As for the subject of retreating quilters, so many really good sewing studios/quilt shops went out of business that I will list the ones I actually visited before they physically closed up shop:
Common Thread, South Pasadena CA
New Moon Textiles Pasadena CA
Why? Face to Face Interactions seem to fall apart in 2016 for some reason:
".
-https://www.yelp.com/biz/new-moon-textiles-pasadena
The Sewing Studio Pasadena CA
Same with this one as far as sewing instruction goes-some good, some not so good:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sewing-studio-pasadena
Sew LA Atwater/Sillverlake Districts
I personally like this shop the several times I visited them in their different locations. And the owner is more clear on why she
could not succeed:
http://sew-la-fabric.blogspot.com/se...=Store+Closing
She is now a traveling teacher (like many contracted others here, even myself when I'm on call):
"...... I'll come to your house with basic tools, an iron and travel board (if needed) and we'll work on whatever project you have in mind. A $5 gas fee will apply if you are located more than 10 miles from my house in...... And please do not worry about what your house looks like. As long as there is some table space to sew your dishes will not bother me!......."
-http://sew-la-fabric.blogspot.com/ (Monday May 9, 2016)
I prefer to keep a low profile, enjoy myself, with a couple of hobbies (separated from employment) and if I have to work again, I always choose something I'm not too interested in, heavily invested, or involved with. If I'm passionate about it, I'm sure not going to try to make a living at it anymore! Not with present & potential customers' attitudes or inflated expectations like the above!