I got to go to Lancaster and buy fabric!
Hubby was working there so I went up for a couple days. The 10-11 hour trip is a bit much to do alone all in one day, so I stopped in Centreville, Va and stayed at my son's place both on the way up and on the way back. That was a treat too!
Here's my PA report.
I went to Sauder's in Denver (less than 2 miles from our hotel)
They had the best prices and an amazing selection of 60 inch dress fabrics. They have a lot of flat folds, but they don't cut the ones marked remnants. That kept me from purchasing more there. I bought some Benartex? Fossil Fern for $4.79/yd, and some poly/cotton for shirts, Sauders is another location for Zooks and definitely not on the typical tourist route. They have some bulk foods too.

Weaver's Store - near Denver. This was sort of like a department store that has quite a bit of fabric including a good selection of flat folds at $2.25 yd. I bought a couple pieces there of fabrics there - Blank Textiles and Windham. http://www.weaverstoreinc.com/

Weaver's Dry Goods in Lititz - not all that impressive for me.

The Old Country Store in Intercourse - I only bought a yard from the sale fabrics, but I almost bought some batik. Definitely a place to visit again.

Martin's in Lebanon - They had a lot of Kona Bay for $3.29 yard and the flatfolds were 3.29/yd. Definitely a favorite!

Burkholders - My first thought was how could I ever make a decision in all that fabric! They had the best selection of all the places I visited, but it was overwhelming for someone as indecisive as I am. I gravitate towards sale shelves and there was a respectable selection in those shelves - most of it was 4.99. Otherwise, their overall prices were the highest. I didn't buy anything there - I needed a plan! Everyone who loves fabric should get to see that place at least once in their lifetime! http://www.burkfabrics.com/Store/pc/home.asp, click on the fabrics tab to see some pics. Think 3 rooms - each with 2-3 times what you see in the photos.

I chose Sauders and Martins to go back to before I left, although they are a fair distance apart. Since Sauders was close to the hotel, it wasn't a big deal. The thing that was the most impressive about all the stores was the availability of 60 inch poly/cottons, which I prefer for making everyday shirts. I can't find poly/cottons in SC or NC anymore.

I found this list before I left so there's still plenty left for another trip!
http://www.quiltart.com/lancaster.html

glad you had a nice trip, thanks for sharing with us

Glad you enjoyed our local stores. Martins is my LQS. I bought my hand crank sewing machine in the antique shop in Intercourse. I don't go there too often, even though it is only about 40 minutes from my house, because I too am too indecisive (sp?). If you have the patience to spend a day there it is lots of fun.

I've been to Sauders twice already this year. They have two bolt sales a year. A car load of us from the local Linus project went together. I spent about sixty dollars and got enough flatfold pieces of flannel to make at least 30 Linus blankets. The chairwoman purchased a huge roll of batting for the project and everyone else spent 50 + dollars. I didn't get any drygoods this time but some of the others did. The most recent bolt sale we got there on the first day. We had to park across the street in a cornfield. The place was very crowded. As usual I ran into several ladies from my other guilds. I can shop in Lancaster anytime I am willing to make the almost two hour drive. It is fun with friends.

Oh Lordy, I'm only a couple of hours out from Lancaster. I had better not go out there until I have at least one empty shelf in my stash closet!

It sounds like you had a great time :)

I think it would be great to do with friends! It's probably a good thing that I'm 550 miles away. If I only had to drive 2 hrs. I'd be there way too much.

Sounds like a fun day. I'm glad you had a great time.

Next time anyone is in Lancaster area an interesting fabric shop is Oberholtzer's, an old general store that now has fabric upon fabric. The main level is filled with so much fabric you must walk side-ways, if you can't find fabric at Oberholtzer's then you are not in the buying mood. The upper level has finished quilts/items for sale. It is a few miles down from Shady Maple Restaurant/IGA. There is always some kind of quilted wall hanging outside and a small parking lot across the street.

Do you have a street address for Oberholtzer's? Thanks for the tip!

H. W.Oberholzer & Son
Obie's Country Store
Box 69
1585 Main Street Goodville Pa 17528 (rte 23)
Phone 717-445-4616
Hours: Mon,Tues,Thur,Fri,&Sat 9-4
Wed 9-1

udy Kelius, one my favorite antique quilt dealers, writes, "that a new find that is not to be missed is Obie's Country Store on Route 23 in Goodville, not far from the intersection with Route 625 (about a mile from Shady Maple towards Morgantown). Other than some penny candy and a few odds & ends, it is crammed (and I mean jammed!) with fabric. There are also new quilts for sale. This has the largest selection of preprints and novelty fabrics that I've ever seen plus lots of quality quilt fabrics. The challenge is finding what you want - there is a LOT of fabric in this place. Prices are much cheaper than the quilt shops. Check it out!"