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This past year has had more price increases for fabric than I think any of us have ever experienced.
I considered myself commited to support local businesses , expecially my LQS, but have found myself faced with prices over $12.50 per yard ... with a shrinking wallet ... I admit in the last year.. even more in the last 6 months more of my purchases have been on-line than all of the previous years combined. It is a fact I am almost embarrased to have to admit , since I feel a sense of betrayal , in not supporting my local. My question is .... In the last year ... or maybe even 6 months have you spent more of your fabric $$ on- line than in the past? and if it has what has caused the increase of on-line? Price , convieniece , selection? |
100% online - convenience and selection.
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I buy most of my fabric on-line. I can find a better selection and price vs the LQS, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby,etc. I often get free shipping, which is a bonus. And considering the price of gas, it is still cheaper to pay shipping.
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I look a lot online, but I try to purchase at the local shops. The only thing I buy online, almost exclusively, is fatbacks. The shops here don't carry a very big selection of those.
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I would say about half.....I LOVE going to the LQS's to see whats new, feel all the fabrics, ect. But I buy alot her now, and then theres Connecting threads which gets a nice chunk, and a few others............
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On Line. But truth be told I only discovered the joys of on line fabric shopping in the past year. I shop on line for convenience and price. Having it delivered to my door is a bonus and it is like Christmas whenever I receive a package.
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I am only recently back to quilting, but I have spent a bundle quickly on current and future projects. I think I have spent more online but not by much. The fabrics I purchased online were things that I had fallen in love with and are not in my LQS's because they are not being printed at this time. I have two LQS's within 30min of me. One of them has a very sad story to tell, although she has a great following the landlord raised the rent to an unbelievable amount, and she will be moving in August because business does not support being able to stay there. I try to support this shop the most recently. I would have to say that as far as prices go her shop is the most economical. But each of the two has a different style and something different to offer.
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I don't like surprises. I like to touch my fabric before buying, so I will not buy anything "new" online. If I already know the fabric then I will buy online. Otherwise I go to the store.
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On line, on sale! Lots of great sales on line if you take advantage of them. I haven't been in a LQS for a long time. :oops: It's 40 min away and round trip gas is a couple of gallons!
Also trying hard NOT to buy anything and to use what I have! |
I do both but when I buy locally, I only shop for buys. I use coupons (if available) and one of my favorite shops has (twice a year) a 40% off on all fabric sale for about 4 days. You can imagine that I save up my pennies to shop at her shop during that time.
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I am like Cloverpatch I like to feel my fabric before I buy it. Also, there is the problem with computers not always showing the colors true. I only buy online when I absolutely have to. However, I recently bought thread from Connecting Threads to try. If I like it I will be buying my thread from them. I try to support my local shops as much as possible because I know if we don't there soon won't be any local shops.
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I try to support my local store owner, but it is sometimes hard because she is struggling in this economy and hasn't been able to order new fabrics for a while now. And like CloverPatch said, I like to touch before buying and know the quality of the goods. Most prices work out about the same after you add in shipping and handling.
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I have been doing about 90% of my shopping on-line. The closest quilt shop is 1 1/2 hrs away and in New Mexico. I have never been disppointed with the fabrics. I was really surprized by some backing material that was exceptional quality and only 12.00 a yd.
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I am new to quilting - only been buying fabric for maybe 1.5 years. I buy MOSTLY online. I have 3 LQS in my area but one doesn't stay open after my work or on Sunday so I can only shop there on Saturdays. That is my favorite one. One seems to have more childrens fabrics and the other one has more 'snobby' workers in it. They seem to think if you have not been quilting for at least a decade you shouldn't be in their store. I have gotten ALOT of fabric online and I can find what I want there easier. I think that just like this board, online has been a great experience for my quilting education. Online stores are owned by real people too and need our support.
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I've switched to online more because my LQS's fabric prices have increased a lot lately. I can get free shipping, and find the same fabric as my LQS for $2 or more less than my LQS at regular price, and if I wait for or look for sales, can get great fabric at less than half the price of my LQS. I would love to patronize the LQS more, but can't afford to.
