The first time, I attributed it to a hyper clerk with a fiber fixation, but then it happened again yesterday, at another Jo-Ann's!
Apparently when you buy buttons or patterns or thread, AND buy fabric - it sets off their suspicion alarms, even if you directly walk 4 feet from the cutting table to the register.
The first time, hyper clerk literally patted down my fabric--
Yesterday, the clerk actually opened up my folded fabric--
Both times I just gave them a look, more incredulous than angry. Next time, I'll say something. Evidently someone has sold their soul for a card of buttons. Perhaps the new shoplifting profile, at Jo-Ann's at least, is a 40-something female...