Sierra

These are the two I use also and they also have sales. After a while Joann's fabrics start becoming predictable (perhaps any place would be that way). I still buy fabric from there when it hits me with a "wow"! but usually go just for batting and other supplies. Actually, if you look at the way Joann's (ours in Rocklin, CA. anyway) does it is that they put and keep everything on sale so you can't use your coupons the way you used to. I asked a clerk if there was ANY quilting fabric not on sale and she said, "Not much. On the back wall there are about 20 bolts on sale." They were all very drab and it was pretty obvious why they were on sale.

So, taking that into account, prices from the on-line stores, especially the two mentioned above, can be cheaper than Joann's, and if you buy over so many dollars they will ship free. And their sales can be outstanding. I don't find I am buying more by buying on line, but you need to find a place that has the kind of fabric you really want. eQuiter.com also has a wonderful search element which allows you to put in your current interest (kid prints; animal prints, batik, ocean....) and you will get hundreds of hits.

Peckish

I can't figure Joann's out. They are certainly not customer-friendly. We were discussing Joann's and their policies at our last non-guild meeting. One of our members took her coupon and wanted to purchase an entire bolt of batting. The employee refused. She insisted it had to be "cut" in order to qualify for the coupon. So my friend had her open the package, measure all the way to the end and cut 6 inches off. The employee said she'll never allow that to happen again.

What is wrong with these people??? Are there no quilters or sewers (sewists?) working in Corporate? I don't have a problem with them making money, but they should simply price their products so they can make money, and not do all this monkeying around with the blankety-blank coupons, and bait-and-switches with so-called sales so you can't use a coupon. It's extremely frustrating and they're LOSING CUSTOMERS because we're sick and tired of their stupid games!

ARE YOU LISTENING, JOANN'S????

Whew. I feel a little better.

fairydawn

If you don't live close to JoAnn's or your LQS you save on gas by buying online. Check out the places that have free shipping if you purchase a certain amount and you save more. Also, look for sales and discounts. Fabric.com is great. I like Over the Rainbow too. She will return any shipping money not used. I may find a fabric I like while out shopping, then check online for price comparison. With fabric prices as high as they are, I try and save where I can.

nygal

Connecting Threads has great prices and even super prices if you buy on clearance from them. I like equilter too.

sewbizgirl

I order a lot from online sales, but the shipping costs really bump up the price. I've gotten some really nice fabrics from JoAnn's. Used to buy from Hancock's locally, but the quality and selection has gone down. The LQS has the good stuff, but I usually look in the clearance fabrics first.

Gabrielle's Mimi

I know everyone is trying to save money, but please think about buying from your LQS first. Watch for their sales, sign up for their emails. When our local shops are gone, where will you go to check out REAL fabric and see true colors? I have nothing against online shopping, and for people live far from a shop, online shopping is a necessity. Sometimes online can help if you are looking for a specific fabric not available locally. But please try to support our local owners so these LQSs stay open. (Disclaimer...I do not own a shop, but do teach in one.)

solstice3

It's tricky. If you know the pro's and con's of different brands you can get deals on line if you watch for sles on the items you want. Our Joann's doesn't carry a lot of the cakes, charms, jelly rolls, etc that you can find on line and in your LQS. I watch what I buy at Joann's as some of their fabric is pricey but not good quality. Love fabric.com and connecting threads especially when they have a sale!!

karenpatrick

I have 2 favorites for online buying right now - Connecting Threads and Green Fairy Quilts. I'm not affiliated with Green Fairy Quilts at all but they have the best prices anywhere on the newest fabric collections.

maviskw

It's nice to see someone else complaining about JoAnn's coupon schemes.

Sierra

[QUOTE=Peckish;5785778]I can't figure Joann's out. They are certainly not customer-friendly. We were discussing Joann's and their policies at our last non-guild meeting. One of our members took her coupon and wanted to purchase an entire bolt of batting. The employee refused. She insisted it had to be "cut" in order to qualify for the coupon. So my friend had her open the package, measure all the way to the end and cut 6 inches off. The employee said she'll never allow that to happen again.

Interesting. 2 years ago I bought an entire unopened roll of batting. They really are killing themselves.

I goofed in my remarks yesterday... I was looking for fabrics NOT on sale (so I could use my coupons).