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I guess I would have to say that I shop both equally. I love to shop locally but sometimes it is selection, sometimes price that makes me shop online.
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Never thought I would ever shop online, but doing it more and more. Mostly because it it cheaper.
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Almost 100% online for years.
My LQS doesn't carry fabrics that appeal to me. The couple of semi-local shops I do like : Quilters Workshop in Newport NH, Quilt A-Way in VT, Textile Company in Massachusetts, Quilted Threads in Henniker NH. |
i shop alot on line these days- i (luckily) have not seen the prices you speak of- around here the small lqs is still around $8 a yard the other lqs is a bit higher but always has been- she's over $10 now...but i have always taken advantage of a larger selection and better prices shopping on line. if i know i can get it for a good price at the lqs i still go there- but i always check online too. it's a shame to have access to hundreds of great shops and not support them too. since every shop is different- some carry almost all reproduction fabrics, some shabby chic's, some batiks- novelties...they are all so different and visiting them online opens up a whole new world for us
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Tell me, I am hesitate to shop on line because of the colors.
I know everyone monitors vary. So do you find something in the lqs and then buy it online?? Or do you but whatever on line and then do something with it ? I would love to buy online because the prices seem so much better. I just have hesitated to make that first purchase. |
As much as I would like to support my LQS I just can't afford too. I do most of my shopping online or at chain stores :D:D:D
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I shop on-line but always end up at the LQS for the trimmings. My binding and borders have to be matched to the finished quilt. But... if it is a fabric line then I can buy on line trusting the color and quality will be consistent. Then the only scary part is, "will they cut it right. Will I get what I ordered?" Once you find a store you can trust with good prices, stick with them.
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I love the selection of fabrics that I can find online.
It seems that most of the time, I walk through my LQS and still don't find anything that jumps out at me to buy. I use them for pins and notions, but for fabric, I love online shopping. |
I have to say I buy a lot more online these days.
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I guess it goes about 50 50 for me. I get alot of deals online, thanks to everyone here posting the sales. I like to feel the fabric too, but sometimes the deals are too hard to pass up on line.
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on-line. as much as I enjoy the fabrics at my LQS, they are just too expensive for me. I can get much more fabric on-line (most with free shipping if specific $ spent) than I can at the LQS. I have yet to be disappointed with any of my on-line fabric purchases.
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I usually shop online. I can't afford $13 - $15 a yard!
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50/50
Love to feel the fabric and hold the fabric. However when I know what I want/need will order on line if I can get it at a better price. |
About 1/2 & 1/2, due to the 3 gift cards I got for Christmas.Still, my "On Line Shops' notebook is a good thing. I'm keeping a lot of info for the ones I like dealing with ,along with their shipping policy.Then I have a "NEVER" list.
Originally Posted by Lori S
This past year has had more price increases for fabric than I think any of us have ever experienced.
I considered myself commited to support local businesses , expecially my LQS, but have found myself faced with prices over $12.50 per yard ... with a shrinking wallet ... I admit in the last year.. even more in the last 6 months more of my purchases have been on-line than all of the previous years combined. It is a fact I am almost embarrased to have to admit , since I feel a sense of betrayal , in not supporting my local. My question is .... In the last year ... or maybe even 6 months have you spent more of your fabric $$ on- line than in the past? and if it has what has caused the increase of on-line? Price , convieniece , selection? |
I do both, but probably spend more online though. The LQS I spend money on classes, threads and other misc things. When shopping on line, I look for fabric lines that I know so I won't get any surprises when the fabric arrives.
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I visit my LQS a couple of times a year to see and touch the new fabric but I only buy what is on sale. Otherwise I shop online - more convenient, better selection and much better pricing.
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I buy mostly at LQS...we have had 3 close in our area recently and a major part of that is because so many people have gone to online buying even though these stores kept their fabrics up to date and always good sales...we only have 2 left and I plan on doing my part to keep them open..heheheh....the only time I buy online is when I have bought a line of fabric and can't seem to find the last one in the line...than I will go and find it....if I see something online I want I ask the shop owner if she will be getting it or can she....we have a small business my dh runs from our home and I know how important it is for both online and local customers...blessings
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I buy primarily at LQS but have picked up some nice batiks on sale on line. I prefer shopping at LQS mainly because I like the up close and personal contact with fabric before I buy. But I sure like the prices I can get online.
