About fabric ...
 

Just throwing this out for consideration as we all live in our own world.

Today, it isn't fair to make a generalization about a certain commodity carried in any store. With few exceptions, in my area anyway, there are no longer boutique stores that cater to the obliged. We live in the era of chain stores, further shackled by what they choose to buy, forcing us to either choose, make our own, or move to a nudist colony.

Be it Walmart, JoAnn's, Kohls, JC Penney's, or Macy's, none are really as good as they were 30+ years ago, or even 10 for that matter.

Even sadder, the phrase "you get what you pay for" is unrealistic because I have found fantastically woven fabric at WM for $3.44 a yard, and further seen this same fabric at Hobby Lobby (reasonably priced) and JoAnn's, extensively marked up. JoAnn's is not what it used to be and will never be as good as SoFro - now closed, but made mucho dinero off me in its heyday. Walmart does have more quality fabric than not. Hobby Lobby is consistently quality and selection and my local Ben Franklin shines in that department, changing their stock seasonally with fabrics from some of the best. LQS are competitive and offer beyond the standard and their prices reflect that, so I'm not even sure they're about fabric as much as status, but that's another topic.

My point is, the name of the brick and mortar doesn't matter any more. I've found some pretty cheap stuff everywhere, whether it be fabric or clothing, and will not allow myself to be pigeon-holed into a name. Macy's does not represent the commercials of the past and Kohls carries clothes I've seen at the mall. Even Marshall's carries the WM Levis Signature series jeans, so it all ends up in the "basement" stores, just disguised under non-basement store names.

So fellow fabric lovers and purchasers of all the same things, buy what you can and make (and wear and cook) what you love. Quality trumps price but you determine what both of those are.

Peace. And be happy. Enjoy your world. And sew forth.

okay. Feel better now? ;-)

And those of you withing driving distance of Raymond, NH. Saturday, Sept. 7th Ben Franklins in Raymond, NH is having the their truckload fabric sale. It's fun to go to but expect a crowd and bring you sense of humor and patience as we will all be waiting in line to get fabric cut. That being said, it's a great time, with fabric bolts literally hopping from one basket in the cutting lines to another cart because that person wants some yardage off the bolt. It's crazy but lots of fun!!! I heard the sale goes on for 10 days or 2 weeks, but it's best to get there earlier rather than later as fabric does run out. The fabric I have bought is very good quality and lots of colors and styles to choose from. I can't remember the price but it might be on sale for $5 or $6 per yard. I just realized I have to work that morning til noon, so I will have to go after lunch. Please save some fabric for me ladies!

I believe you are correct...but I remember my mother telling me as a young girl to feel the fabric...both sewing fabric and clothing. She had certain things she checked...never the brand or the store name.

Not a clothing story, but once she bought a lamp at Woolworths or some 5 & Dime store and made me promise to not tell anyone, because she was embarrassed. I remember people complimenting her on that lamp over the years!

Yes, thank you! lol

Luv Quilts: the lines are crazy long but the people are cheery and funny. They usually set up more tables and people buy the bolt-load. It's crazy. The last few years they've had some great fabric but you're right, you have to go early. Bring coffee and use the bathroom before you get in line. ;)

Joann's bought out So-Fro fabrics. . .

Amen, Nancy! :thumbup: I've been sewing long enough to recognize quality, regardless of where I find it. :)

All I can say is "y'all have fun and think of us too far away to get there :)"

I agree - need to see and touch!!

After reading a thread about WM fabric recently, I decided to go to my local store and see/touch for myself. Some was thin, not well woven etc, but some was good quality, similar to what I purchase at various LQS's. The difference was that it might cost 10-13$ yard at the quilt shop, but only 2-5$ at WM. I also recently visited my local HL and had the same experience, so given my recent experiences I've decided to keep an open mind to any and all fabrics.