I just take a quick pic with my phone and go on looking. They don't like it, but there's no sign that says "no pictures." If a store owner was that rude, I would never go there again, after I went one last time to tell her why I wasn't coming back.

I went into my favorite LQS one time and there was a quilt that was hung half on the wall, half on the ceiling. There wasn't a pattern available but it was pretty straightforward so I knew I could figure it out. One of the staff actually got out a ladder and climbed up to measure the blocks, sashing, and borders for me! He (yes, a "he"!) even got out some paper and helped me figure out the yardage I needed. I took a picture with my phone at his suggestion! Now that is just one of a million reasons why this is my FAVORITE LQS!!!

Talk about shooting herself in the foot. This is SO sad, but too common in quilt shop owners who are more hobbyists than business people; they are unable/unwilling to think outside the box. A customer in the store is valuable for so many reasons, not just the money in their hands.
They can tell you what customers are looking for so you can consider adding that to your inventory.
They can let you know the time of day that is the busiest on a given day.
You can determine which of your employees make the most fabric sales/the most books sales/are good with color selection/helpful for beginners/are most asked for by customers, etc.
You can figure the age/gender/skill level/and spending patterns of your customer base.
They can help you determine which classes are most requested.
Cars out front attract other customers into the store.
And on and on......
When a shop owner behaves as the ones you all have described here, it tells me they are already stressed, scared, and probably in over their head. It's hard to turn things around at this point without a major change of attitude and professional business help, such as from FabShopNet's Laurie Harsh. (And. no, I don't have any connection with her.)

Jan in VA

ditto to JanInVA ........... and add a dose of insecurity

You'd think they would help you if only to help you pick out fabrics that make a sale...pattern or not...

The log cabin trees are easy to make. I made many of them about 25 yrs. ago and gave them as gifts. They were a big hit. I hope you find the pattern you want. Some are so easy you don't even need a pattern. Can just tell by the picture what to do.

Here is another variation of a log cabin Christmas Tree, named OTannenbaum.pdf. It is a free download.
http://www.mccallsquilting.com/patte....html?idx=7023

IMHO I feel that one is a far nicer one than the Eleanor Burns tree.

Certainly the shop owner should not have behaved in this manner. Sounds like she needs to find a way to bring more customers into her store with more than just classes being offered. I am so fortunate to live in an area that has wonderful quilt shops. The one in my town, Grandma's Attic, is so special. I love all the people who work there and they are always so helpful and friendly. The LQS are having a difficult time because the prices of fabric have gone through the roof and people are looking for the best prices possible. While the online stores may have slightly lower prices, you aren't going to get the personalized service available in your LQS, if it is a good one.

I wouldn't shop there period!... If our LQS acted like that they probably wouldn't be in business. Luckily our LQS owner and her husband are wonderful, as well as, all of their staff. Sorry your LQS is different. I go to classes there from time to time. I attend BOM there every month and take my Mother with me. If they have sold out of something they are good about ordering it for you, if possible.
Perhaps someone should send her a note!
Penny