Originally Posted by Mattee
I've always found that you can find a wide variety of qualities in any location - LQS, Walmart, Joann's, or online. Price doesn't always matter, especially when shopping sales. I use a wide variety of qualities depending on the purpose of what I'm making and how much effort it takes to create.
Just FYI - I once purchased a fabric at Hobby Lobby that I later found at a LQS for a much higher price. The fabrics seemed to be very different quality. I can't explain why. They were the exact same print in the same color. I do know that they could have been mistaken for being the same, for different prices, when they actually seemed to vary in quality.
I have always felt that when I spend $11/yard at a LQS, I'm not only paying for the fabric; I'm also paying to keep a service going. I value my LQS very highly. I not only regularly pick their brains for information, I also love to spend hours taking their classes and just browsing their aisles. I consider the higher price an investment in a resource that I know struggles to survive.
I know that not everyone can or will spend that much at a LQS, but I like to whenever possible, and I must admit that I, too, have felt that some members of the board sometimes make comments that seem disparaging about those people who choose to spend their money on more expensive fabric. It seems like some people think that those of us who spend more are less than intelligent for doing so, as if we're being taken for a ride. I feel, however, that a person's disposable income should be hers or his to do with as he or she chooses. As long as my family isn't going hungry and the bills are paid, I should be able to spend $11/yard without being looked down upon if that makes me happy, and it does. It's just like someone spending $12000 on a sewing machine instead of $400 for a machine that works perfectly well.
I rarely (if ever, I'd have to go back and look at my updates) comment on these 'kinds' of posts. Your response has made me want to make an update. I so much agree with you. These post seem to always, without fail, turn into a confrontation. I feel this is so unnecessary. Why do we do that? We each are entitled to our own 'way of life'. We are adults, loving, giving, and caring people. We should be able to have these conversations without 'assuming' someone is being superior because of their choices. Statement of fact is statement of fact.
The post question addresses the difference in the 'quality' of fabrics.
Yes, there are differences. I don't know, and don't care if the differences are specific to a manufacturer. Yes, there are test runs. I have some in my stash. Now when I post pictures of my quilts I will leave others guessing where I got the fabric.
Ladies and gentlemen, please, let us have a conversation without faulting each other for our thoughts, views, ideas or statements. I have learned so much from the members on this board, I value the information I get from each of you.
I promise myself I will not open another post that has anything to do with this topic. I will continue to read the present post for your responses to my update in case there are any.