Shop where it's most convenient and the most helpful for your circumstances. Some people need a lot of help so the LQS would be the place to go, but please buy from them if you expect them to help you out. Yes, I've heard that some of them are not so helpful no matter what, but most of them are quilters and love what they do and are more than willing to help. If you don't need much help, or you live too far, or you can't afford LQS prices, then shop online or discount stores. Just have fun and make some quilts! I have an online shop but I don't sell everything the LQS has. I "specialize" in pre-cuts, and I know not everyone uses them, but that's all I have room for if I want to keep it a home-based business. I send people to my LQS if they need yardage or notions or classes. The LQS sends people to me if the need pre-cuts that they don't have. They also have a website. We are both small businesses so we help each other out.