Joann's Fabric snafu....
10-02-2010, 07:57 AM
#61
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 196
I've been involved with the quilting industry professionally for over 20 years now. Without the support of folks in the industry, either at LQS, online or at conferences/shows, I can't imagine where i would be. Even online, we try to educate folks and inspire them, without physically being present with the quilter. So I guess my position would be to try to support the places that will keep our craft going, if at all possible.
Every quilter wishes to find bargains, and believe me they are everywhere. You can't be faulted for that. Our grandmothers and great grandmothers made quilts from old shirtings, dress fabrics, and feed sacks. Nothing was wasted. But, there was *good* quality in all those fabrics.
My learning experience happened many years ago...1996...when i was making a quilt with RJR-Jinny Beyer fabric. Bought it at LQS. Saw more of it at Joanns. Bought tons of it there. Used it for backing. The ink was coming off the fabric right on to the bed of my sewing machine and turning it black! it was NOT the same quality, but it was on RJR bolts, and *looked* fine. They *do* get the inferior strike off goods that the manufacturers use to test colors and prints, and they are *not the same*.
Discount fabric chains will also get overstock that the manufacturers have in their warehouses. Those bolts are good quality, but probably not the prettiest of fabrics. Those are the same quality that the LQS shop has. BUT how can YOU tell the difference?
Not usually until the fabric is in your quilt and it does not behave properly. Fades faster than others, loses color, bleeds forever, etc.
Each of us needs to make our own decisions about where to buy, but beware. And personally if I knew my LQS was shopping at a chain and then increasing the price at her shop...i'd be quite cautious about buying from her.
Happy stitching everyone!
Every quilter wishes to find bargains, and believe me they are everywhere. You can't be faulted for that. Our grandmothers and great grandmothers made quilts from old shirtings, dress fabrics, and feed sacks. Nothing was wasted. But, there was *good* quality in all those fabrics.
My learning experience happened many years ago...1996...when i was making a quilt with RJR-Jinny Beyer fabric. Bought it at LQS. Saw more of it at Joanns. Bought tons of it there. Used it for backing. The ink was coming off the fabric right on to the bed of my sewing machine and turning it black! it was NOT the same quality, but it was on RJR bolts, and *looked* fine. They *do* get the inferior strike off goods that the manufacturers use to test colors and prints, and they are *not the same*.
Discount fabric chains will also get overstock that the manufacturers have in their warehouses. Those bolts are good quality, but probably not the prettiest of fabrics. Those are the same quality that the LQS shop has. BUT how can YOU tell the difference?
Not usually until the fabric is in your quilt and it does not behave properly. Fades faster than others, loses color, bleeds forever, etc.
Each of us needs to make our own decisions about where to buy, but beware. And personally if I knew my LQS was shopping at a chain and then increasing the price at her shop...i'd be quite cautious about buying from her.
Happy stitching everyone!
10-02-2010, 08:16 AM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,449
Deleted my comments from here and moved to new topic.
10-02-2010, 08:37 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont[Greenville]SC
Posts: 498
Originally Posted by debbieumphress
Now Big Lots is getting into FQ's. Went to mine today to buy other things and low and behold on a bottom shelf in the scrap booking section was a tote full of 1.00 FQ's in all colors. Made in Korea but felt nice. Did I buy any...NOOOOOOOO. Only because I am trying not to spend on fabric until my room is done. Good deal for some. I would go to mine if anyone needs it or wants it and charge shipping only. Most places have a big lots. Guess I am not a fabric snob as some say. If I like fabric I get it. LOL
10-02-2010, 08:41 AM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont[Greenville]SC
Posts: 498
Originally Posted by LovinMySoldier
All of the jelly rolls that are sold at the Joann's near me are the exact, yes I mean exact, same ones that were sold at Walmart. Absolutely no difference in them. Totally the same... only difference was the price. Walmart is cheaper. I guess I'm different than most. I really don't think that the fabric at Walmart is all that bad. Or Joann's for that matter.
10-02-2010, 08:47 AM
#65
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 227
I just made q quilt with all walmart fabric, it is lovely fabric and seemed to be quilt store quality for only $3.00 per yard. What a find.
10-02-2010, 09:13 AM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MN
Posts: 2,411
In my experience ALL stores have good, better , and best quality fabrics... and they ALL have crappy quality fabrics too... from Hancocks, LQS, Walmart, JoAnn's, etc...
I'm such a cheap skate... I like to go to garage sales or Goodwill ( ours has a .50 day for some items) and scour the LARGE womens departments. On a lucky day I'll find a large womens dress that has been gathered and big ruffles for .50. I take it home wash it, rip it apart and iron everything and then start cutting my blocks... I've made more quilts this way than by actually purchasing fabric at a Fabric store....
I'm such a cheap skate... I like to go to garage sales or Goodwill ( ours has a .50 day for some items) and scour the LARGE womens departments. On a lucky day I'll find a large womens dress that has been gathered and big ruffles for .50. I take it home wash it, rip it apart and iron everything and then start cutting my blocks... I've made more quilts this way than by actually purchasing fabric at a Fabric store....
10-02-2010, 10:15 AM
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 1,705
Originally Posted by luann
Who is LQS?
Local Quilt Store
10-02-2010, 11:06 AM
#69
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: jacksonville bch
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by Riversong
First of all, not all of us can afford the LQS fabrics.And even if I could,Id have to drive over 80 miles.I am not able to get out much due to health reasons.I( get tired of people making me feel like less of a quilter because I can't afford the best.
10-02-2010, 11:28 AM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 305
I am sorry you feel that away, you shouldn't, there lots of us that can not afford the more expensive mateials, including me, I buy what I like in the prices I can aford and could care less what anyone thinks, I make beautiful quilts, and have won several ribbons, with my lesser cost or on sale fabric, I go to Marshals a lot and they have wonderful material for 1.00 a yard, and if is nice fabric. So do not let anyone make you f eel bad about the material you buy. Have a nice day.
Originally Posted by Riversong
First of all, not all of us can afford the LQS fabrics.And even if I could,Id have to drive over 80 miles.I am not able to get out much due to health reasons.I( get tired of people making me feel like less of a quilter because I can't afford the best.
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