Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business?

RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By nancy (Guest Post) (08/18/2008) I was wondering the same about leewards. Anyway I have some leewards craft items for sale on my site. ricracandbuttons.etsy.com Check out if you like. Have a nice day. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Dee (Guest Post) (08/11/2008) Lee Wards had the best quality, variety and prices. It is very difficult to find good crochet thread for table clothes, dolies, etc. The best alternative I have found is Herrschners on-line. Forget the stores. Lee Wards died when it was bought out by an investment group, which is par for the course. I really miss the Lee Wards Store. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Janet (Guest Post) (07/31/2008) Someone should forward this list of comments to the Michaels company execs. Obviously LeeWards was a superior store in many ways. I realize nothing lasts forever, but with so many of us pining for what LeeWards used to offer, it seems like there is obviously still a market for it. I've never found any store to compare with what LeeWards offered, either. I miss those stores (and the catalogs) very much, and if money is what it's all about, there are a lot of us who would spend money regularly in a craft store the caliber of LeeWards!! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Jo (Guest Post) (07/27/2008) I got to this site because I was looking to see how I could contact LeeWards. Only to discover they are long out of business. MY PROBLEM: I have a knitted slippers pattern no. 89-09194 from Lee Wards (I paid .50 for a single pattern). I have knit the slippers, but can't figure out how they are assembled. The assembly directions calls to "fold in half and sew ribbing together. This forms the heel and toe. Sew on Button." I am an experienced knitter, but I have tried folding every which way, but it still doesn't look like a slipper. Can anyone help? A picture would be great. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By norlyn (Guest Post) (07/24/2008) Michael's doesn't hold a candle to Lee Wards, you would think if they purchased it, they would have kept it the way it was. You could find anything at Lee Wards, and the yarn assortment was beyond compare. I will miss them terribly! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By freawiwant (Guest Post) (07/11/2008) Yeah, I used to go to Leewards in Jackson Heights, NY years ago. Then I used when in Nassau county. I haven't found any other craft store as diversified as Leewards. Also I was a member of a craft club, and every month they'd send a kit in a small corrugated box for a few dollars. You also had the option of purchasing additional kits either the same or to complement the one they sent. I'm looking for another club. Does anyone know of one? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by Booklady451 (1) | (07/02/2008) Profile | Contact I agree with everyone that Lee Wards was a wonderful craft store and there is no current store to compare with it--including Hobby Lobby. For those of you looking for certain items / kits / etc., you might try looking for them on E-bay. I've had luck finding some things by other companies. Sounds as if there is a real need for a good craft store for someone wanting to open a successful business. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By (Guest Post) (03/13/2008) There used to be a Lee Wards on route 22 in Monroeville east of Pittsburgh Pa. It has been closed for years. I used to teach knitting in Greensburg Pa. I used to drive to Lee Wards for supplies. I do not like Michaels, they do not compare. Joanne is a little better. Jackie of Greensburg, Pa Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Elizabeth Kleckner (Guest Post) (01/06/2008) Anyone looking for beaded bulbs can try crackerboxkits.com Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Jackie (Guest Post) (01/05/2008) I sure miss Lee Wards.....anyway there is one open somewhere? Michael's can no way compare....in fact I went in one Michael's store and would not go back. In Florida we had the Rag Shop and they could not compare and now they have all closed. Catalog shopping or e-mail shopping would work for me. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Catie (Guest Post) (01/02/2008) Every Christmas season, my mother, sister and I would each pick out a Lee Wards' craft Christmas ornament kit. We sat around the table piecing them together. It is a wonderful memory. I wish Lee Wards was still in business. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By jackie jackie (Guest Post) (12/23/2007) I was also just this morning, searching for a Lee Wards to se if they were still in business and found this site and the posting! I also lived in San Diego for many years and LOVED that Lee Ward's! Bummer that it is not around anymore! My Q is this to anyone that may know - Many years ago I started collecting spun glass and regular glass christmas ornaments - and the very first place that I bought them was at Lee Ward's in San Diego, I still have some of the original boxes that they came in! And, as you all have said, their prices were so reasonable! I had a spun glass angle tree topper that was incredible and I broke it this morning - I am seriously bummed about it - back when I bought it, it was only about $20.00 - does anybody know where I could get one on line? It is clear glass no color in it at all... