The LQS that I have within driving distance (1 hour) ALL seem to act that if you don't know what pattern you will be using the fabric for, then they have no way to help you and that you are a "hopeless customer". I buy all my fabric on whim as I design my quilts. I've never used a pattern. I don't want someone trying to select fabric for me to buy unless I ask about a particular color or design. I don't want a sales clerk acting as if it is a bother to wait on me, that she has something more important to do. I don't want her comments on my fabric selections. Usually if I buy 4 pieces of fabric they will be for 4 seperate projects. I like a store with a super large selection not just limited to cotton fabrics - sometimes I want texture in my quilt tops beside those that I have stitched into it. And a rude clerk only has one visit from me.

I agree with DogHouseMom, she covered it all. There is a shop like that in our area.

One thing that will drive me away, is a salesperson being dishonest about something. Hate it when one tells me such-and-such is "no good," just because they don't sell it.

Agree with you there ... but not really high on my list. My favorite shop shows primarily unfinished tops. My least favorite shop probably has the best display of quilts (finished) as they have a 2nd floor with balcony that circles most of the main floor so they're draped over the balcony. They also have the largest selection of fabric and books (only so so on notions), but their staff really puts me off. I only go there when I can't find something somewhere else.

large selection of different types of patterns fabric books notions etc , friendly courteous knowledgeable staff always willing to help, lots of different classes with great teachers, good sale, and discounts, flexible hours for those that work

Honest,fair pricing and treatment.

The only quilt shops I have visited that I didn't like was one relatively close, one of the sales women watched me llike I was a thief, never smiled and acted very snobby. I only went back after they moved to a larger location - found out that woman no longer worked there so I will be back, it's a beautiful store. The second was one in Hawaii while on my dream of a life time vacation. DH and I had just finished four wheeling around the wilds of Hawaii on the north end of the island. I stopped in a fabric store across from where we had lunched. There was wall to wall and ceiling to floor bolts of fabric. There was too much, I browsed a little but felt over whelmed at the amount and lack of organization, it was as if they just stuffed bolts whereever, nothing by color, collection or design.

Friendly sales staff make me feel welcome and even though I am not a neat freak, I do like nice displays and organiztion, it looks clean and helps me decide what I can't live without!

A very small LQS that I go to doesn't have a ton of material, books, etc. What it does have tho, is friendly, helpfull owners. If I need something (material or whatever) that they don't have, or can't get for me, they will tell me where I might be able to find it. And more than once, they have "saved my butt" when I've come in with a quilt I'm having a problem with:o

At $12.95 a yard you better be making me feel like you're GLAD I'm there!

When we travel I try and visit the LQS when possible. Of course my favorite one is Keepsake Quilting in NH. That is worth the trip!!

I of course like a big shop since that usually means they have more to offer. But I've gone into some shops that were very small and I always make sure that I leave buying something. Everyone is trying to make money. No fun to just "window shop" in a quilt shop.