Nope! When my daughter married, I gained another dear son. My son is still single but I know I'll love his choice, as well!

I would not pay that per yard at JoAnn's. It's not worth it when I can find quilt shop quality online for much less.

That's the truth. Can find better, cheaper priced fabric at LQS than J's. Was at J's today, looked at "specialty" fabric, so thin, stiff and $13 a yard. Couldn't wait to get to LQS.

Yes that's the prices for the "better quality" fabric at JoAnns. Their Keepsake Calico is as high as $9.99 a yard. I too used my 50% coupon on a piece of batik that I hope I can use in a couple of quilts. I also have the 60% coupon good for next week.

I like your quilt. I think you should try to go where you are most comfortable. Unhappy experiences tend to stay with us longer than others.

You really can't blame a chain for the individuals who work there, though I think that good management results in good service. Someone on top hires people and sets the tone for the workplace. As I've said before, I'm so lucky to have 4 LQSs and a discount fabric shop from one to ten miles from me. There are three JoAnn's within 45 minutes drive in three directions, so I don't get there much.

My LQS is having a sidewalk sale this week and she sells bolts for $24.00 or 40% off. If the bolt has more than 4 yards on it you pay the flat rate. If you only wanted the fabric for quilting it wouldn't be worth it unless you needed it for backing. I use it for a type of garment, so it is really a good deal for my group. Also the remnants are given to a couple of friends who quilt and make good use out of it also.

Think back to when everyone made clothing....suddenly the cost of fashion fabric, zippers, seam tape and the like totaled more than the cost of purchasing a well made dress. Unfortunately it appears quilting is going in the same direction. The industry may price themselves out of the market.

There is such a difference in Joann stores from region to region. I got the exact same fabric last year in the red dot section for $4 yard and used a 20% off everything coupon.

I am still relatively new to retirement and quilting but we have a Jo Ann's, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby here in town with 2 other quilt stores 10-15 miles away. With gas prices, I have been sticking to the local in town stores. I make good use of the coupons (if I get one in the Sunday paper, one on line, and one in the mail) for Jo Ann's, I can get 40-50% off on 3 items. All the coupons have different codes so I can use them on three items. I do get the best fabric I can for the price using the coupons so I am saving money and have purchased almost all the material I have bought over this first year and a half of quilting. I have bought all the tools and thread that I have needed with coupons. I use the Hobby Lobby coupons 40% off of their 30% off fabric and they change the amount at the register to give me 40% off. All of the clerks have been extremely helpful and they do know quilting and it is always a pleasure dealing with them. Walmart just recently got their fabric back and it is still difficult finding a clerk but they are getting better.

At the two closest Quilt stores, I have purchased material at the regular price $12.99-14.99 per yard when they have had a sale (only 2 this whole year) as well as no sales and they have wonderful fabrics that I could not find at the other three. They are a big help with my questions and I do go to them when I need something special (my husband wanted a Civil War quilt and the material at these stores is wonderful for the vintage projects) So all my experiences though varied have been good. Also, on a 650 mile trip to North Carolina, I got an email from a quilt shop 537 miles away from our home that was having a great sale so I had the husband take our break (we get out and walk a bit every 2 hours) and I spent a little over $100 for $180 worth of quality fabric (it is wonderful!).

I have completed 10 quilts, have 4 in various stages of piecing, quilting, basting. You all have been wonderful with your guidance and I sincerely thank you for all the great information on this board. We are all trying to have fun and save money - support from the store clerks, this board, and coupons are ALWAYS appreciated.