I am boycotting those prices as much as possible. It is a real 'Catch 22" situation. If we don't support our LQS they might go out of business but I just cannot justify those prices. I do have a substantial stash to pull from so any fabrics I buy are mostly luxury expenses, not really needed.

That said, I do buy on sales. I figure anything I love i might pay more for, its a free choice. But, otherwise I will shop for the cheapest price. I do buy only quiltshop quality, though.

My maximum upper limit is about $6 a yard (and if I buy online, I figure about a dollar a yard shipping on top of their prices. I will buy more if it is $3-4 a yard.

I recently paid about that much on a special order fabric for a customer. Now I will use what I need to on her order and charge her for the finished item (pre agreeded price) and I will use the rest. It is a large graphic/print that needs to be centered on the item. It is a repeate print and the fabric store told me how much I needed for the project. Normally I would not have ever paid that much but it is what she chose and by golly, I will find a way to use it. I am probably the most frugal person I know.

You must be a professional quilter?

Agree. The cost of living varies along with the economy and prices that are beyond the local market will drop or businesses will close. Unfortunately the rise of globalization is making it hard for local businesses to compete against that larger market.

My thought? You get what you pay for. When I pay less than the going rate for fabric ($15 - $22/m) the quality is less.

I think we can get some really good bargains and still pay less than full price.

My problem is that I am like a "kid in a candy store" when I see new fabric I want it all!! My solution? Stay out of the 'candy store' and know that when I do go in, I will probably find something to buy, so go with a budget and do not go over.

Easier said than done, but its working so far. I am selling some of my fabrics, too. (look a the topic log for Corky seller) That frees up some $$ and room.

Far from it...it was not a quilt she asked for but something else that needed to be sewn . It was for the chemo support group.
The fabric they chose was wildlife - almost like a panel. Even though it is yardage, I am going to try to use the central theme for the things they want. I should have plenty of fabric to make a tote bag for the patient...a gift from me to her...no charge.

Good deal!!

That reminds me, I shop on-line, Fabric.com, and have a friend who lives near Mary Jos in Gastonia, NC. MJ has had other shops in the Charlotte area dis her, but she smiles and says it's America and I can set my prices to suit me and the sewing world. If you go there, take a list. Her on-line store is not so economic.

I love Fabric.com, especially the free shipping ($35 minimum)

So you are saying that the owner is Mary Jo?

I would love to visit in person!!

I guess I'm cheap, I do not like to pay that much for fabric.
I try to get it on sale, I think 6$ is a lot but I have paid that for some disney fabric.