Has anyone noticed connecting threads
 

I have noticed recently that Connecting Threads has been adding more and more higher priced fabric lines.
Seem to remember somewhere, perhaps on this board, that they were bought out by Fons & Porter? It also seems that they are slowly cutting down on thread choices (colors). Is it just me or is it really happening. I did just order some thread and fabric, but the fabric is from the clearance section. Just got the new catalogue and only 2 fabric lines are from them. The rest are from RJR etc.

I haven't seen the new catalog yet but I definitely noticed that they had some rather pricey fabrics in the past couple of catalogs. (in excess of $10 per yard). As I don't use their thread much I had not noticed there were less colors.

I noticed the more pricey fabrics too. I like the fabrics that Connecting Threads has in their catalog. Hope they continue to carry those fabrics. I hadn't heard that Fons and Porter bought them.

I'm probably wrong on the Fons & Porter thing. They are owned by Crafts Americana Group.

I usually buy fabrics from them on sale. Am very impressed with the quality--such a silky feel to it. I agree, it seems something has changed with what they are offering.

Yes, I've noticed it and am really concerned. Looked at the online catalog and the new one I got in the mail yesterday and wanted to contact them to ask about it but haven't found a way yet. And the thing is, I don't like the new expensive fabrics very much. I like their original collections better. their site is one of my favorites to find inexpensive fabrics I like, and the good sales they have. Haven't been watching the thread but that's disturbing too. I need to find the customer service phone number and email contact at least. Maybe it would help if many of us contacted them with our input?

I don't like the new expensive fabrics much either - I wouldn't consider buying them even at the normal CT prices. They have launched very few of their own ranges lately - I find this worrying as I buy mainly from CT as they offer excellent service to Canada.

I have noticed, and I was not happy about the changes. They were a unique company with a unique pricing structure and point of view, and now they're just like everyone else. I would rather see them spend time and money on continuing to develop their own fabric lines. But then again, I'm not running the company. :)

Another thought - the CT kits used to be great - lots of variety and skill levels. Lately I can't find any kits that appeal to me! Perhaps this is because the available fabrics aren't so good? They do seem to be expanding their range of basic fabrics - maybe to co-ordinate with the 'outsider' ranges?

Yes, I have noticed, and regret that it is happening.

I agree with you.

I noticed it too and feel their current fabric prices and quality are not competitive enough for me to order from them.

I agree totally, I'm really worried that they are changing and not for the better!!!! If I wanted RJR or other designer fabrics, I would go to their websites or suppliers and buy them. I go to CT to buy CT fabrics........Hello........

I have noticed and am not happy about it. It seems some of their basics and blenders are the same price but most of the new lines are expensive. I noticed Riley Blake, Alex Anderson and RJR in the new catalogs. I'm afraid they will soon be priced like most lqs.

Exactly! I couldn't have put it better!

There is a "contact us" you can click on, on their web site. You could express your concerns there, and ask any questions you might have. I just contacted them myself.

It was explained on their blog and Facebook page. Also in the emails from them about the change. From what I can remember it was filling requests from customers to carry other lines. It seems the change has been very positive and I'm sure more profitable and more lines will be added to their catalog.

I noticed the same thing as the rest of you quilters. Because of this, I have resorted to ordering from 2 other sites that have been great!! I still look at CT as a first thought, but usually don't buy from them.

I love Connecting Threads and order from them a lot. I noticed the new higher priced fabrics but I usually order from their basics, Mirage line, and solids for backing and binding. I love their thread, but hadn't noticed any problem with the color selection. I also order my Hobbs Heirloon batting from them.

They announced last year that they were adding new fabric designers to their line. That's when the inceases began. So now I go to other online sources that have sales before ordering from CT. The bottom line was their fabric was affordable over other companies. Now they've brought outsiders in that they have to pay differently than if it were just family.

CT is selling other manufacturers fabrics at the higher price, not their fabrics. Many customers like to buy different types of fabric in one order not spread out over several shops. If it is profitable for CT and the majority of the customers like the new change, then there is no reason to go back to the way it was.