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By annick davis (Guest Post) (11/27/2007) I too was upset when Leewards was bought out by Michael's. In fact, I am still upset when I think about it. LeeWards was the best and less expensive than Michael's. I remember being so happy when a new Leewards store opened up at Princeton Plaza in San Jose, CA, only to be so upset a few months later to see it closed and turned into a Michael's. I never understood why they opened up that store if they were going to go out of business soon. Anyway, I have another anecdote too. I remember that on "Alameda de la pulgas" in redwood city, CA they had a "Craftmart" which was nice too and they went out of business. That also made me mad but when I realized that it was turned into a Lee wards I was very happy... only to be dissapointed again a few years later to see it go out of business. LEE WARDS WAS THE BEST....... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Sue Magoo (Guest Post) (09/29/2007) I am interested in talking with anyone that worked for LeeWards - Elgin, Illinois -- please e-mail me. ksandbcw AT geneseo.net Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Joan Illinois (Guest Post) (07/30/2007) Iam looking for the same answer this moring.I lived in Elgin Illinois and shopped at Lee Wards there and also worked in the mail order ware house there in Elgin south side I remember I loved that job picking orders for shiping none of these other stores are like Lee Wards was. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Ann (Guest Post) (07/19/2007) I don't believe they're still in business. About 3-4 years ago, they still had a store near Philadelphia, in Exton, PA, I believe. However, if you're still (3 years later) looking for a small hand loom, try Herrschner's in Stevens Point, WI. Web site is this: www.herrschners.com. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Darlene (Guest Post) (07/09/2007) Can anyone tell me where I can get corsage kits. LeeWards use to sell these kits and we would make up corsages and give them to our elderly church members at Christmas and Easter. My ministers wife got me hooked on LeeWards and making these corsages. The petals were material but looked so real. I would like to teach my granddaughter how to make corsages. Is there any place that sell these kits. Thanks Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Lori (Guest Post) (07/05/2007) Lee Wards closed many many many years ago. Hope you find what you are looking for Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Debra Cook (Guest Post) (01/20/2007) I found a gift cert in my drawer for $25.00. Who would take it now if LeeWards not in business? Would Michael's? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Noreen (Guest Post) (01/01/2007) Try Herschners and Mary Maxim located in Port Huron. They can be found online and have catalogs. Report Spam or Abuse RE: LeeWards/ or other craft stores Post by Persnickety Paula (393) | (12/13/2006) Profile | Contact Kevin, I use two companies that sell kit projects. One is Oriental Trading (www.orientaltrading.com) and the other is Mary Maxim (www.marymaxim.com). Oriental Trading offers a huge selection of craft projects and have very reasonable prices. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Kevin (Guest Post) (12/12/2006) Lee Wards used to sell Christmas Ornament kits using foam shapes, ribbon, pins and beads. They were great fun to assemble and looked great when completed. I'm trying to find something similar for my kids to work on. Any Ideas? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By MilsaD (Guest Post) (11/18/2006) I am curious about the history of Lee Wards as well. I have this Santa Boy that is still in his original boxe, which is labeled "Dexter's Santa Boy" - Catalog #18-202. It even has the price tag still ($1.79 each and $1.49 each for 2 or more). Anyone remember these and if so, do you know how old they are? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Bobbie (Guest Post) (10/27/2006) You're right. Michael's is not a substitute for Lee Wards. But have you tried Hobby Lobby? A GREAT store! They're not in the West yet, NM and East - They are REALLY big in Texas. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Cheri. (Guest Post) (10/22/2006) I only had access to the catalogs in the 70's, but I'd like them again. I want to try Crewel Embroidery and bought a second hand book, but where to get the yarn.I still have some 'cotton' rug warp. Now it's polyester. Still miss those catalogs. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Ellen (Guest Post) (09/13/2006) Does anybody still have Knitting Machine Yarn, that was carried by Lee Wards? Please let me know qaceea at yahoo dot com. Thank you Report Spam or Abuse Lee Wards Post By Marilyn Solberg (Guest Post) (08/30/2006) I heard years ago that Lee Wards was bought out by Michaels. