ube quilting

joAnns is the only local shop with fabric near me. I agree that their selection is getting worse and less all the time.
Nothing but bad flannel and fleece. Very disappointing.
peace

jcrow

Online you can find almost any fabric that is available. At Joann's you are stuck with what they have. I don't have a Joann's and have only been to one twice. I didn't care for it.

I like my LQS. I don't want it to close down so I always buy something there, whether I need it or not. Dang online stores are closing LQS. I know they have more to choose from and lots better prices, but you don't get to know the owner and the people who work there. They don't know what you like and can't suggest projects for you. They don't make classes especially for you because you need them. I am guilty of online shopping.

I buy from my LQS owner as much as I can. She is 45 minutes away. She hasn't gotten in new fabric in a long time. I feel horrible. She has a shop out back that anyone can go quilt on Tuesdays and Fridays and it's always full, but they don't buy from her. They just take advantage of her space. I know it's hard for her to stay open in this economy. I wish she would do an online store. I told her my son would set one up. He does that for a living, but she said she would have to monitor it too closely. Well, she could make a lot of money.

I hope she changes her mind.

Buckeye Rose

I just sent an order in to Connecting Threads today! With the batting on sale at 30% off, it doesn't take much to add up and get the free shipping....LOL...I love their fabrics, never any problem....and always at a reasonable price. I end up ordering about once a month

Jackie Spencer

Whittles has top quality fabric and Great prices. I am not affiliated with them in any way other than being a good customer. LOL

rebeljane

Try this site, prices start from $3.99

http://www.marshalldrygoods.com/

Bearpawquilter

Also, go to retailmenot.com for coupon codes for fabric.com and others.
I have been pretty happy with Connecting Threads fabric. Batiks are a little lighter weight and sometimes quality and texture of fabric can be a little inconsistent. Fabric lines are turned over fast. If you like it and want more, don't wait.

katier825

The prices at Joann's have gone up so much in the past couple of years. For the money, I'd rather shop online and get better quality fabric for similar prices. I have found many shops I like through the Quiltshops.com linked below. When you find a place you like, you can sign up for email alerts of sales. There are many that have good sales and great service. If you know exactly what you want, you can search and check out each store that sells it to get the best price. I have shopped at many of the shops listed on their website and always had great service and quick shipping.

http://www.quiltshops.com/index.html

Some places have low prices everyday on the brand name fabrics. They don't usually have the newest collections, but have great first quality fabrics, some as low as $4/yard or so for the same fabrics you'd find in a quilt shop for $10-13/yard. Thousands of Bolts and Quilt Fabric Closeouts come to mind.

http://www.thousandsofbolts.com/inde...5&redirect=yes

http://www.quiltfabriccloseouts.com/...tore/store.cgi

My other favorite go to places are Over the Rainbow and Stitch-n-Frame. You can often get the newest collections cheaper than the LQS and they have great sales/service.

http://www.overrainbow.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi

http://www.stitch-n-frame.net/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi

DOTTYMO

If I calculate petrol cost into buying material from a shop and parking charges, this way is more expensive.

The problem with on line is that computer screen does not always show. Good colour . When they arrive you are disappointed. Online is also very good for specific fabric ie bugs, transport etc which small shop do not stock.

I go on line a great deal. I also buy some of the sale cheap end of bolts to use as backing fabric. A lot cheaper than £12 a metre..

quiltstringz

I use http://www.oldcountrystorefabrics.com/ they have some great sales and if you are looking for current fabrics have some of the best prices. Starting at $8.70 per yd (cottons) $9.00 per yd (batiks). I don't remember what their shipping was

Skittl1321

Either option can be cheaper. It depends what you are planning on buying and when.

I tend to shop mostly online.