I find the prices for the quality of fabric high at Joanns...even with a coupon, I do like going into our lqs, the girls are all familiar with fabric and patterns and quilting......I still pay 10.00 a yard but they are knowlegable and friendly..sorry you had a bad experiance at joanns ...I do buy a lot of fabric from my daughters shop....and pay full price, the fabrics being printed today are beautiful....I almost hate to cut into them.....you have a good attitude about your experience....and your quilt is beautiful.....

Thr drought in the south the last couple years has caused a cotton shortage, hence the higher fabric prices. Don't suppose a couple good years will bring it back down though. :)

In case you havent price shopped them , Jo Anns has gotten themselves into a box with no way out, prices are inflated to cover the 40 and 50 percent coupons they give. EVEN with their coupon they are sometimes more than competitors, depends on where you shop and how much you value convenience.

totally agree. I was at Joann's just yesterday and shocked that some of the calicos were now $7.99 but on sale for 30% off. Otherwise, wouldn't have wasted the money. The fabric wasn't for a quilt so don't mind the "less" quality fabric.

I'm fortunate to have a LQS that offers 25% off minimum of 1/2 yard cuts and her regular prices are still under $10. She does buy good fabric (Moda, RJR, Red Rooster, etc.) and can always find what I'm looking for.

I seldom go to my LQS and I shop at JoAnn's regularly. But this week I was out of town and went to a LQS. My experience this week gave me a strong reminder of the service and help I can get if I am willing to pay a little more. I still need to shop price, but I also sometimes need the help and opiniong of other quilters to nudge me to make a good fabric choice. I got that help at the LQS. At JoAnn's I get lots of sweet complements on my project but seldom and advice or direction.

I totally agree with your comment about Safeway. They are so high I avoid them anytime I can.

Jo-Ann Fabrics fabrics aren't usually the same quality as fabrics at the LQS. They are typically a lower end run and I can tell by the feel. I buy a lot at Jo-Ann's but not fabrics. I'll buy designer fabrics for home dec, batting, notions, etc. I find that a coupon usually brings it down equal to or maybe a little lower than what you can get it for online. I typically can buy my Hobbs batting online for the same amount as the 50% coupon at JoAnn's with free shipping and not having to take a # and wait. I only go there when I need something fast and I have a coupon.

I prefer the oohing and aahing... I need feedback from somebody, especially if using printed fabric. Batiks I am okay with, but printed or flowery patterns throw me. And I always get great feedback on anything brought in. I even get the line, "It will be okay when quilted" if something isn't quite right. Give me Anne, Lisa, and the rest of the staff at Quilting by the Hearth in Lonsdale, MN.

Anita in Northfield, MN

Sounds like our stash has appreciated in value!

Don't feel bad about JoAnn's prices.........go to Walmart and there fabric now is almost $10 a yard for what they coin quality fabric which I refuse to buy since I can go to a neighboring town at the LQS and buy better quality fabric for between $5.98 to $8.98 a yard. I don't care for JoAnns or Hancock fabrics either.