My area (Pacific Northwest) used to be the hotbed of quilting but there are fewer quilt shops (retirement and competition from online stores). There are no quilt shops locally (within 10 miles). I do not need fabric and have a huge stash. I only buy fabric if I absolutely do not have the right fabric for my project. I had to purchase fabric for a border of Good Fortune (2018-2019 Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt). Fabric has gone up here also and our sales tax in 3 of our counties is 10.5% or more.