Thank you for your insightful post, Fabric Whisperer. As a long time sewer and now quilter I have frequented fabric stores for many years and can appreciate the hard work you have invested in making this an enjoyable hobby for many.
Welcome to the board - I hope this will be a fun place for you and look forward to learning from you as well! BTW - is that a Bearded Dragon I see in your Avatar? ...my ten year old granddaughter wants one of those...her mama isn't so sure however :)