I have contacted them in the past using the "contact us" spot. They were very good about getting back to me almost immediately. I, too, noticed the change in the fabric prices and the addition of outside designers. I sure hope they go back to their original fabric. CT was making quilting affordable. Now it looks as if they are going to be like LQS. If this happens, I will not be ordering from CT; I will support the LQS more. Even when I got the fabric for the front of my quilts from a LQS, I went to CT for the backing.

They are still selling CT fabric at the regular price.

if colors are "missing" from the website it usually means they are sold out.
those colors will probably show up again in the future.

the new lines threw me at first, too.
but i just ignore the pricey stuff and buy their basics.
if i want anything else i wait for it to hit the clearance section.

yep.
i am so cheap my skates won't roll. LOL

I love Connecting Threads! They were the first company I ever ordered from. I moved several years ago and found a CT catalog left in my new PO Box, which had been addressed to the former box renter. The postmaster said I could keep it and after thumbing through the catalog, I was hooked on quilting.

It doesn't look like CT is getting rid of their own fabric line. I think that they're just expanding into carrying other, more profitable lines. I doubt that I would order the more expensive stuff, but it's nice to see more variety and options.

~ C

Aye, I got the emails too. It doesn't bother me at all - they're not stopping their own fabric lines or changing those prices; they're just adding more fabrics from other manufacturers to their shop. Ignore the new fabrics and it's just like the old store.

I'm a die-hard fan of Kona solids, but the CT solids are a close second. And their flannel is my #1 favorite. And I love their thread. And their pre-cuts. And those little purple scissors. And their batiks. I guess I love a lot about that store! LOL (Just got a box in the mail yesterday!)

The only problem I have with the big catalog houses is more and more space is taken up with kits. It would be really nice to have the option to buy the patterns and fabric separately or as a kit. it is about having options.
peace

As for me..I went there to buy CONNECTING THREADS fabric...not other lines. There is just way to much competition out there for pricing among the other lines...CT is just not where I would go for designer fabrics. They used to be my "go to" for nice filler and background, backing, themes..and I loved their prices..but they've lost me as a customer. Now they are just one more on line quilt shop, with way too many good competitors to be special anymore. What a shame..because they had a really good thing.

This thinking doesn't make sense to me. They are still selling their own fabric at the same prices. Why care if they sell other lines?

And I thought it was just me...LOL! I do not like their higher priced fabrics either. For me, I always felt comfortable with the fact that they offered some decent choices a little less expensive....not so sure anymore. I find I do not like the kits like I used to. I'll keep watching before I cross them off my list. I have decided I am not crazy about their threads as they do "lint" a lot. However, I do have several in different colors for when I just need something off from my normal neutrals.....

But their own fabrics aren't so varied and there aren't so many of them! The kits are boring! I have no objection to them selling other fabrics but not if their own range suffers!

Well said........

I used to exclusively buy from them since their fabrics supposedly are usa made. But also because of the value. The new lines are much more expensive.
They used to have a good selection of children's prints. Not any now. I primarily sew donation quilts for the children's hospital. So I used to buy a LOT of their fabric because for the price the fabric was very good. Way better than the same priced fabric at JA's or WM.

Like any business the products that generate the most profit will determine what they sell in the future. So far the other fabric lines have been a big hit with customers so I doubt it will go back to CT exclusive like before. I was looking through a CT catalog from years ago. Wow. Their colors were muted and dull looking and very little to choose from. I think many forget what Use to be wasn't all that great.

I did notice (and there was an email prior to the addition explaining). I will still only buy their CT fabrics. They are my "go to" online fabric store.

I suppose if I were to fall in love with a "designer" fabric there I would consider buying it from connecting threads.

i haven't rec'd my new catalogue yet, one of our many christmas joys was having our locked mail box stolen :)). but reading all your posts here & remembering over the years of other times they changed thier product lines, not always for the better, how disappointed i was at times. i have been ordering from their catalog, & now their website too, for nealy 30years. i haven't read about any buy outs, but they have been changing little by little over recent catalogs. thinking maybe we should send them link to this thread & any we find on other forums with the same complaints.

When I contacted them I told them about this forum and suggested they check it out.

I like their fabrics but if I want to spend $10.00 a yard I'll go to Joanns and use a 40% off coupon to make the purchase.