We have a new LQS that is growing rapidly. Went to her sale this morning and did I have a blast!! There were ladies from a local quilting group who were shopping for specific items. I was there to shop for a selection of fabrics to use in a sampler quilt. I didn't know exactly what I was shopping for and how much to purchase. All I knew was that I want to make a sampler of blocks that I haven't made before? I thought that I would unify the quilt by using a specified set of fabrics.

When I realized that these ladies were "seasoned" quilters, I asked one of them 1) how many fabrics do I need to get so that I will have a good selection when I begin my blocks, and 2) how much do I buy of each. Well, first one lady came to my rescue, then they were all chiming in from all corners of the shop. We began stacking bolts. Then one would come and remove a bolt and explain why she had done so. Another would find fabric that "may do." And it went on until I had a gorgeous assortment of fabrics. I waited until they had all had their fabric cut and were gone. Then we began the task of cutting yardage. I know I have way too much fabric, but I know I will have a beautiful quilt when it's all said and done. Several times, I expressed my gratitude and appreciation to them for slowing down their process of shopping to help me. (They were on their way to lunch and then to the library for a "quilting" meeting.) They invited me to go, but I already had too much "on my plate" for the day. I will mark my calendar for future 3rd Saturdays of the month.

One of the ladies quickly added that that's what quilters do. They help one another.

I told them about this quilting forum and also about the quilting novels that another quilter shared with me.

I don't know if this is a worthy topic to start a new thread and if this is the correct place for it, but I am appreciative to them as well as to the great people on this forum. Thanks, ALL. :lol:

Now that really was a Fantastic Shopping Experience. Not only do you have more than enough fabrics to begin your sampler, the left overs are the beginning of your very own 'stash'. You were very lucky to run into that group of quilters as they gave some very good ideas about how to choose fabrics for your projects and they also invitied you to join them. Make sure that you do as they sound like a very good group to help you along with your quilting. Good Luck, May in Jersey

Thanks May in Jersey. The only thing difficult is that DH is still working and Saturday is usually our Hanging-together day. I was a little confused in the days. Since today is Friday and DH was off. He had gone to help SIL with his lawn since he (SIL) had been ill. That great bunch of quilters were going out to lunch, but that meeting IS tomorrow. But I will write the meeting on the calendar and try to work around it.

And now I'm really confused. Hope you're not. :lol: :oops:

Don't you just love it when you can get so much willing help???? The people at my LQS are the same way....

What a great day for your shopping. These ladies showed just how wonderful quilters can be. Lucky you to meet them.

Having a day like you had would be one I'd remember for a very long time. Life is grand. :D

What a great story! You can never have to much fabric!

what a great experience!

WOW! Gail, what a great experience... and a new LQS!! I have only one and it's in the town next to me. And a JoAnn's that is about 15 miles away so I've started ordering fabrics online. So far it's been great and all that I've ordered has been wonderful fabric. Once in a while I'll get a piece that isn't quite the color I was expecting, but most likely that's my computer.
I don't know many quilters personally, but it sounds like you met a group of quilters as nice as the ones on this board!! :D

Lucky you Gail! Don't you just get that warm and bubbly feeling when you meet a group like that?? I bet you will alway associate the quilt you are going to make with that nice group of ladies.