One thing NOT to do- I hate seeing the owner of my LQS because when I have a problem (I'm a quilting newbie who bought a very expensive machine from her), her first response is always something about did I use "cheap" materials. I don't buy much from Joann's, etc, but I can't believe everything they sell is awful. I also asked one time for a Moda fabric and when I expressed surprise that she didn't carry Moda because most shops do, she put her nose in the air and said "That's why I don't!" I have to drive a lot further to get to other shops, but needless to say, that's what I do!