I too have noticed how high cottons at the LQS have gotten. I recently went to 4 quilts shops while on vacation and was floored. I found a charm pack that I know is at least 2 years old at all 4 shops. I originally paid $6 for a charm pack but have recently also paid $10.98 for a yard of the same collection and the same pack was anywhere from $9 to $10.50. Needless to say I'm going to try real hard to just use what I now have on hand. (But fabric is my addiction! Maybe I need a Tweleve Step Program for fabric addiction.)