As the old saying goes "Location, location, location". I also have played with the idea of owning a quilt shop. I lost my job a year or so ago and received a decent severance package, but have yet to take that step. I live in eastern Maine in what has been called the poorest county in Maine. I think if you can keep your overhead low enough and run the shop yourself or with one other person to start with, it might make a go. I don't think you can rely on the sale of fabric, but more so in the services you would offer and the classes etc. Those are my thoughts for what it is worth. Good luck if you decide to take the plunge.