Yes, you MUST write to JoAnn's about this. First, do you think the store is trying to get rid of its stock of McCall's patterns and keep some of the other lines instead? I'd make it a point of saying that in your area, it's not easy to go between JoAnn's stores looking for what you want and they do a disservice to their customers by not trying to accommodate more storage space for current patterns and by not helping you patronize their store. Because likely, if you'd gotten that pattern, you would also have picked up other items like fabric, new thread, ribbon, whatever. There are 2 JoAnn's stores near where I usually go to shop (probably one or two more that I don't know about -- I don't go there hardly ever). I live in a suburban area where things are not nearly as spread out where you live, granted. The 2 stores are maybe 30 minutes apart. But one is a larger, more modern-looking store (not everything cramped together), and I've noticed it has a lot more crafting supplies and seasonal decorations -- like Michaels. Maybe JoAnn's profit is now in that stuff? I am told by a neighbor who does friends' alterations that fabric is not so inexpensive anymore and that fewer people sew clothes (and that younger generations don't want to sew at all). And if JoAnn's website doesn't have the patterns, doesn't the company realize you will shop elsewhere? For a pattern and potentially more stuff, pulling your dollars away from the store? (Even though in your area there may not be an option other than JoAnn's for even a spool of thread.) The second point I want to make is that you should also write to McCall's -- explain the situation you found yourself in, especially the fact that the store didn't have much space for patterns. I know that if I were a manufacturer counting on a store to have good product placement, I would make an effort to work with the store (like maybe providing different ways to physically stock the product -- maybe those bulky metal cabinets aren't the solution anymore). Maybe a McCall's sales rep would be interested to learn that his or her product line was not being stocked and promoted to the best potential. It's always a good idea to write letters of complaint (or compliments) -- you never know when they'll get to the person who cares enough to make a difference. Good luck!

Thank you Nita. I was wondering about her too. I know a couple people who have that problem and it is so hard to find things to do all day. This may sound strange, but one day as I got up in the morning, I decided to try to live as a blind person. I got as far as trying to find clothes in the closet -- I decided to be VERY thankful for my eyesight and had a greater concern for those without good vision. JoMo is a very special person, and I have one of her precious little mice too. I am in awe of her abillity to make those.

I dropped some off at the hospital today. I couldn't believe how empty the parking lot was. A lady came down and got them from me. I didn't even have to get out of my car. She was so excited and appeared to be wearing a homemade one herself. I've seen stories where they do wash and sanitize them. It would be fun, though, to see someone walking around town with one I made. Most had ties, but I have made a bunch were I cut the elastic 2" and insert one piece in each end of a 3" piece of double fold bias tape for the ear piece. I got almost twice as many that way. I'm offering them to some of my senior friends for when they have to leave the house and a couple of my friends who have battled cancer, too.

Well I do not know the present state of online commerce, but I'll bet it is exploding. Quality control is always one of the dangers in this kind of purchase. Which is one of the reasons I do not like to shop online. I've been burned more than a few times and have no store to return something to or person in customer service to rely on. And adequate customer service is an area that is also rapidly falling by the wayside. It's interesting that you posted on buying fragrance online, as was considering it last week. Hardly any place to buy in person any more. But I was hesitant to buy something very expensive without smelling it. I know what kind of scents I can wear, but the chemistry of each particular scent, even famous reputable brands, is hard to parse for a new fragrance. Its sometimes a matter of degree. I like florals but not musk, at least not strong musk. and patchouli reminds me too much of 70s dorm rooms . . . I'm also sick of vanilla in a perfume which if I'm not mistaken is a tonka bean note. I was searching for a fresh spring peony scent that would last so that depends on the fixative notes, and Jo Malone was one recommended . . . but even the least expensive bottle of good cologne was going to run me 75 bucks and up, so I was hesitant to take the plunge.