at our LQS FQ's are $3.00 also. You have to consider that it is a 18x22 piece of fabric and that it has been cut for you. Most of the new cottons are now priced at nearly $12.00 to $13.00 a yard - and it a quarter yard would only be 9 inches x WOF.
I know that fabric is getting more expensive and the cost of making quilts is going up. Guess my thinking is that IF I am going to make a special quilt....put all my time and work in it....I want to make sure it is quality fabric and thread that I am using. Please don't think I am a fabric snob....LOL.... because I use fabric from other stores too....just depends on what I am making and how it will be used and saved.
I have to save up to buy quilt shop quality fabrics and I treasure those fabrics.
Happy Quilting.