With stores in every state except Hawaii, Joann was known as the place to go for kids doing school projects or moms sewing costumes.

I've been shopping at Joanns for a decade to quilt, sew, cross stitch and more. The stores closing leaves a huge gap, especially for beginner crafters.

Fabric and crafts retailer Joann Inc., which has been a destination for generations of quilters, knitters and other lovers of crafts, is going out of business.

The auction results that put Joann's assets under new ownership has been approved as the retailer plans to close its more than 800 stores.

Fabric and crafts retailer Joann Inc. is going out of business and closing all its locations, including 23 in Oregon. And while it’s unclear when the closures will come — only sometime this year — crafters are already looking for alternatives.

As Joann Fabrics closes its retail stores, many mourn the loss of easily accessible materials, an entry point for hobby newcomers and a sense of community.

Escambia County leaders are looking into the possibility of pursing legal fees from former County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh to cover some of the litigation costs, at least about $40,000, that the county was ordered to pay over its lost SLAPP lawsuit seeking the return of Bergosh’s leaked text messages.

Joann was one of the best places to buy fabric, but with the store closing, quilters are left looking for new shops. Here are our favorites, including Spoonflower, Hawthorne, and Etsy.