Stories with Tag crafts

• Fabric and craft retailer Joann to go out of business, close all of its stores

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  Posted: 2025-02-25 15:41:56

  Verbose tl;dr

  Contrary to the headline's claim, Joann Fabrics is not going out of business entirely. The craft retailer is restructuring under Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to close some unprofitable stores. The company aims to emerge from bankruptcy with a stronger financial footing and a more sustainable store footprint. The restructuring will involve financial stakeholders and includes a commitment for $50 million in new financing.

  The seemingly ubiquitous fabric and craft retail chain, Joann Stores, known for its vast assortment of sewing supplies, yarns, crafting materials, and home décor items, has announced its intention to initiate the unfortunate process of liquidating its assets and shuttering all of its retail locations across the nation. This decision, a somber note for crafting enthusiasts and hobbyists, comes as the company has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The filing signifies a significant downturn for the once-thriving retailer, which has served as a creative haven for generations of crafters.

  Joann's trajectory toward closure is attributed to a confluence of challenging economic headwinds that have buffeted the retail sector in recent years. These factors include persistently high inflation rates, which have eroded consumer spending power, particularly on discretionary items like craft supplies. Furthermore, the company cites evolving consumer preferences and shifting shopping habits, including the burgeoning popularity of e-commerce platforms, as contributing factors to its declining financial performance. The increasing prevalence of online marketplaces and the convenience they offer have presented formidable competition for brick-and-mortar retailers like Joann.

  While no definitive timeline has yet been established for the complete cessation of operations, the closure process is expected to unfold gradually over the coming months. This phased approach will allow for the orderly liquidation of existing inventory and the winding down of store operations across Joann's extensive network of retail locations. The company's leadership has expressed profound regret at the necessity of this decision and has extended heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated employees and loyal customer base for their longstanding support. The closure of Joann Stores marks the end of an era for the crafting community, leaving a void in the retail landscape for readily accessible and diverse crafting materials. It remains to be seen how this development will reshape the crafting industry and what alternative options will emerge to cater to the needs of hobbyists nationwide.

  • Joann Fabrics
  • retail
  • Bankruptcy
  • Store Closures
  • crafts
  • Fabric
  • Business News
  • Retail Apocalypse
  • Economic Downturn
  • Hobby Stores

  Summary of Comments ( 30 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43173341

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the surprising nature of Joann's closure, given its apparent popularity and the enduring hobby of crafting. Several suggest the "going out of business" phrasing is misleading, pointing to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing as a restructuring move rather than a complete shutdown. Some speculate about the reasons for the financial trouble, including poor inventory management, high rent costs, competition from online retailers like Amazon and Etsy, and the cyclical nature of crafting trends. Others lament the potential loss of a valuable resource for crafters and the impact on local communities. A few express skepticism about the long-term viability of brick-and-mortar craft stores in the current retail landscape.

  The Hacker News post titled "Fabric and craft retailer Joann to go out of business, close all of its stores" generated several comments discussing the news, primarily focused on clarifying the headline's inaccuracy and speculating on the reasons behind Joann's financial struggles.

  Several commenters immediately pointed out that the linked AP News article states Joann is not going out of business entirely, but rather filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows for restructuring and potential continuation of operations. This correction was a dominant theme in the early comments.

  Some users expressed surprise at Joann's financial troubles, citing the apparent popularity of crafting, especially during the pandemic lockdowns. They questioned whether the rise of online marketplaces like Etsy, offering similar handmade goods, might have contributed to Joann's struggles. Others speculated about changing demographics, wondering if younger generations are less interested in traditional crafts.

  The increasing cost of goods and inflation were also brought up as potential factors impacting Joann's profitability. One commenter mentioned the specific example of fabric prices increasing substantially.

  Several users shared anecdotal experiences with Joann stores, describing them as often cluttered, poorly organized, and offering subpar customer service. These observations suggested that operational issues, in addition to broader economic factors, might be playing a role in the company's financial difficulties.

  One commenter suggested that Joann's reliance on couponing might be a sign of unsustainable business practices, training customers to wait for discounts rather than paying full price.

  While the prevailing sentiment acknowledged the challenges facing brick-and-mortar retail, several commenters expressed hope that Joann could successfully restructure and emerge from bankruptcy. Some also noted the importance of such stores for local crafting communities.

  There was some discussion regarding the private equity ownership of Joann, with some suggesting that leveraged buyouts and subsequent debt burden could have contributed to the company's financial woes.

  Finally, a few commenters discussed alternative craft retailers, highlighting the competitive landscape and the potential for other players to absorb some of Joann's market share.

