Hello Kathryn and welcome to the board, you'll love it here, though you may not get as much quilting done as it is so tempting to stay longer!!
I agree with your sentiments about the lack of quilting shops here in the UK. I've been quilting for a little over 18 months and get my supplies online, if you would like me to pass on the sites that I have found reliable I am happy to do so, though I'm afraid the only time you'll save any money is in their sales.
Kind regards Barbara.