Scissor Queen

For me it's not about the price. I have plenty of fabric and just buy because I want to. When I buy just because I want to I don't have to buy yards and yards. I can buy one yard and support a business owner in my community. The dollars I spend in my own community turn over several times in my community. I saw one estimate that each dollar spent in a locally owned business can turn over as many as 250 times in your own community.

littlehud

You are so right. Good fabric can be found many places. We just need to take the time to look and feel it. And who doesn't love to feel fabric. Great thread and thanks.

amandasgramma

Well said! Many years ago (32 or so) I made a quilt for my daughter. I bought 2 sheets from KMart. My MIL said it would never last --- the fabric wasn't "quality". She gave the example of how the sheets just don't last when used as sheets. Well, my daughter STILL has that quilt. The color has faded somewhat. What's remarkable about it is she has used it for EVERYTHING. It's been on her bed in some shape or form for those 32 yrs. She took it camping, to sleepovers, and dragged that puppy in to the car when we went traveling. To say it was beaten up is putting it mildly. The quilt I made for my son out of "quality fabric" my MIL insisted I buy, didn't last 10 yrs.!!!! So, if you put off buying fabric because the "quality fabric" is too expensive, then buy cheaper.........but BUY and MAKE it!!! You just never know!!!

mltquilt

Thank you Holice for stating this so clearly.

mltquilt

barny

Holice, I think your comments are timely. There has been a lot of bashing on here lately that is uncalled for. This is a place to enjoy. Growl to your dogs and cats ladies, but stay helpful and happy on here. No one wants to hear uncomfortable words to start their day. Barny

susie-susie-susie

Good post. Everything you said is so true. There is a place for everything, bashing someones choice is just plain wrong. Buy fabric that you like and enjoy the journey making your quilt. Sometimes you can only find the one fabric that you need to complete that special quilt at a discount store. Go for it. Thanks Holice.
Sue

Mad Mimm

Seems this is one of those topics that never really goes away on the QB. I have made statements that some consider "bashing" of big box stores, though that is not necessarily my intent. I prefer to shop at LQS because I like to shop at local stores. Do I have a huge budget? Not really. Personally I don't think any less of quilts made with fabric purchased from big box stores and I don't look down on those who shop there. But I do know what I like in a fabric and I shop where I am most likely to find fabrics that are to my liking. What matters is when you put it in your hands, is it a quality that pleases you, the buyer? If so, buy it where ever you like for how much you like. As so many things do with quilting, it comes down to personal preference. While there are guidelines you can refer to (weave, color fastness, thickness etc) to help separate acceptable quality from not-acceptable, it is relatively subjective and there is a lot of room for personal preference/budget/accessibility etc.

I do consider myself a fabric snob - fabric has to meet my criteria and have a certain "feel" to it for me to buy it. But considering the fact I spend less than $100 a year on fabric, I am okay with that.

You make a very good point, Holice. And I'd like to add... it is not just the fabric but the construction that helps determine how long and well a quilt wears.

An Arm Long

Thank you Holice. I think your comment about washing and ironing helps. I always wash and iron fabric. It helps to decrease the chances of bleeding and shrinking in the finished quilt and helps to have all the fabrics shrink, bleed and fade closer to the same rate in the finished quilt with years of washing.

DeMaris

Well said. I use fabric from a number of different sources and have been pleased with more than 95 percent of it.

EmbQuilt

Holice (clapping loudly) awesomely worded. I love love my one lqs (the other has a wonderful staff but grouchy owner) and I purchase fabric when they have sales or if I just can't live without it . I also shop the chain stores and have found many beautiful fabrics that have held up wonderfully.