On one hand, I see many posts saying something like "support your LQS because that's where the good quality fabrics can be purchased"

On the other hand, I'm seeing many posts saying something like "I'm not going to buy anything for a while or I'm not going to buy anything that costs more than $4 to $5 a yard"

I think many LQS will be struggling if that's the general feeling of most of the quilting population.

Speaking for myself, I'm on a much more restricted budget for my quilting hobby than I used to be. I try to use from my stash as much as possible. But.
But, when I do want to buy fabric, I will go to my LQS because if I'm going to invest in fabric, I want is to be good quality and I'm willing to save to get it.

Some of us will continue to support our local quilt store. I do a BOM and buy my fabric there. They are the ones that can help with questions. That's where I go to learn technique and new patterns. I buy some fabric at the other places, but if I want to do a nice project, I get the fabric at the LQS.

I am trying to support my local LQS's and other small businesses. It may cost me a little more and I may not be able to buy as much but I would be really sad if they went out of business and were not there when I need them.

I shop every where, just like anything else I buy. If I find a good deal, I buy it, If I find something I love, I buy it too! It is about Supply and Demand...but its also about paying ur bills and buying food for u family.....

I buy 80% of my fabric from the LQS and I only buy the other 20% somewhere else because it is generally something they do not carry. It also depends on the project, for QFK I bought a lot of fabric at Hancock's on sale and it was because they had better kids prints and a bigger selection of novelty prints. For applique its strictly LQS fabric.

I shop both my LQS and Hancocks. It just depends on what I'm looking for.

I was in a Hancock store today and ask the YOUNG lady if there was fabric with gingerbread men. AND SHE SAID!!!>>> "I don't know about the stuff in the store, I just work here"!! Definitely not personable like a LQS!! There was plenty of fabric there for $8.99ish and I could count the threads easily. I would much prefer to pay a little more per yard at a LQS for a fabric with that good "feel".

I buy wherever I can get LQS quality fabric. That means CL, online and occasionally my LQS.

I would be glad to pay $9 or $10 a yard at my LQS but they don't have any fabrics I like and have no plans to get any (despite me asking). I would also love to give them $9 a spool for thread but they are out of the neutrals and have been since last January. I try.

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

I like to buy good quality fabric, LQS type, but usually I am looking for something specific and if I have to get it at Pacific Fabrics, that is OK, because they carry good quality. Not exactly LQS, but better that WalMart or Joannes.

I dropped 179 bucks at mine yesterday, it is an hour away so I stock up, There is one who gets snooty because I but lots off the remnant table but I always buy a yard or two of somethig I gan't live without two. And 179 bucks on remnants is NOT a small chunk of change!

We have a couple of wonderful LQS's about 25 miles from me. When I go to the "big city", I make a point of stopping in even if only to buy a fat quarter. My budget is extremely limited these days due to being disabled and I have a stash that rivals many a shop so fat quarters are about the best I can do.

I buy wherever I see something I cant live without.. CL, EBAY, Here, Joannes, Hancock, Online, LQS, flea markets, swap meets, garage sales.. I'm very fortunate to be able to afford what I want when I want it. But why? If grandma could use moms old clothes then so can I..

I prefer LQS, especially on the road because I get to enjoy the variety, I prefer to pay a bit more for fabric that is high quality and will last, and I have found that JoAnn's is not any cheaper without a sale anyway. A lot of LQS have a back room of clearance fabrics. I have encountered the same problem with Hancock's as others, they hire people who are not knowledgable.

As a former LQS owner, I understand what the forum is saying, however, I had my regulars, that came in once a month and spent $150-200.00, which was nice that they could afford it. But when you have only 1/2 dozen to a dozen people that do that, it's not enough to pay the bills. I found my customers like the quality of my fabric, but, preferred it alot more if it was on sale. My heart goes out to all Small Business Owners, not just LQS,people are looking for bargains, and unfortunately they are either in the Chain Stores or on the internet where overhead is minimal. We need to be faithful to those businesses that offer customer service, friendly advice and a warm smile.

