I enjoy the familairity (sp) of a LQS! You can always go in and just browse and talk shop with the owners and the staff. Going into a chain fabric store doesn't always get you the conversation that goes along with quilting. Not saying all LQS are warm and fuzzy, but in my traveling I have come across some wonderful ones. They are thrilled that you stopped on your travels just to visit their shop. I do have a LQS that is about 20 mins from me and I have been in it 2 times in the last 3 years just because I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling from the staff. It is hard to even get a conversation going when they are cutting your fabric. I will drive 40 mins to another store just so I enjoy the full experience of being in a LQS!