I understand the frustration,however I had to laugh at the thought of What may have been the look on the ladies face when you asked it they carried aunt becky.
I seldom go into a quilt shop because there really aren't many around me. When I have traveled to one it seems the focus is on what I call "loud" bright modern prints from top name designers, Just not my thing. The closest shop to me is the fabric shack in waynesville,and I am lucky they are fantastic.