GGal I purchase almost all of my fabric online. I do have 2 very small LQS in my little town but they are way too expensive and if I drive an hour to Townsville there are 4 LQS but their fabric is also too expensive, anywhere from $28 to $35 per metre (39inches)
For example rotary cutter blades are $14 each here but I have just purchased a pack of 10 from Hancock's of Paducah for $34. That is a huge saving. Equilter, Hancock's and Thousand of Bolts usually have a discounted shipping every few months so I tend to buy then. Even with shipping costs my fabric usually only costs me around the $10 to $12 per yard, sometimes a little less if it is on sale, which is a third of the costs here.
Yes it is nice to pet fabric, but I would not have the stash I have if I had to pay full price for my fabric, or I would have to go back to work to pay for my addiction er I mean hobby
I also get to visit so many different shops in the US especially if I am looking for a specific piece of fabric.
Honchey I hope things are going a little better for you today.