Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing is very different from ready-to-wear sizing, something that most non-sewing people don't realize. Recently a seamstress was asked to make a graduation dress for someone. The graduate doesn't sew, and wrongly assumed that she would wear the same size pattern that she wears when she goes to a retail store to shop. So she purchased a pattern that included the size that she normally wears, and the corresponding amount of fabric.

For some reason, pattern companies do not make their sizing correspond to ready-to-wear. This slim graduate actually measured a size 10 or 12 according to the pattern size chart. The pattern she purchased did not contain those sizes and the seamstress was forced to re-draft the pattern to the right size. Then she was barely able to cut the pattern out of the fabric correctly because the customer didn't purchase enough fabric.

You have to measure properly and consult the size chart on the pattern to get the right size. Many people are upset when they realize they need a size 10 or 12 pattern when they usually wear a size 4 garment. Remember, folks, it's only a number. Measurements don't lie, and if you need a size 10 pattern, a size 4 will not fit you.