We have 4 local quilt shops here near Myrtle Beach, SC and I ALWAYS feel welcome when I go into either of them. I have taken classes at each of them and have even taught at one shop, so it's not all shops. The sales ladies here seem to want to know what you are making and help if they can. I have even been asked by other customers to help them select fabric. I always get a lift when I go. Hope you can find a shop that really wants to help quilters.