Sorry you've had bad experiences, GiddyUpGo. I have used Connecting Threads as well as others but my
favorite is www.fortworthfabricstudio.com . She is an online only and very helpful if you're looking for something specific.
She ships the day you order and it's always exactly as presented. She even includes little extra things like personalized
pencil or bag of cocoa mix...kind of sweet personal touch. Jodie is a great shop owner who keeps her prices reasonable.

I'm glad to see equilter mentioned. They have such a huge selection I'm always amazed. Seems like it was around Christmas they had a free shipping deal and I loaded up. Otherwise, I always look for free shipping such as fabric.com has. Fabric can be heavy and bulky and I'm not usually willing to pay an extra .50c to $1 per yard.

I avoid places that show prices by the 1/2 yard. I suppose they're ashamed of their per yard prices and are trying to mislead customers. It offends me that they must think I'm that stupid.

A place I don't believe I've ever seen mentioned but have ordered from several times is http://www.corinthianmills.com/.

I also live in the middle of nowhere. I have 1 quilt shop, 1 JoAnns and 1 Hobby Lobby. It is very rare that they have just what I am looking for.
Here are my favorite online shops:
Quilt Fabric Closeouts
Whittles
Fabric.com
Connecting Threads
Then there are times when I just need to do a search for the type of fabric I am looking for such as batik, civil war, 1930's, etc. I look for the best selection and best price and best shipping price. I think all the online shops have the local stores beat.....unless you live in a big city.

Quilt in a Day, MarshallDryGoods, Keepsake, Favorite Fabrics

When I am looking for something specific I check here. http://www.quiltshops.com/

LOVE fabric.com

Connecting Threads, Paducah, Fat Quarter and Green Fairy Quilts

I'd like to add Overrainbow.com. I also like Hancocks of Paducah.

99% of the time I order from equilter.com

I LOVE this PLACE!