I too am upset about the higher prices of fabric, clothes etc. My thrift stores have gone up in prices too but it is still cheaper than buying in the stores. Ok, now lets take a breath----the economy has not recovered like the government would likeus to believe---if we cannot buy the fabric or clothes, they will sit on the shelves and the store will eventually come to the conclusion that if they want to have customers, they better lower their prices. I am not talking having sales, I am talking lowering prices across the board. It might take some time, but it will happen. This is not like before when jobs were plentiful, this is now, when they are darn scarce. I know we are not spending like before. Only what is needed. I do not go buy tons of fabric just because I like it or I need fabric therapy. I only get what is necessary after I shop my own stash. Same with the clothing. Yes, it hurts us with limited incomes but it is going to hurt the stores far worse before it is over. My Granny taught me to recycle clothing, and a lot of other things. If she could do it, then so can I. Oh, and I totally agree with Lv2Sew2011--if our goverment officials had to live on what we do, it would be a whole different story-----hang in there ladies. We are quilters, we will make it and come out on top

I agree with you EXCEPT aroung here Goodwill, Salvation Army and Thrift stores DON'T give poor people anything whether to find a job or keep them warmer. With prices sky high in these stores most can't afford to buy them.
( OK I'm off my soapbox too. )

Heard from LQS owner one of her fabric reps said we won't be able to find a bolt of cotton for less than $10/yd. by the end of the year. What tragedy has brought on this huge increase in prices? I know gas is expensive, and everything (groceries, clothing, shampoo, etc.) has to be brought in on trucks, but I've never seen or heard about any cotton crop devastation on the news. Good thing I've built a hefty stash!

Clue me in. Not sure what LQS shop is?

Miss Fay, its a Local Quilt Shop.

that is depressing news

Thank's.

Back in September, we started hearing news of the demand for cotton vs. the supply. There were natural disasters in the Far East coupled with the economy of planting soy for energy instead of cotton.

The first two pages of this topic give some explanation.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-65131-2.htm

Joanns has started to carry a line of better, more expensive quilting fabric. It is $10-$13 /yd. they also still carry the cheaper $3.99-6.99 fabric. With your 40% off coupon it is still a good deal! Better quality fabric is similiar in quality to LQS but is cheaper due to coupons or sale prices.

I was there today....coupons weren't any good as the fabric was all on sale.