No one should feel the need to defend where they shop for fabrics or explain that they can only afford certain types of stores. We are all in quilting because we love the "whole" process. I have seen some really ugly fabric from top dollar stores. I have had LQS fabrics, after washing, only be fit for rags. I have found great bargains at some Walmarts (name brands at that) and some junk too. This type of thread always reminds me of the "Quilting Snobs" that I see at my LQS. They all belong to the same local guild and hang out at the shoppe. While some are really great people, others look down their noses at me when I check out the sale rack. Wish I could tell the shoppe owner how much this offends and at times I swear I will never go in again. When I used to make hand hooked rugs, ALL my fabrics came from thrift stores. Amazing how many people tossed wool garments as if they had no value. I saved a boat load of money and could get just about all the colors of the rainbow. What I couldn't find, I dyed. It met my need and I helped to recycle fabrics which would have other wise gone to the moths. I completely agree with those that buy via the internet rather then local stores. Consumers have always shopped around to find the best prices, why should fabric be any different. Our dollars don't go very far anymore and if I have my heart set on making a certain project, I will shop around so that I can make it. Period.