Yes, fabric prices are increasing everywhere. I just want to remind everyone to support your local quilt shop. They not only provide fabric but they provide services as well, things that you will not come by on E-bay, Walmart, chain stores, etc. What about the time you needed help with a particular technique-local quilt shop to the rescue. What about the time you needed to learn something new-local quilt shop to the rescue. What about the time you just want to escape the day to day stress of everyone's life-quilt shop to the rescue. Who will help you figure out yardage and make pattern modifications?
They also provide good quality fabric that lasts and will withstand the test of time. If you are making a heirloom quilt, don't run the risk of using less than quality fabric.
Most local quilt shops are not in the business to make millions but rather to provide a service to a wonderful group of people - Quilters! We need your support to stick around.
:) Any suggestions?

I admire LQS owners and the hard work they do to make their quilt shops popular and successful - almost more of a 'way of life' than a 'store'.

But as I was reading your post, I couldn't help but answer your questions a little differently.

What about the time you needed help with a particular technique - this Quilting Board has come to my rescue.

What about the time you just want to escape the day to day stress of everyone's life - this Quilting Board has come to my rescue.

Who will help you figure out yardage and make pattern modifications? My friends on this Quilting Board have come to my rescue.

Having said all this, it makes me wonder if our modern technology, with the ability to easily order quilting supplies online, and virtual communities (where else could you get ideas from someone on the east coast, west coast, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) that creates a global quilting fellowship have made it extremely difficult for a LQS to stay in business? Thank you for all the work that you do!

Being fairly new to quilting,, and wal mart not caring their fabric anymore,, I am in a pickle,, lol.. SO although I love the LQS,, we do not have them in Puerto Rico,,, so I am forced to buy online,, or have my mother run and grab what she thinks I would like,,or need. (usually right as well,, but then again mothers know everything right,,lol..) but I understand your post,,, it is true,,,,

They do need to be supported, that is for sure, but I buy mass quantities once a year (Paducah quilt show), and then fill in with a couple of yards here and there. They sure are not going to retire with the profit they make from me. It is 50+ miles for me to go to the LQS, so I try to stop in whenever I am "in town".

i just love MY LQS!! It is a wonderful place to relax, visit, use their class space and just go in and touch the fabrics!! Yes it is also true that they are there for us when we need help learning new techniques, offering inspiring classes, sales and discounts are good also and helping us on all of projects!!
It is very hard being a store owner and I know that they are NOT getting rich from doing it and it's a very tough job. Thank you to all the small business owners and their patrons for staying open and shopping locally!! It's makes a huge difference.

Funny you should post this today . I was out of town today and had the chance to stop by a LQS, just not mine. Make sense. It was very pretty and the fabric was yummy :mrgreen: And on some, the prices probably 50 cents cheaper than MY LQS. Maybe they knew I wasn't from around there I don't know , but just not friendly . So as I looked and pondered .... nope walked out without buying even a fat quarter :roll: I will spend my money locally at MY LQS :lol: :thumbup:

And this is not the first time I have stopped by this store , and the first time just not friendly either.

So it does pay to get known at "your" LQS

so true Sharon...I have been to other LQS's and if they are not friendly or helpful or can't even bother to acknowledge me then no they don't deserve my money...obviously they are millionaires and don't care if i really buy anything from them!!

If there are any LQS around here they are very well hidden - we're in the 'back of beyond' boonies and woods even.
The closest quilt shop is 90 miles away.

We have 2 LQS and one I will never step into again cause the owner is rude and the other has the nicest ppl but I can't afford $10.00 a yard. So what am I suppose to do, I shop WM they are friendly and I can afford them. I come to this board for help and there is always a helpful quilter on here. I am sorry but the debate will never end.

I would be more than happy to support the one near us. But, I don't want to or have the desire to. How she handles customers is something to be desired. I don't know if it is the way we looked or were dressed. Neither one of us is into designer duds or the latest shoe trend. We don't dress to impress nor flaunt or ability to buy what we want without the use of a credit cards or other means. She lost a $1300.00 sale that afternoon, plus what ever material and other goodies I would have bought.

My husband and I went in there a couple of weeks ago. To inquire about an embroidery machine I am looking to purchase. All she had to do is say she doesn't stock that machine. Her reason was...it was the latest model..it is a model that came out a few months ago. So she steered us towards a machine that was several hundred dollars more the machine I wanted and had features I didn't need or want (Disney designs).
I asked about the machine I want and it's maximum hoop requirement and she said 5x5. Which isn't true 5x7 is it's maximum even says in the description.Then she states that included in her price were classes, tech service and one free cleaning. I don't need any classes, I would rather explore the machine on my own. But rather than argue with this lady we walked out the door.

She gave me a bad impression and a feeling of not wanting to go back.