:lol: I know the economy well...too well. I'm on a very limited disability income dealing with a debilitating neurological disease for the last 12 years. So, I will still shop Hancock's and JoAnn's and others because I have to (and want to). There are things they have that the LQS's might not have. But there was much more to my experience than just the awesome fabric. In fact, I wasn't able to purchase any fabric but only some thread and notions.

The whole experience was such a blessing; indeed a whole new world and the people there made it even more exceptional. They made "me" as a man feel special even though I didn't spend much money.

I have so many quilts I want to make not only for my family but for those in need such as the kids in hospitals and children's homes (which is near to my heart). There have been some who have shared from their fabric and I'm eternally grateful and I promise to be a good steward. It's just I had never been to LQS before and to see not only the quality but their service and well...the entire package. It was rewarding! I want to be able to give the best quilts I can...whatever that is and I'm grateful for it. :D

It also forces me to really think about how I should plan my quilts from the beginning to the end, buying only the fabric/thread etc. I need, buying the best I can afford at the time. And I'm thankful I had a helpful sales person who would take the time to guide me which one did yesterday correcting me from buying the wrong quilting gloves. I can't get that from the other stores and definitely not on-line.

So, it's not just the fabric. I've found a new passion which I've needed for a long, long time. It's fun...(and...ha,ha expensive!) but I'm having a ball.

Thanks to all for your comments. You all are a treasure!

I have heard really good things about Lavender and Lime and I hope to visit soon. It is convenient for sure.

Isn't life fun? :P

I am so glad you had a wonderful LQS experience.... not all quilt shops are created equal, so thankful you had a good one to go to!

If you love batiks, check out http://www.stitch-n-frame.net

They have a sale every Thursday you can sign up for the newsletter and get in on the sale on Wed! They just had ALL 700 of their batiks for just $4.99 a yard! I literally had brain freeze thinking about it all...I got 40 half yard cuts of just the Hoffman watercolor 1895 series. What a ray of sunshine they are to look at!
By the way this shop is in Vicksburg, MS...another great Southern shop!

Yes, it is another world at a lqs! Quality fabric & thread are important. I choose quality over quantity, it may take longer to build up a stash, but in the end, it's worth it. Ask your lqs to put you on their email/mailing list, check out their clearance section as well, do they offer a loyality club of some sort that gives discounts?
My lqs has a huge 40% off end of bolt sale the last business day of the month. You have to buy all the fabric remaining on the bolt for the 40% off, and they have a great clearance section as well. It's worth asking about.
Blessings,
MaryAnna

I have been to that very quilt shop in 2007 and I agree Granpa, they are the nicest people and very accomodating. I had been looking for a large Creative Grid Square template, larger than 15 1/2" and they had it and for a reasonable price. Don't you just love when you find a real treasure of a shop when you least expect it?

WOW! 450 batiks?! I would have been in Heaven for sure!

Stitch-n-Frame is 45 minutes from my house and I have to restrain myself from going over there. You should see the shop, it is mind boggling. I usually shop a store closer to home and there really is nothing like the full package you get when you go to the LQS.

GrandPa,

I've been to Sew Bee It sometime shortly before Thanksgiving with my sister. You're SO right! It's like another world in there. As you walk in the door you can walk straight ahead and there is a small area of markdowns. I got some of the most beautiful material! I like it so much I haven't dared to use it yet. I found some Carol Doak Paper Piecing paper to go with my purchase. One of the ladies gave my sis and I a card to come back and we got so much off our items! I think it was something like 30%, can't remember. BUt I walked into the other rooms and it was just awesome!! I've been wanting to go back, maybe in February after tax time! Oh and if you Ever get the chance to go to Sevierville, The Cherry Pit is even more to enjoy! Wall to Wall bolts of fabric, baskets full of fat quaters, brick walls covered with some beautiful quilts. They may be a touch more pricier but the quality is superb!
OK I'll shut up...but boy you opened a can of rainbows and had to stop to play!

I can't believe I didn't know about it "Sew Bee It". What rock have I been hiding under? haha I also love Lavender and Lime. They have great fabrics and are super friendly people. Congratulations Grandpa. I'm so glad you found such a wonderful place.........but, now my husband will be upset with you for letting me know about it. haha

And Momma_K, you've given me an excuse to go back to the Smokies. I love it, Thanks! :-)

Hey no problem!! Glad I could inspire you! But do you know of Mamaws? I think it's off Papermill Rd, get off on the exit going in, turn onto Papermill and go all the way down till you run into it. I hear she has a LOT of beautiful fabrics! :-D