i agree that america is not getting much. but i want to know why it costs as much at joanns as it does at a lqs. their sales prices are not even better than a lqs. the good-quality fabric at joanns is about the same price as a lqs and the crap is the same price as a lqs cheapo bin. i don't think the the attitude began with the consumer, but with the manufacturer/chain seller. they started making fabric out-of-country for lower prices, but never lowered the prices here. then they hired untrained workers but never lowered the prices here. now that they helped destroy the economy here, americans ARE looking for bargains because that's what they can afford. for the price we pay, we are entitled to a knowledgeable salesperson, or at least a knowledgeable manager. i shouldn't have to explain to a manager why a small one should cost less than a large one.