I buy from my LQS when they have a really good sale going on. The prices are about $8.50 to $9.50 a yard regular. They are also about 30 to 40 minutes from where I live. I have a very modest quilt budget and have to make my dollar go as far as I can.

The quilt police have an office at my LQS. Needless to say, I only go there when I am desperate. I drive a little further to go to a friendly, helpful LQS.

I gladly support the LQS that I go to. I spend on what I need...and then some things that I don't need, as well. They are always very friendly and helpful. In fact, when my daughter was making her wool coat as a 4H project and the lady who was helping her had a family emergency, the owner of the LQS gave me her cell number and told me to call her if we needed any assistance....and that was for over a holiday weekend! We didn't need her, but the offer was very appreciated by me.

Golly,
Thank you! I thought I was the only one here that didn't care how friendly the staff is at a quilt shop. In fact, I hate when they keep asking me if I need help or chatting at me. I really want to look at the fabric and think about which would be best for me. I feel better knowing I am not alone.

I went to a Local quilt shop a few weeks ago, and the owner and 2 employers couldn't even say hi to me, was in the store for 30 minutes or so, walked out and said they are not getting my $$$, how sad!!!!

So much for "making local habit"!!

I agree with Polly on the price I wish to pay. I know that LQS need support and I am sure they get plenty. I have two near me, just found the second by meeting a lady at Joanns. I went there and was given the tour of the shoppe and it was a wonderful shoppe. The lady that did the tour was sweet and helpful, but I will say there was one at the front counter that was sour, I don't know if it was that time of "month" or just her personality. That is a turnoff on having to deal with her in the future. I plan to return again and search out on my own, fabrics and class information and see how I feel of the reception. Todays times we have to be watchful of what we spend and what we get for our dollars. It is not to say We all would not wish to buy the finest and stitch away, but for many that is not the case, so it is important to remember that, when this line of topic is presented. The main goal of quilting is to enjoy making and whatever one uses to accomplish that goal is what matters. So please keep in mind the sensitivity of putting a price on fine, finer and finest quality of quilting. We all are here to enjoy each other and learn and to be a family. Happy quilting everyone :)

We pay a lot for fabric here, some LQS (those that remain) often sell fabric for $25.00 per metre, there's no way I can justify spending that kind of money. I love quilting and I do give my custom to LQS when I can, for needles,and suchlike. Fabric, I like to buy a large variety and need to source at the best price possible. I am not shy about recycling, estate sales, auctions and carpark markets.

I'm trying not to be hard hearted here, but there are some people who just have no idea how to run a business...I have lost count of the people who have set up a "dream business" to have it close in less than 2 years. Sure they have a passion for whatever it is..fabrics, books, restaurants, but have no clue about the actual day to day running costs and basic business practice. It is sad when a lovely little business closes, but most times, people just can't afford to support them.

I love my LQS ... and do my best to support them (Best Friends Quilt Shop in Cincinnati OH). I just found them back in Jan/Feb of this year ... I've learned alot from them in a short period of time, and all the folks ... from the owner to her staff to the folks who shop there ... are friendly and helpful. I can not say anything bad about that store ... nothing but positive reviews here!

In regards to being friendly ... for newbies like me ... it helps ... as first we're already nervous when we go in, two we're looking for encouragement and support and a push in the correct direction ...

I don't like folks to hover when I'm looking/shopping, but I sure do like it if I ask for assistance that a shop cares enough to take the time to help me.

Just my two cents worth!

Ya know - I've been reading so much about fabric price increases, but I'm really not seeing it. I'm in Florida, the central west coast just below Tampa, and I do support (way, way too much according to my husband) my local quilt shops. Just went to one yesterday - they had just moved into a bigger space - and I didn't see ANY increase in the price of fabric there. Everything is still hanging right around $9.25 to $10.00 a yard. The same holds true for 2different LQS stores that I was in during the past week. I realize that is much more than when walmart carried fabric, but the quality is way, way better too. I am however seeing increases in prices at Hancocks and JoAnne's, and the quality of the fabrics they carry is also no where near as good as the fabric in the LQS's. I ALWAYS support the Quilt Shops. I SO wish I owned one!!!