I've always shopped the LQS, even as a teen. I'd guess 90% ofy stash came from various small shops. But I don't feel guilty about buying at a chain or online when it suits me either. I've never found sashiko supplies anywhere except Shibori Dragon, which is a family owned business, but not local for me. Their service and selection are amazing. My LQS has never bothered to get these for me. And I hate to bring it up, but LQS staff are *sometimes* quite snooty. If I go with my boys, who are just getting into sewing, I'm made to feel as if I've brought filthy dogs in with me. And they behave just fine as well as add to the purchases. Plus I follow a religious dress code and am often treated as if I'm from outer space until the transaction goes through and they exhale as I walk out with my purchases. And actually, I clearly wear more fabric than the average LQS shopper, this should be taken as a sign that I'll be buying more. Best LQS-rich place I lived? Wichita, KS. Miss it. Chicago has shockingly little. I recently found Quilter's Destination in Arlington Hts, IL it's great and has nice staff and owner. Fabrics 2 Etc in Elmhurst nice too.

Our LQS will be either sold or closed by next March. It is a great little store, the owner/operator is delightful and it is always a pleasure to stop and buy there. Unfortunately, at $25-$30 (Aus.) a metre (a little over a yard), I could not afford to shop there as often as I would like....(she doesn't overprice, it's a reality of being small...not much bargaining power with suppliers) and it appears I am not alone. Our cost of living here is quite high, and will be getting higher. Many people on even average wages are finding things tough. Those on a fixed or low income, even tougher.

Retail generally is taking a bit of a financial hit at the moment...despite Christmas being almost upon us, spending is not as high or as much as they would like it to be. If the big retailers are finding it a struggle....small business is copping it even harder.

I wish I could buy more at the LQS but I just would spend a lot of time sitting around getting depressed, because I would have nothing to sew. I am disabled due to kidney disease, I had taught school for 20 years. That is an awfully short career. My retirement and Social security almost give me the bare basics and pay the about 5,000 a year I have to pay for prescriptions, and then many more thousands to pay medical bills. I am grateful for Hancocks and JoAnns. because of them I can sew and quilt.

I think it's great that many ppl can afford to pay the $9 yd & up at LQS.Helps the economy,but for myself....fabric is bought on sale.
I wouldn't buy a purse or a chair without shopping around, same goes for fabrics.
Nothing stays the same forever,try buying USA made fabric.Maybe all shops will eventually be on line only.Fine with me...better prices & shop from home.

I agree entirely.

I agree with your response.

I am with you. Not just for quilting, but I support local businesses whenever I can, whether it is LQS, local fish market, local farmer's market, local butcher,local book store etc. Doesn't mean I don't buy from other places, but I make an effort to show my face and spend some money with locals as often as I can. All of the establishments I shop with do appreciate my business greatly and go above and beyond to make sure I am satisfied and happy, can't beat that!

I buy online and at my LQS and occasionally drive to a shop 15 miles away. I've only once paid more than 10/yard, that was at a quilt show and I fell in love with that Batik and had to have some.

I live by the philosophy of "I purchase from businesses I want to see in business next year." For me, this applies to both local retailers and large companies.

Not all small businesses are wonderful nor are large companies necessarily evil.

I shop EVERYWHERE for fabric! I just found Connecting Threads batiks, and I am in LOVE! I love the 4 LQS's nearby, each specializes in a diffrent type of fabric!
I love buying from folks here, I have really gotten some bargins. Even trade a lady here. Walmart has some GREAT fabric, so do JoAnns and Hobby Lobby, and Ben Franklin. I coupon when I can and I DO try toshop the SALES!

Well said.

Ohhhh, would you share him with me? Mine wouldn't know what to do in my LQS. Let alone what kinds of fabric or notions I like. I'll trade!!! LOL

I concur.

He must have a great sense of color and design that matches yours! How fantastic. For sure, he is a keeper! I'd be happy with gift cards!