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By tiffanee (Guest Post) (08/28/2006) New York Times - Archives http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpa ... s=9402E6D61239F930A25755C0A963948260 Offer Is Made For Lee Wards Published: June 13, 1985 A group of investors led by the executive vice president for specialty retailing at General Mills Inc. is seeking to buy Lee Wards Creative Crafts Inc., one of the company's retail chains, and may also seek another of the company's retail divisions. The investor group is led by Michael J. Boyle, and includes Allan B. Gilman, the former president of Murjani International, an apparel producer. Mr. Gilman is a former chairman of Abraham & Straus, the Brooklyn-based department store chain. The Lee Wards chain, which operates 46 stores selling craft goods, kitchen utensils and greeting cards, had sales last year of about $75 million. The other possible acquisition may be the 21-store We Are Sportswear chain, formerly known as Wild West Stores. In Minneapolis, a spokesman for General Mills said the leveraged buyout bid for Lee Wards, which is based in Elgin, Ill, was under consideration by General Mills. The spokesman added that the company does not expect to sell its other specialty retail groups, such as Eddie Bauer, Talbots or Pennsylvania House. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Magoo (Guest Post) (06/03/2006) Does anyone have any old LeeWards catalogs that they would be willing to part with -- Can you point me in the direction of who might have some? Thanks Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Amy Clew (Guest Post) (05/29/2006) They were bought out by Michael's craft stores in 1994 and converted to Michael's. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By EPC1 (Guest Post) (05/09/2006) So sorry to hear Lee Wards was sold. Herrschners has some of the same things. Not as much, thou. My grandmother turned me on to Lee Wards in the 50's. For "Wanita" , I made those dolls, too. They were made from milk seperator discs. You can get the discs in farm supply stores, but I don't know where to get the dolls. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Masha (Guest Post) (03/29/2006) As a child I used to order Christmas corsages from Lee Ward's catalog, then sell them to make money for gifts. Michael's is NO substitute. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Wanita (Guest Post) (03/17/2006) Sorry to hear about LeeWards as Michael's will never compare. I'm looking for doll kits made out of paper filters that LeeWards carried 40-45 yrs. ago. As a child I assembled them and sold then for extra spending money. Would like to find the kits. THANKS Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By DeeW (Guest Post) (03/07/2006) I'm sorry to hear Lee Wards was out of business. I have been trying to find a large paper mache rabbit and I thought for sure Lee Wards would have one. I've looked everywhere, Michaels does not have one. Can anyone help me. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Nicole (Guest Post) (03/01/2006) No, the company was acquired by Michaels Stores Inc, and took on the Michaels name. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by Debbie52 (960) | (02/13/2006) Profile | Contact Michael's Crafts is a Dallas based store, I believe. We had a Lee Wards in nearby Elgin, IL but it closed years ago. It was a great store. For the person who was looking for plaster ornaments to paint. I believe I have seen them at Wal-Mart, altho perhaps not year round and JoAnn Fabrics might be another place to look...oh and Hobby Lobby. If you had a ceramics shop in your area you could get them there too, only they'd probably cost more than plaster but I think they are a little nicer. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by Persnickety Paula (393) | (02/11/2006) Profile | Contact Val, Oriental Trading used to carry glass vases for a very reasonable price; try their site www.orientaltrading.com or give them a call at 1-800-228-2269 for a catalog. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Val (Guest Post) (02/09/2006) does anyone know of a good/reasonable source for simple glass vases for centerpieces at a wedding? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Jeanne (Guest Post) (01/17/2006) Looks like LeeWards was bought out by Micheal's in 1994. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n2_v34/ai_16202511 Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Patti (Guest Post) (01/08/2006) If Michaels did take over from LeeWards, they certainly lost the large variety of craft offerings. Michaels originally had many different craft items unique, inexpensive and fun to make. Now they have many cheap items and unfortunately, they discontinued their better quality items. I am looking for their original wood bird houses, well made, hard strong and REAL wood. Now they use those cheap lightweight prefab bird houses that cannot be placed outside. I am also looking for plaster Christmas ornaments to paint that many craft stores used to carry but no longer have available. Ideas?? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By cathy (Guest Post) (12/27/2005) I was an employee of LeeWards for 9 years before Michaels bought them out. I worked in the custom framing department, and ashamed to say that I still work for Michaels .The framing department now as compared to Lee Wards is amazing!! LeeWards actually did custom framing and had amazing customer service, where Michaels is only interested in dollars and has become "Mc Framing" . I am so glad I really learned framing before it reverted into a "production factory". I just needed to vent--- but I really feel sorry for the new people who hire into Michaels thinking they are learning to be custom framers, when in acuality they are becoming Michaels Framing Monkeys!!!! