I am still relatively new to retirement and quilting but we have a Jo Ann's, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby here in town with 2 other quilt stores 10-15 miles away. With gas prices, I have been sticking to the local in town stores. I make good use of the coupons (if I get one in the Sunday paper, one on line, and one in the mail) for Jo Ann's, I can get 40-50% off on 3 items. All the coupons have different codes so I can use them on three items. I do get the best fabric I can for the price using the coupons so I am saving money and have purchased almost all the material I have bought over this first year and a half of quilting. I have bought all the tools and thread that I have needed with coupons. I use the Hobby Lobby coupons 40% off of their 30% off fabric and they change the amount at the register to give me 40% off. All of the clerks have been extremely helpful and they do know quilting and it is always a pleasure dealing with them. Walmart just recently got their fabric back and it is still difficult finding a clerk but they are getting better.
At the two closest Quilt stores, I have purchased material at the regular price $12.99-14.99 per yard when they have had a sale (only 2 this whole year) as well as no sales and they have wonderful fabrics that I could not find at the other three. They are a big help with my questions and I do go to them when I need something special (my husband wanted a Civil War quilt and the material at these stores is wonderful for the vintage projects) So all my experiences though varied have been good. Also, on a 650 mile trip to North Carolina, I got an email from a quilt shop 537 miles away from our home that was having a great sale so I had the husband take our break (we get out and walk a bit every 2 hours) and I spent a little over $100 for $180 worth of quality fabric (it is wonderful!).
I have completed 10 quilts, have 4 in various stages of piecing, quilting, basting. You all have been wonderful with your guidance and I sincerely thank you for all the great information on this board. We are all trying to have fun and save money - support from the store clerks, this board, and coupons are ALWAYS appreciated.