• Building a Medieval Castle from Scratch

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  Posted: 2025-01-23 18:24:30

  Verbose tl;dr

  Deep in the Burgundy forest of France, Guédelon Castle is a unique ongoing experiment: building a 13th-century castle entirely from scratch using only period-correct tools and techniques. This ambitious project, begun in 1997, employs skilled craftspeople who quarry stone, make mortar, forge iron, carve wood, and practice other medieval trades to construct the castle, offering visitors a living history lesson in medieval architecture and construction. The project aims not just to recreate a castle, but to understand the process and challenges faced by medieval builders.

  Embark on a captivating odyssey through time at Guédelon, a truly extraordinary endeavor located in the heart of Burgundy, France. This ambitious project, initiated in 1997, is not merely a restoration or a replica, but a breathtaking de novo construction of a fully functional 13th-century medieval castle, employing solely the tools, techniques, and materials that would have been available to master builders of that era. This immersive experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of medieval artisans.

  The castle, rising majestically from the earth, is being painstakingly erected using locally quarried sandstone, meticulously shaped and placed by skilled stonemasons. Oak timbers, hewn from the surrounding forests, form the robust framework, while handcrafted tiles, forged ironwork, and locally produced mortar bind the structure together, a testament to the self-sufficiency of the medieval world. This commitment to authenticity extends beyond the materials themselves to encompass the entire building process. Teams of carpenters, blacksmiths, rope makers, and other craftsmen employ period-appropriate tools and methodologies, reviving forgotten skills and illuminating the intricate web of interdependence that characterized medieval society.

  Visitors to Guédelon are invited to not just observe, but to actively engage with this living history project. They can witness firsthand the back-breaking labor involved in quarrying stone, the intricate art of carving elaborate architectural details, and the rhythmic clang of the blacksmith's hammer shaping iron into functional works of art. The site provides a dynamic and interactive educational experience, demonstrating the complex logistics of medieval construction, from the transportation of materials by horse-drawn cart to the ingenious use of human-powered lifting mechanisms. Guédelon, therefore, transcends a mere construction project, becoming a vibrant tableau of medieval life, a place where the past is not just remembered, but actively relived, offering profound insights into the resourcefulness, ingenuity, and artistry of a bygone era. This ongoing archaeological experiment allows us to understand not only what a medieval castle looked like, but also how it came to be, revealing the human story behind the stone and timber. The meticulous attention to detail, the dedication to authenticity, and the sheer scale of the undertaking render Guédelon a truly unique and invaluable window into the medieval world.

  • medieval
  • castle
  • construction
  • Architecture
  • History
  • experimental archaeology
  • France
  • Guedelon
  • historical building techniques
  • crafts
  • masonry
  • carpentry
  • blacksmithing
  • 13th century
  • heritage
  • Tourism
  • DIY
  • building
  • archaeology

  Summary of Comments ( 6 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42806486

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters express fascination with the Guédelon castle project, praising its commitment to authentic 13th-century building techniques. Several discuss the surprising efficiency of medieval methods, noting the clever use of human and animal power, and the sophisticated understanding of material science displayed by the builders. Some commenters draw parallels to software development, highlighting the iterative, experimental nature of the project and the value of learning by doing. Others lament the loss of traditional craftsmanship and knowledge in modern society. A few express skepticism about the project's complete authenticity, questioning the influence of modern tools and safety regulations. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of admiration, curiosity, and nostalgia for a pre-industrial way of life.

  The Hacker News post "Building a Medieval Castle from Scratch" linking to Guedelon Castle's website generated a fair amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing fascination and admiration for the project.

  Many comments focused on the impressive nature of building a castle using only medieval techniques and materials. Several people marveled at the dedication and long-term vision required for such an undertaking, highlighting the contrast with modern, fast-paced construction. Some commenters discussed the historical accuracy of the project, questioning certain aspects or praising the research and effort put into maintaining authenticity.

  One compelling comment thread explored the economic sustainability of the project, debating whether it was truly self-sufficient or relied on modern financial mechanisms. Some users speculated about the balance between historical accuracy and the need to generate revenue through tourism.

  Another interesting discussion revolved around the skills and knowledge gained by the people working on the castle. Commenters pondered the potential for these skills to be applied in other contexts, such as historical preservation or sustainable building practices. There was also some discussion about the social aspects of the project, with users commenting on the community formed around the castle construction.

  Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about visiting Guedelon or expressed their desire to do so. They often highlighted the unique and immersive experience offered by the project.

  A few technically-minded users commented on the engineering challenges faced by medieval builders and how those challenges are being addressed at Guedelon. They discussed the use of specific materials, tools, and construction methods.

  Some commenters also shared links to similar projects or resources related to medieval architecture and construction. This contributed to a broader conversation about experimental archaeology and historical reenactment. Finally, a smaller number of comments were less focused on the project itself and more on tangential topics like the romanticism of the medieval period or the perceived decline of craftsmanship in modern society.