I have to admit that I have never bought fabric online. I want to touch it first. And, I like to pick all of my colors in person, rather than on my monitor, just so I KNOW it will work together.

Well said. This is why I support the LQS, too. I especially like their help when I'm looking for "the just right" fabric for a specific need. They often suggest something I would never have even thought about using and it works perfectly.

In my area, the quilt stores have far superior fabric compared to Wallmart or Joanns. But because of the cost of fabric in the LQS I usually end up with Joann's stuff.

I am 62 years old and the thin/trim young (18-20?) woman at the cutting counter in Joann's looked extremely peeved when I didn't carry the whole roll of batting over to the counter for her to cut. When I stood my ground, she begrudgingly went to get it and huffed and puffed all the way!

I go occasionally just to visit friends and get ideas. Never buy unless it's a great sale :D

I shop for fabric everywhere.

I see fabic I like on line but can't be bought there only at specific LQS stores..I like the quality of the fabrics also, and friendlyness.

I shop small business as often as I can afford it. It's also calming and therapeutic for me to be in a fabric store or library. Mostly because Marny and Gretchen always remember my name and are so encouraging. They love their craft and that enthusiasm is reflected in their shop.

All of the reasons previously quoted, plus my LQS also is a dealer for Bernina so I bought a second machine there, get it serviced there, get extra feet there, get classes there to better use my machine, etc. If it wasn't there I don't know where I could go for service. Definitely wouldn't take it to Joann's. Tried that once with scissors and had them ruined.

I go for inspiration, to see the new gadgets, to see the fabric trends, to see the new books (that I buy at half dot com for much less), and to search for a "focus fabric" if I need it. I will buy 1 yard of a unique fabric for say the center of each ohio star, and buy the rest elsewhere.

Just because I am practical and buy my clothes at the discount store doesn't mean that I don't love to browse in the boutiques for the same reasons above.