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Originally Posted by MTS
100% online - convenience and selection.
Thanks for sharing - have a blessed day w/all your quilts filled w/love. |
I buy mostly online, but I do try to support my LQS, cause there's only one and I'd hate to lose her. But I can get quality fabric online cheaper and usually free shipping, so it makes it hard.
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Originally Posted by Great-great granny
Originally Posted by MTS
100% online - convenience and selection.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-113085-1.htm#2935354 That's a start. You're going to have to educate yourself on what you like and what you want to spend. There are many threads already about favorite online shops so I'm not going to rehash that. You can search them yourself. Sometimes the lowest price stores don't have the best selections. Sometimes. ;-) But many do allow 1/4" yard cuts if you're looking for a wide selection but just want a sampling. I personally don't buy "collections" because it's not my taste, but go do some browsing, get on email lists so you will be notified when are sales and free shipping offers. Do order from http://Hancocks-paducah.com (not the hancock fabric stores) at least once so you can get on their mailing list and get a catalog. Love, love those catalogs. Great way to find out about new collections, but also great to have for the staples - blenders, batiks, etc. Also, ebay is a great source of fabrics. Worth perusing to see what's available - both brand new fabrics and fabrics from sellers destashing. And - just use your noggin when buying and make sure you read the descriptions - don't just look at the picture. If the description doesn't answer your questions, ask the Seller or move on to the next listing. Here are two more that I've recently purchased from that have great prices: http://www.thousandsofbolts.com/index.cfm one yard minimum but really cheap prices http://fabricshack.com/ Enjoy! |
I buy 95% of my fabric locally, but I have not seen prices anywhere near as high as some of you are quoting. I am blessed with a wide selection of local shops...'local' being within an hour's drive...and I will continue to support them.
I value the personal interaction, the mutual interest, and the supportive relationships I have built with the owners and staff of these businesses. That, to me, is worth paying a bit extra and always will be. We share so much more than a love of fabric. :oops: |
Originally Posted by MTS
Originally Posted by Great-great granny
Originally Posted by MTS
100% online - convenience and selection.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-113085-1.htm#2935354 That's a start. You're going to have to educate yourself on what you like and what you want to spend. There are many threads already about favorite online shops so I'm not going to rehash that. You can search them yourself. Sometimes the lowest price stores don't have the best selections. Sometimes. ;-) But many do allow 1/4" yard cuts if you're looking for a wide selection but just want a sampling. I personally don't buy "collections" because it's not my taste, but go do some browsing, get on email lists so you will be notified when are sales and free shipping offers. Do order from http://Hancocks-padcuah.com (not the hancock fabric stores) at least once so you can get on their mailing list and get a catalog. Love, love those catalogs. Great way to find out about new collections, but also great to have for the staples - blenders, batiks, etc. Also, ebay is a great source of fabrics. Worth perusing to see what's available - both brand new fabrics and fabrics from sellers destashing. And - just use your noggin when buying and make sure you read the descriptions - don't just look at the picture. If the description doesn't answer your questions, ask the Seller or move on to the next listing. Here are two more that I've recently purchased from that have great prices: http://www.thousandsofbolts.com/index.cfm one yard minimum but really cheap prices http://fabricshack.com/ Enjoy! Happy quilting |
I have started buying more online as my favorite quilt shop is 4 hours from my home (Lolly's in Shipshewana, IN). There is a nice little shop in Shelbyville, IL that I visit once a year when dh and I go to Lake Shelbyville for Labor Day weekend, little boing the operative word here. Not much selection. I buy some at Joann's, but only the premium stuff. I'm starting to buy a lot online as I have no other choice.
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I buy about 50/50 online & locally. It depends on what I'm looking for. I shop color/print first, then price. We have a big JoAnn's & one LQS that I know of nearby. I shop at both as well as e-bay, here on the board & online. Have an order at Nancy's Notions right now for a kit I wanted.
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