When I started quilting I bought from local quilt shops and thought that was just the price you had to pay for fabric. then a few years ago, I ebay and couldn't believe the deals I was getting. Since that time I have found a few shops in the US that I buy from and I would say that I buy 99% of my fabric online. That is the only way I can afford to do as much quilting as I do. I will buy locally if I need something in a hurry to finish a project or want to start something right away but that is not very often. Just the other day I went to Fabricland (Like Joanns) and purchased some cottons that were $13 metre but they had them at 30% off. For me that is still way too expensive but at least we don't have a sales tax in Alberta. Our Walmarts no longer sell fabric so that isn't an option and I never liked the quality of their fabrics and cottons were selling for $8 metre when they still sold fabric.