I would love to purchase fabric here at the LQS, but I won't be buying any fabric due to lack of funds. Limited income and it looks like we will have high heating bills this winter. I have a small pond and it is already frozen.
Our LQS will be okay though, because they do longarm quilting on two gammils and they always have at least a two or three week waiting list.

We all can't afford the LQ stores all of the time. We need both for people of all incomes so the hobby can be enjoyed. I try to buy the best fabric for my money which means I watch sales and often check out the discount area at the LQS. I love quality fabrics so I keep my eyes open for the best buys on them. I hope everyone who enjoys quilting buys where they can best afford to for no person who likes to quilt should have to go without fabric.

There is no way I can afford the $9-$12yd at my LQS... it is just waaaay out of the budget.
I would love to support them, but I have to support me too :wink: :D:D:D

I am a lucky woman. I tend to shop the bargains, but my husband has no problem walking into either one of our LQS and dropping a hundred dollars at a time to surprise me as the occasion arises. They love him. Not sure they would recognize me.

We don't have a LQS within 50 miles and it is way off the beaten path back in the woods Nothing around no other places to shop but a darling little store, I only go there on occasion usually it is Walmart or Joanns

According to Project 95, 95% of quilters do the majority of their spending at chain stores, leaving LQS survival dependent on the other 5%. To me, that is a scary statistic. Considering the quality, customer service, and educational opportunities that are available at LQS, the chain stores can't compete (except for the prices.) It's sad, but easy to see why LQS go out of business.

The 3/50 Project challenges folks to choose 3 independently owned business and spend $50/month at each.

I think that one aspect that is easy to forget, is that shopping local and supporting our independent business owners, boost local economy far better than shopping at chain stores. More of the tax money stays in your own community.

Something to think about . . .

I stick with LQS fabric. But I have a good size stash now so I don't buy a whole lot of "just because" fabric.

In principle I agree with supporting a LQS.

I personally believe that there are many factors that impact a persons decision to purchase. Such as:

* discretionary income
* quilting (methodology) - structured, scrappy, repurpose
* customer service
* shopping experience
* range of product

Those purchasing decisions can be applied to; the LQS, online shop, "mainstream" craft store, online community, auction sites, thrift/re-purposing stores. Yes we are spoilt for choice :)

I have made a conscious decision not to support 1 of the 2 LQS' in my region due to bad product and bad customer service. Just because it's a LQS doesn't mean that you are automatically buying quality.

In this economic environment I need to make smart decisions. My main focus is a roof over my head, food on the table, and the core bills paid. If I have an opportunity to "indulge" in a hobby - then that is one HUGE blessing.

I will remain loyal to those stores/sellers (regardless of what or who they are) who have been good to me during my tough times.

No quilt stores close to me, I have to plan the day to go to one. I won't pay $9 a yard as long as there are clearance and sale prices on line for much cheaper. When I do go to a quilt shop I buy a book, or a new quilt tool and sometimes a charm pack of a new fabric line. I get my quilt fix from quilt blogs/sites and going to a big quilt show every year.

I agree , my family always comes first , there is no way I can afford the prices in a LQS, now if I was into making show Quilts
and looking for a Ribbon and could afford there prices in a LQS
then I would buy there, but I make only Quilts for personal use are to give my family . I don't think if the Lady's way back in the
long ago yeastier years would've went for the prices we are up against now either :lol: So no I will continue to buy what I can
afford :D