One of my favorite quilt shops offers a free quilt pattern made from 2.5 inch strips every month. Just go in an watch the demo and get the pattern for free. Brings people into the store and they usually end up buying something. They also have the same deal with fat quarters every few months and now are doing a block of the month with Sharyn Craig.

I'm sorry if my wish list includes duplicates.
1. Offer classes
2.

I'm sorry if my wish list includes duplicates of others' input.
1.Offer classes-beginner, intermediate, advanced
2.Onsite - Lease/rent long arm- staff on site to assist
3.Good sales on closeout/discontinued fabrics
4.Friendly, knowledgeable staff

One other thing I just remembered...lots of tone on tones and blenders. It seems I always have to buy the same tone on tone patterned fabric when i need one because my LQS has so few of them. If I want several different tone on tone fabrics of one color for a quilt, I'm out of luck.

If the store is small, placement of fabric is important. I have left a store because a class is in session and quilters are busy working in the fabric area and I don't want to ask anyone to move out of the way so that I can look at fabric that is behind them.

A mirror is essential when classes are taught. Someone might want to see the length of a handbag strap against their body - or the length of a jacket, its sleeve, etc. etc.

If classes are given at lunchtime, avoid bringing in smelly foods. Being around fabric is sensual and the odor from food, no matter how delicious, is a distraction.

good luck with all of this!

Oh my gosh, this is the third time I have responded. You would think I lived near where the shop might open! (I don't.)

If you offer classes, have a strict policy of, "No food or drinks, except bottled and capped PLAIN WATER on the work tables." I once had a woman spill her coke on some of my things, and all I got was an, "OOPS!" from her. If people want to eat or drink things that can stain, it should not be done at the work tables.

I think some of the "old time" patterns should be used in some of the classes, such as the Double Wedding Ring. I personally made one for my daughter and found it easy but everyone seems to think it is very hard to do. I used the acrylic templates. You will sell the templates if you are going to use them in class. Give an option to the class members to share theirs if they feel someone cannot afford them.

Ask the patrons what classes they are interested in taking, what hours they prefer to take the class, what patterns do they want to see, which quilts they plan to make soon. Keep a running list of patrons' interests, with phone numbers, email, etc.

Have a week of demostrating a new tool or ruler. Stop in that week to see it, and if she can't make it, if a person wants to see the demo later, you have the demo tool and the fabric that you already used. No problem here. Lay them out together for display.

Have a swap night where the girls bring in beads and things to embellish quilts.

This is my best idea - work with the area schools home ec dept. Either the lqs girls go to the school, or the school
kids come to you. Work with the teacher and find out what teaching schedule they are on - show what straight of grain is, bias, etc. Scissors to use, the templates that are available, the new sewing tools like rotary cutters and mats, long arm and other machines. Have the lqs offer the kids after school or evening classes to continue with what they are learning in school. Have a boys class,even if they just make pot holders or a blue jean quilt, a pillow, or continue with a quilt. A lot of men are in the fabric and lqs business today. These kids are the future quilters and need to be taught now. Some of the mentally challenged kids love to play with fabric and sew, or some may only enjoy wrapping or tying pieces of fabric to the wooden spools. The sky is the limit. I would love to keep the kids busy and out of trouble.

Tell your friend good luck and God speed her on. Let us know what she decides. I hope the classrooms of America wake up and learn more from outside the classroom. We are all here to help them.

Well there's my dream career! I love my LQS because they know me by name - they always want to see my quilts or just help if I am stuck, for free...they have an amazing service/repair guy, who does the best work on my machines - that is my number 1..so even if you can't cover newer waranty work, there are plenty of old time machines that need lovin! Good luck to your friend!

This is afantastic idea! - If my LQS had a donate bin, when I could I would pitch in a FQ or end of the bolt special, or maybe donate some unused from my own stash anything I could do to help provide some material for kids to learn....