I take my coupons in and buy batting and notions at Joann's, and feel I'm getting a deal. The thing is, the $12.99 fabric there feels awful. It's stiff, scratchy and certainly not the quality you would find at your LQS, although you are paying as much if not more for it. If I want or need to splurge on special fabric, would much rather give my hard earned $$ to the LQS. Believe everyone is feeling the pinch so we have to be mindful of where and how we spend our jingle. Often the people working at the LQS own the place, and are going out of their way to be cordial and helpful because it's their livelihood. A clerk at one of the chain stores often is stressed, underpaid and frankly, could care less.