The Ewenice Report  |  March 18, 2025 

Image of Baby Rhino With Donated Blanket From Metro

Paradise Fibers Updates

What is the Ewenice Report?
The Ewenice Report is your exclusive newsletter from Paradise Fibers. Full of industry news, updates, expert tips, staff picks, and product recommendations, it's designed to keep you informed and inspired throughout your fiber art journey. Whether you're an expert or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with the latest trends and insights.

That Sounds Pretty Cool
It sure is! The Ewenice Report delivers insider updates, helpful tips to improve your craft, and exclusive sneak peaks at upcoming sales. Plus, get recommendations, discover trends, and dazzle your co-workers at the water cooler with fiber art fun facts—all while staying connected with everything happening at Paradise Fibers.

Check Out Our Related Blog Post: Lean On Us: Fiber Arts Expertise

Bet You Didn't Have That On Your 2025 Bingo Card
If that headline had you pleasantly surprised, you're not alone; our team did a double take when they came across the story. Hercules, a three-week-old Rhino from Mpumalanga, South Africa, suffered multiple life threatening injuries after being attacked by hyenas. He was rescued by Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary, and given one of the blankets donated by a group of Yorkshire Grandmothers from Hazelgrove Court Care Home. They routinely knit blankets and donate them to Blankets for Baby Rhinos; Hercules made a full recovery in part due to the comfort provided by one of those donated blankets.

Here's How You Can Help Save Baby Rhinos, Too
BFBR encourages broader community involvement in protecting endangered species. You can shop the BFBR store, donate through their website, and join their Facebook Group to participate in knitting, craft fundraising, and more! Through donated knitwear and craft fundraisers, Blankets for Baby Rhinos provides crucial support to wildlife orphanages, aiding in the recovery of rhinos like Hercules.

Check Out Our Related Blog Post: Tips for making baby blankets

Industry News

The End Of An Era
Jo-Ann Stores announced late in 2024 that they would be closing hundreds of stores nationwide as it sought a new owner after filing Chapter 11 three times between 2023 and 2024. At the beginning of February, the company announced it would be closing 500 stores and hold a bidding for new ownership to take over. By February 25th, GA Joann Retail Partnership (a subsidiary of “asset disposition” company GA Group) emerged victorious in the bid. They quickly began the process to oversee the complete liquidation of Joann’s remaining operations and announced the closure of all locations by the end of May, 2025. 

Where Does That Leave Jo-Ann Fans?
In a lurch, unfortunately. At least for those who love Big Twist and K+C Yarn, but don't want to buy their yarn on Amazon. For now, it appears Jo-Ann's proprietary blends are available on Amazon. And there is always the option of buying secondhand through Etsy and Ebay. But for folk who don't want to go those routes, Paradise Fibers has yarn options that offer near perfect swaps! 

Check Out Our Related Blog Post: JOANN's Closing—What's Next For Crafters?

Industry News

How Will Tariffs Effect The Fiber Arts

Tariffs aim to strengthen the economy by limiting foreign competition, but they have a historic track record of destabilizing the economy, which exposes consumers and businesses to rising prices, supply chain issues, and reduced revenue. The destabilization that comes with tariffs and inevitable trade-wars usually hit small businesses and specialty industries the hardest. When surveyed, 27% of small business owners said they intend to navigate the tariffs by cutting their spending to avoid raising prices, and 64% acknowledge that they will ultimately have to raise their prices. Higher prices can lead to lost business as customers tighten their belts, and cutting costs often means reducing employee hours, laying off workers, cutting employee benefits, sourcing lower-quality goods, or limiting business hours. In the fiber art industry, tariffs represent a serious challenge, and suppliers will face tough decisions in order to stay afloat.

How Is Paradise Fibers Navigating The Tariffs?
The Paradise Fibers team is full of creative problem solvers and we have yet to face a challenge we couldn't tackle. While niche industries are facing turbulence, we’re confident in our ability to adapt. We’re closely monitoring current events and using our industry expertise to minimize the impact of tariffs while keeping our prices fair and taking care of our staff and fiber art community. This may mean streamlining our product selection or adjusting in-store hours, but our top priority remains the same: providing you with a diverse range of high-quality fiber arts supplies at the best possible value. We’ll keep you updated on any changes and appreciate your support as we navigate this together.

Tips & Tricks

The Granny Square: What's The Big Deal?
These classic crocheted squares are having a bit of a moment, and we're here for it. They are a great way to use leftover yarn (sustainability for the win), are steeped in nostalgia, and are versatile staples that can easily adapt to new trends. Granny Squares are beginner-friendly and can be worked into complex projects, making them a staple for fiber artists of every skill level. With Maximalism coming back in 2025, Granny Squares will continue enjoying its time in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Add Some Grandmacore Vibes To Your Next Project
Granny squares are endlessly customizable, so make them your own! Keep your stitches even for a polished look, or play with texture by mixing yarn weights. Want a seamless finish? Try the join-as-you-go method instead of sewing squares together later. Bold colors, unexpected fiber choices, and creative layouts can take your granny square game from classic to cutting-edge. Need inspiration? Check out our blog for patterns, tips, and the perfect yarn pairings!

Related Resources: Our favorite uses of the Granny Square