We have a LQS that is huge. Love going there. In a very very small town in kansas. if you're ever in Kansas look for Alden.....and the staff is good. Friendly, helpful, know where things are, take time to discuss options. But I also look online. Thing about shopping at LQS, I want to "see" the fabric, feel it, lay several out together to get a better idea of what I'm looking for. it's a mix of both - online and LQS, but I do prefer the Alden store. So much fabric, neatly arranged, easy to find what I'm looking for, and just fun!

I order kits from Connecting Threads and Keepsake Quilting because I'm TERRIBLE at choosing what would look good in a quilt. BUT the last time I visited our LQS, I took a pattern I wanted to use and the owner (Ann) helped me pick out fabrics that would look good in a guilt. I'm a newbie and I'm still thinking "coordinate" like you would if making a dress.

I love our LQS, but prices are quite high. I know they are the best, but if they could have an area with a collection of more affordable fabric, I would go there more often. When they have their 50% off sale I go, but I can't afford $12.00 a yard fabric, I just can't.

I also don't buy online, because I am afraid the color isn't going to be right. I may buy a yard or so online, but not a whole lot. I have to feel the fabric. Mom taught me that! Sometimes I can get a fabric with a real good feel at JoAnn's or Hancock and then I load up.

I do not feel guilty one bit at all about where I buy my fabric. Actually, I was out this past Saturday and bought some fabric at a garage sale for $2.00. One was Hoffman's Tiffany Windows. Now that is a gorgeous piece of fabric. I don't know when I will use it, but if I need it, I have it.

Edie

Great post, Jeanne. Sadly, many people won't "get" it until all great small businesses like this are gone. Your shop is exceptional, but even those that don't offer as many perks need to be supported if we want to keep them. Your reasoning is exactly the reason why I no longer shop at Walmarts or any of the stores they own (Sam's, Hibbett's). Walmart has destroyed many a small business and community and I won't help them do it any longer. A lot of things are more important than the "lowest price". Good for you, getting the word out about supporting your LQS.

I haven't been ad loyal either. My local quilt shop has always been very helpful, but I can't seem to get motivated. I am vowing to nmIgo.in at least once a month when they have sit and sew. I miss being there

90% or more of all online shops are run by local LQS's. So, shopping online, if you're shopping at the small online shops you're most likely shopping at someone's LQS.

If you want to help small shop owners, quit buying your fabric at Wal-mart, Fabric.com, Joannes, Connecting Threads, Hancocks, Beverly's and the other big chains. Those are the places that are killing your LQS's, not the small online shops, most of which are extensions of LQS's or are small mom-and-pop operations.

I learned this trick a long time ago and not sure where but: When I am looking for a particle fabric and do a google search instead of choosing one of the sites on the first couple of pages, I always go to higher numbered pages. These are shops that haven't paid high dollar to be put on the first few pages. Most of those that are several pages in a search are usually LQS online stores. They just can't afford to pay the high cost to be put first in the search. If I have any questions, I will just contact them by phone. I have found some great deals and feel good about supporting a LQS even if it isn't my own favorite one.

I rarely pay full price at my LQS as they have a sale monthly and sometimes a spur of the moment sale. They also have a clearance room where everything is $6 or less a yard. I can buy LQs fabric at the same price or even less during a sale as I can buy Joann's premium fabrics with a coupon. Plus I am supporting a LQS that employs friendly helpful people, not the mean, disinterested and sometimes down right rude employees that work at my local Joann's.

When in Franklin,NC, I buy my fabric from the two LQS. They are both very welcoming, friendly places with fabulous fabric and examples of projects sure to inspire. Visiting either shop is a joy! Everyone is extremely helpful, both with choosing fabrics and with solving quilting problems. I wish I could say the same for the LQS in Florida. Unfortunately, there I do not feel welcome and thus, buy more fabric online. I do try to buy online from sites which also have a store and have been very pleased with the fabrics as well as the service. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and I try to do what I can to support them but only when I feel they appreciate my business.

I agree 100%! Before my favorite LQS opened 2 years ago, I only bought online as I refused to patronize the only LQS in town.