Atomic City Talk

.....A celebration in Jackson Square? Found this letter to the editor in the dead tree news today -


"To the Editor:

I have heard so many complaints from people about Wal-Mart closing their fabric department. "Where will we shop now?" was the question on their minds.

So a local seamstress realized a dream and opened "Friends Fabrics" in Jackson Square. Well, where are all the local shoppers? She carries quality fabric and thread. She offers a variety of sewing and craft classes. She also offers some local sewers and crafts people an outlet, needed since the closure of the Crafter's Brew.

How about some community support for local businesses? Otherwise, we can all just head for Knoxville. Is that what we want? I don't think so.

Karen Teeter

Oak Ridge"


The next time I head over to grab a bite to eat at the diner, perhaps get a scoop o'ice cream or even pick up a gift from Ferrell's, I'll be sure to peek in.

I don't sew, stitch or knot threads of any kind. If they had hammers and nails, well, that would be a different story. But I'm sure it's a necessity for some.

Betsy Coleman Realty put on a mighty good spread last week with their open house event. Perhaps the merchants of Jackson Square could get together and do something (other than a festival related event). I hear there's a band that plays in the basement and as rumor has it, they're pretty good. Maybe once it starts to cool down they could have their own "Sundown in The City" weekly get together.?..

Friends Fabrics does have some beautiful material, but their inventory is very limited. They seem to specialize in brightly-colored cottons (at about $8.99/yard) which are great for some things (summer dresses, capris, summer purses), but unfortunately, it isn't a substitute for a full-service fabric store. There's no suiting, twill, or nylons/silks... for those, you still have to go to Knoxville (although Wal-Mart used to carry them).

I don't want to disparage Friends in any way -- I've been in and purchased there, and will again. However, the limited inventory is probably why they aren't seeing more traffic at this point.

But Smoke, you'd be surprised at the crossover of skills between carpentry and dressmaking. "Measure twice, cut once" applies to both, and there's a fair bit of geometry involved. If you ever decide to learn, c'mon over.

Check THIS out!! I'll certainly look to be there - GO WILDCATS!! Sponsored by The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department and the Youth Leaders’ Coalition of Oak Ridge.

http://www.oakridger.com/stories/090707/...1290.shtml

Sounds great. Hope they get a large crowd. We need to do more things like that.

After WallyWorld shut their fabrics department down and I found out about this place I stopped by, but as you say they have only a small selection and none of it was what I needed. One thing they may consider is getting crochet string in, as that is something alot of people I know who work in call centers do all day (not to mention many others.)
I might stop by there again, but I'm doubtful the m the material I'm looking for is available there.

With the recent negativity placed on the area, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad idea about now! I think it's important to make the people in our city aware of alternative places to shop, dine and enjoy life again. It seems appropriate place for football fans to park, why not gain their attention too?

Here's hoping that the merchants of Jackson Square take note.