I agree with OCQUILTS. I've not seen any reports that the quilt industry is dieing. Yes, it did take an economic hit just like the rest of the country. But, according to shop owners, business is now on the upswing.
with the advent of intricate patterns and the special effects of hand dyed fabrics, more and more "young" people are taking interest in quilting.
Our local Walmart has brought back the fabric department, but so far I'm not impressed. It is about a quarter the size of the old department. What is really disappointing is you cannot pick out a focus fabric and find enough cooridinating fabric to make an entire quilt.