FroggyinTexas

I called several fabric manufacturers several years ago and was told by three of the four reps to whom I spoke, that they are constantly amazed by what quilters believe to be true about fabric and that no data from any source will change their minds. For example, name brand fabric makers run separate lines for the fabric they sell to Wal Mart and other lines for the fabric they sell to specialty stores. "Do you really believe we could afford to do that," was the refrain from these reps. "Our reputation is on the line with every fabric we sell, whether it is at Wal Mart or a specialty shop. We can't put our name on a product we know to be inferior." It is true that some manufacturers sell only to quilt shops--at least that is what their contracts with the LQS says--but I have found several fabulous pieces of name brand fabric (written on the selvage) at a local outlet that most people would not believe could be a store of any kind, much less a fabric store. The same is true of threads, which taken up and taken down, are a matter of personal preference as well as personal finance. The lesson in all this, is find your center, and be willing to change your mind if the evidence warrants. froggyintexas