rush88888

let's hope that the cotton crops are plentiful this year! otherwise, the price of fabric will go up again!

Tashana

The quality of fabric, just like everything else, is going down and the prices are going up. A lady I met at JoAnns was mentioned that last years' low cotton yield due to weather is not helping the prices. It is simple really, some companies will sacrifice quality for lower manufacturing cost because it means higher earnings. Also, we are not helping the issue either. Quilting has become quite a business. In the early days, quilts were made with whatever fabric was already around. Since we became highly specialised we got specialised prices. Here is an example from pool industry that can paint the picture better: a type of ice melt (calcium something) is really cheap in the winter, come summer it is repackaged and sold as a pool water hardener at more than 10 times higher price. It is not a secret, but people still buy it at $45 a bag (including me) until my husband pointed out my mistake. Smack a "quilting" label on a fabric and voila - we have a specialty item.

quiltmom04

Actually, I did gt some quilt fabric the other day at Joann's because it was the right color. I prewashed it as I do with anything that goes into a quilt. I used it for fusible appliqué and I was so disappointed in it. The fabric was so much more loosely woven than the fabrics I have purchased at LQS and the "hand" became so soft after washing that it was harder to work with. I mostly get LQS fabric, but after reading here on this board that members say Joann's fabric is getting better, I thought I'd try it. But after this, I think I'll stick to LQS fabric.

ShirlR

In a word, Nope!!! I love my LQS's fabric not only for quality, but selection as well as knowledgeable, friendly service. For instance, I was making a rather large wallhanging recently. Even though I had not purchased the fabrics (nor batting) for the top at my LQS, when I went there for the backing and binding, she not only helped me coordinate beautiful fabrics for both, but she even calculated the yardage and drew out a diagram for cutting, because the pattern, as she so expertly showed, would have had me buy twice the fabric needed.

Jingle

I buy what I want and can afford, no matter what the store name is. I don't feel an obligation to buy from any store to keep them in business. I just worry about my own finances.

DebbE

Another place to look, too, is Goodwill. I bought well over 115 yards about 10 days ago for less than $3 per yard and all of it was LQS quality, really nice fabric. Most of the pieces were 3-4 yards with several at 6-9 yards, and some custom fabrics mixed in. This particular area is surrounded by seniors, and I think that's why there is so much there. I'll be stopping in again, that's for sure. With the economy as bad as it is and its likely it will worsen, I just can't justify paying the prices in the stores. Joann's and their coupons - even with those the prices are still too high on the fabrics I like, and there isn't much selection in my local store.

nhweaver

My lqs has quality fabrics, but I think some of Joann's fabric may "feel" like quality, their brands use lots and lots of sizing and fuzzy fillers rather than high thread count. I do believe you get what you pay for, after washing, the lqs remains a better deal. The prices have driven me to buy only for a definite project. In the long run, I am saving money!

Wanabee Quiltin

I have bought some really good fabric at Joann's these past few years. Because I have sewed clothing since I've been 12 years old, I know good fabric from bad. My favorite place besides a LQS is Hobby Lobby. I really love their fabric, it feels wonderful.

strawberrymom

What does LQS stand for. I am new to this site.

MattieMae

The acronyms can be very confusing. I often refer to the first thread at the very top of this category called Quilter’s Dictionary & Acronyms for help. I like the fabric at my local quilt shop best. (LQS)