I remember the meter for measuring material and yes, it was torn, never cut with scissors! I am not overly sure what store I first bought fabric in, but I am thinking it was a Singer store. We had that and a few chain stores that sold material. My first purchase of material was for my 7th grade sewing class... I had to purchase cotton gingham to make a top and a broom skirt! And it is true that the Fabric shops were the Quilt shops in our earlier days! I wish we still had the fabric stores we had years back. I like the Quilt shops, but I also liked having the fabric shops we had that carried all sorts of fabric and thread and bargain tables! We now only have Joann's and a couple of Quilt Shops in close to me. I suppose that is progress... take away the old and bring in the new. :)