I think this has been the "perfect storm" , a high cost of fabric, high unemployment, high anxiety over the economy in general. Additionally, the realization amoungst many quilters that they have accumulated years of quilting making supplies. As consumers .. we might have gone on as we had accumulating , but the conditions in the market , that I mentioned earlier, prompted many to apply the breaks on spending. Lets face it for most of us our consumption rate ( fabric purchased) never matched the production rate. When you consider making a bed size quilt can cost $250 or more using top goods... its becomes apparent our loved hobby is an expensive one.
Sad to see local businesses shutter their doors.