there's nobody near me except joann's and i complain about them plenty to anyone who listens.

So far no closings for me. Everyone I do business is still up an going. I know quilting is a little pricy so I let newbees use my tools at my house. That saves them a lot so they can buy more fabric. Eventually they will need to buy their own mats, cutters and rulers. I give them 6 months. After that if they are serious about quilting they need to have their own "tools".
Connie

Don't forget to hit the yard sales for fabric
Retirement gave me time for that and you would be amazed at how much you can find. Then again I end up with a stash and have to hit the stores for more to make something.
I hope our Bernina never hits bottom as I hit the clearance rack all the time.

Can,t say I've noticed - some good sale prices around though and free p&p offers

Yes I have. It is a shame but I understand cuz I havent spent any money this month and prob wont next.

Butterfly as a former stay at home I was not offended I knew the spirit of your words......It is a what it is when Moms have to get a job outside the home.

thank you to those who posted to me.

i'm a retiree now, but i was a stay-at-home until i couldn't be anymore, so i know what happens to 'extra' money. it's not extra anymore. especially if there are little ones.

Grateful to still be a stay at home mom although I miss work tremendously....it's nice to have co-workers who pat us on the back in addition to the paycheck. Not everyone can afford to stay home and I am so happy that my DH agrees this is best for our crew.

I don't think anyone is offended and I certainly appreciated the fact that you do see it as work (when done right :D ). I've not noticed online shopping changes as I have yet to make online fabric purchases. I just love the feel of fabric in the stores and I like supporting my local shops. Wishing all of you the very best in these difficult times and I'm thankful I have access to shops for now, although I've definitely cut back on my material shopaholic ways.

I live in a major metropolitan area and have seen several quilt stores close recently. I live within a 10-mile radius of 5 Joann's and three WalMarts. Joann's is still going strong but two of the WalMarts have stopped carrying fabric. I often shop online for fabric and have noticed an uptick in special sales from my usual vendors and more breaks in their shipping costs as incentives. This is a very tough economy.

do you think people are buying online just because it's easier than getting dressed, getting out, warming the car, driving over, etc.? i know that sometimes i do. unfortunately, that also sends LQS into a tailspin. add to that the fact that you get to see so much more than you do at any nearby store. i wish all my old LQS's were still here, but how could they possibly compete? also the online stores reach so many sewers that they buy in much larger quantities, and can pass along those savings plus sale prices. LQS's really can't compete anymore. so sad.