I suppose you thought such stores had all closed in America. However, one is still in operation about 25 miles north of my home. It is much more fun than the mall's chain stores, because you'll get to know people working there and they all know the products for sale. Imagine that, educated sales personnel ! I started shopping at the Yardgoods Center 20 years ago. Each January, I drive up to see what new products have been crammed into this store, founded in 1949 by parents of the present owners - a brother and sister. It is 2 retail spaces joined together at street level, with separate stairs down to lower levels. Here, you enter and pass quilting supplies of all kinds on the left. The right front showcases the latest sewing machines. It is where I've taken a 1950's Singer Featherweight for repairs, and they also sharpen scissors while you wait. A little further on is a small selection of fabrics for clothing. They had some suitable for covering lace pillows. Then, there is the cash register and measuring station for this whole section - center stage. Walking toward the right back, there is a large selection of sewing notions - ribbons, laces, braids, threads, sewing pattern books, cabinets containing patterns. Things nice for anyone creative to have. In a corner with cabinets and covers over the quality materials is a section for brides, with all the extras - like gloves and tiaras. At the back left there are lots of wide bolts of felts, suitable for padding lace pillows and doing crafts. There are lots of faux furs for keeping warm. Down a wide staircase is a basement full of everything needed for home decorating, including bolts of machine-made laces for curtains. Up, and over to the other street level shop, entered from the notions department. Here is everything needed for knitting, crochet, tatting. And there is a large selection of buttons and such - I mean, everything - there was even a modern lucet. And, books. You pass another centrally-located cash register (no lines like in mall stores). There are always at least two clerks to help with every problem a beginner might have, or ready to special order for a person of more experience. Walking past that to the front of the second store, is a huge selection of supplies for people who like to use stamping supplies (printing designs on paper or fabric), and some other implements that one might actually add to their lace pillow's tote bag. On the left are large tables pushed into a square near the front windows to bring in lots of light and shows outsiders how busy the store is. There are always at least 8 people learning from experts and each other. It is a place to meet at any time and find amiable company. The sister-owner says she is happily providing a community service for the lonely, widowed, etc. Down the stairs on this side are all the supplies embroiderers might need. Needlework shoppers in America - it is almost impossible to find every thing you need, and have fun doing it. I spent 2 hours looking at all the latest offerings for many crafts. This is a place where family members, like cousins, work along-side of the owners. They remember people's names and interests, introduce you around, etc. Once in a while they bring in Elaine O'Donal from Lacemakers of Maine to teach tatting. Bobbin and needle lace lessons are not offered. They would be, if interest is expressed and a teacher available. Please remember independent suppliers and help to keep them in business so you don't have to mail order every thing. They need income in the months after Christmas. And, what a lovely way to meet new people that you can discuss lace with. Yes, I was wearing a 3 inch square of Elaine's tatting, attached by a sparkly snow flake brooch to a plush black beret hat. It helped to generate communication. If you think there is nothing comparable near you, talk with a few quilters. Maybe they will steer you to a special shopping experience. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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