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Nicole from Pittsburgh (Guest Post) (12/22/2005) I am trying to prove that Leewards came before the Michaels in one of our malls here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. It is called North Hills Village Mall and was previously Gimble's mall. I am only in my early 20's but swear it was Leewards prior. My mother, grandparents and aunt do not believe me. Does anyone know? nicolecschilleci @ yahoo.com (remove spaces) Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By LadyLin (Guest Post) (11/18/2005) I was watching QuiltersNewsNetwork.com and there was someone in the video who said that Lee Wards was bought out by Grandma Dexter. I also used to buy from Lee Wards, and it was always the best craft catalog. Hope that helps in finding what you're looking for. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Lil Miss Beaded Dolls from LEEWARDS Post By Michael (Guest Post) (11/16/2005) Does anyone know about these dolls that were available at LEEWARDS in the late 1970'S ? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Darlene (Guest Post) (10/18/2005) Leewards has one store in Southfield Mich. About 15 mins. south of Detroit. Southfield and Telegraph Rds. Yes there are many Micheals in the same area but last I new it was still there. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Meme2kbb (Guest Post) (09/13/2005) No, I'm sorry to say that Lee Wards went out of business many years ago. Herrschners and Mary Maxim are pretty much your only catalog options (and Annie's Attic, of course, but they don't offer as much variety). Try http://www.herrschners.com or http://www.marymaxim.com for hand loom items. Good luck! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Gale (Guest Post) (09/11/2005) I would like to get in touch with "Anthony" who posted to this forum on 8/5/05. I believe I used to know him from Pittsburgh in the 1960's and his wife was Nancy. If this is you - please let me know how to get in touch with you. Report Spam or Abuse it was in the leewards catalogue Post By carol huffman (Guest Post) (08/10/2005) anyone know who sells lacquer base transparent paints for reverse painting on glass. Leewards used to carry them (tobidornot@aol.com) Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Miriam (Guest Post) (08/09/2005) I am looking for the pattern for a leaf applique bed spread. Leaves are oak leaves pattern you sew then on by hand. My 93 yrs grandmother just recently gave to me and I would love to finish it. on bottom of sheet states 08-97412 Lee Wards Elgin Illinois. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By GEORGIE (Guest Post) (08/09/2005) cAN ANYONE READ THE LEE WARDS LITTLE PRICE TAGS STICKERS THAT THEY PUT ON THE ITEMS. I KNOW THAT THEY HAD TO HAVE HAD A SYSTEM. I AM LOOKING FOR A DATE OF AN ITEM THAT HAS THIER TAG ON IT. IT IS A LITTLE SQUARE STICKER WITH NUMBERS AND A PRICE . THANKS GEORGIENLV @ AOL.COM (remove spaces) Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Anthony (Guest Post) (08/04/2005) I used to work at Lee Ward's corporate offices, and I remember that they began selling stores off to Michael's as early as 1992. It was sad, as we had shopped there since I could remember. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By guest (Guest Post) (07/19/2005) you are looking for a tatsy Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By (Guest Post) (03/12/2005) What was the craft store called before it was LeeWards? Who did LeeWards buy out before being bought out by Michaels? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By (Guest Post) (02/15/2005) Leewards closed in sept. of 1994 Michael's bought them out I was a Leewards employee for almost 20 years. I have never seen a craft store like that one since!!! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post By Nancy (Guest Post) (12/03/2004) I am looking for a Christmas Advent Calendar kit purchased at LeeWards in the early 70's. It is a large felt white banner with Green Tree and 25 miniature ornaments - each one made with felt, sequins and ribbons.Any suggestions where I could find one? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by leila78238 (5) | (11/09/2004) Contact From a news article about Michaels Arts & Crafts: .....With the chore of converting more than 100 recently acquired LeeWards crafts stores to the Michael's format...... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by LI Roe (58) | (11/09/2004) Profile | Contact Hi. I'm on Long Island, NY and it seems any Lee Wards that we had did become Michaels Stores several years ago. LI Roe Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by lindal (57) | (11/09/2004) Contact You might try Valucraft. I live in San Diego area too and there are a few of them. I think I have seen what you want. Try calling them to save a trip. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Is LeeWards Craft Store Still in Business? Post by ThriftyFun (3748) | (11/08/2004) Profile | Blog! | Contact I believe Leewards were purchased by Michael's. Report Spam or Abuse