As long as we find beautiful fabric that brings someone's heart a smile when they see the love we have put into a quilt, it really doesn't matter where we have purchased it. I love every place I find a piece of fabric that makes me smile.

Some people just like to impress others I guess. I have bought stuff from just about everywhere and don't care what others think. I get what I like and don't care what the "quilt police" say, I haven't been arrested yet.

Ok, I have read every post in this thread with amusement, as with so many other threads in the past discussing the pros and cons of JoAnns and others. I'll throw my two cents in. IN MY OPINION, I have 3 Joanns all about the same 30 miles or so in distance, but in different directions, and I do MOST of my shopping in 2 of the three ( the smaller of the three but the largest of the three by far is also very pleasant to shop in, with several cutters and every time I have been in, at least 5 cashiers. I have never had a problem with staff, I usually stick to buying the premium brands of fabric, but occasionally will pick up some Keepsake, all my notions, iron-on embroidered patches, battings and interfacings, purse making hardware, and occasionally, a book or pattern. I NEVER pay full price, I go armed with coupons from Internet (DH gets them to his email too), the mailers, and anywhere I can find them. I study the sale brochure I get in the mail, make a list of things I want, and if I can't use all the coupons, I give them to someone else shopping that might not have them. I always rummage through the red tag table, and most of the time, manage to save an average of 50% on my total bill. I also have a 10% off total purchase VIP card, even on sale and red tag fabrics. When I receive a coupon for 25% off total purchase, I wait until that is good and shop then. Recently, I looked at Batiks which were not on sale, so I took advantage of one of my 50% coupons to get a couple of yards. In a nutshell, I do my homework to get the most out of the coupons and sales they offer. I rarely need to get something in particular that can't wait until it is either NOT on sale so I can use a coupon, or it is on sale for 40-50% off. If they are busy at the cutting table, I check first, then take a number and continue shopping until my number is called. I usually meet such nice people shopping and will usually strike up a conversation while waiting. I only had one mistake on a receipt, which they fixed immediately. I am sure lucky my experiences with customer service have been good. I feel sorry for you who do not have good employees in your Joanns. I would love to be able to afford to always shop at a LQS, but just can't. When I do go in, I usually look for the sale table or rack and only buy then. (Having just said that, I forgot I did buy at full price the entire set of 9 McKenna Ryan Home Tweet Home patterns and the background/sashing/border fabrics at a LQS on a shop Hop this year). I just enjoy the shopping experience, fondling the fabric! I don't feel I buy inferior fabrics, I check the quality, and so far have been happy with what I buy. I also LOVE Connecting Threads, and have bought a few times from Hancocks on line, but still prefer to buy in person. 'Nuff said-I'm going to bed to dream about the fabric I am NOT buying now because of my moratorium for the year(or until I break down and blow it!)

Agree, agree, agree.....

It's not the fabric I dislike but the customer service. There's never enough people cutting (usually one) and you literally have to take a number and wait in a long line. Then there's only 1 cashier when you're finished. I used to work there about 8 years ago and it has always been that way.

I shop at Joann's all the time. A few years ago they started having better quilting fabric. They still have some of the stuff that is not the best but they also have other choices for better fabric. I love getting the coupons in the mail and paper but sometimes I get irritated because the coupons do not work on stuff that is on sale and they put just about everything "on sale". I wish they would let the coupons work on anything.

Buckeye Rose, I am with you on this.... I also go armed with coupons to JoAnn's. It is VERY seldom I ever pay full price for quality fabric (.i.e. Kona etc.) alway's 40% to 50% off. I had my husband sign up for their flyer also, this way I get double 50% coupons each month. I have purchased fabric on-line, LQS, and Walmart also. But, when I can save 50%, I do it! Bevster

I learned a valuable lesson about fabric. I went to JoAnn and bought a charm pack just to practice using my Dresden ruler. After I practiced I was going to my LQS and buy some "nice" fabric to make my granddaughter a quilt. Well, I liked the fabric from JoAnn so much, I went and bought 2 more charm packs and I made a beautiful quilt that my Granddaughter loved.[ATTACH=CONFIG]388624[/ATTACH]

Everyone here as made all the comments I was going to make. What I have heard is the fabric may not last as long. I have a quilt that was made for me from 'heirloom quality' fabrics from an LQS, it was washed gently once and is only about 8 years old, it is very lightly used but has three tears. I have another one made from Keepsake Calicos from Joanns that is 15 years old, used very roughly by kids, grandkids and washed often. It also has three small tears, but is soooooo soft now. A quilt is only as good as how much it is loved. Enjoy the process, the hobby and the great people you will meet along the way.

I do not have a problem shopping at JoAnn's. I just wish the lines were not so long at the cutting table and again at the register. I worked at a quilt shop for several years so I have a nice stash but now that most of the LQS's are closing, I go where there is fabric if I need something I do not have. Did you know that Hobby Lobby has their own line of fabric and they also have coupons weekly in the paper and on line. We have the Road To California Quilt Show next week and I am making my list and checking it twice.