Cotton prices may be going up again, but they fell DRASTICALLY soon after they went up in 2011. In 2011 they were over $2.30/lb but then went down to $80-90 CENTS a pound. (
http://www.cottoninc.com/corporate/M...conomicLetter/) This was NOT met with a corresponding decrease in price of goods (strangely enough, LOL).
Fabric prices track our willingness to pay. The rest is greatly just an excuse, or else the fabric prices would have come down when cotton prices fell. If we just say no to $12/yard, the price will come down. So just say no.
I'm not blaming the retail stores. They are at the mercy of the fabric manufacturers.