mamatobugboo

We have way too many LQSs in our area (Twin Cities, MN) for the smaller shops to remain viable. Within a 20-25 minute drive from my house I can think of 8, and that doesn't include the 3 that have closed the last 12 months or so. After my favorite LQS closed (where I learned to quilt and still do the quilt retreats with the ladies) about 4 years ago, I still haven't found that place to call home. There is one shop that is really close to fulfilling that spot in my soul, but it hasn't happened yet!!

It is sad that the shops are closing. I am guilty of buying actual yardage from Joanns better fabrics and paying at 40% off rather than $9 a yard at my LQS. I do go to a few shops often to rummage through their clearance sections though!

May in Jersey

Lisa, I miss The Fabric Place too. I used to stop at the one in Randolph MA and one in Rhode Island whenever we visited family in MA but they both closed. We should be up in MA at the end of the month and will see if I can squeeze in a visit to the one in Franklin. May in Jersey

quiltmom04

If local quilt shops are going to stay open, we are going to have to support them with PURCHASES! A couple fat quarters now and then is not going to do it! When I read some of the posts here (not this string), I read a lot of "oh I found a ruler for $1 less at Wal-Mart" or "Wal-Mart has fabric for $2 a yard" - whatever. Certainly, I don't want to be ripped off, price-wise, but the ONLY way local shops even have a fighting chance is if we buy THEIR products! Come to class with fabric you purchased at THEIR store. Not everyone can find everything they need at one store, but do your best to find it at your local store - it may make all the difference!

Roberta

What a shame losing the quilt shops in Western MA. We lived in Amherst for a few years and I know it's pretty lean pickings out there.

We have a wonderful store up here in Maine called Marden's. They have a large fabric department with fabrics all under $4 per yard. Buses of ladies come down from Canada to shop the various Marden's stores.

I've never been thrilled with Wal-Mart materials and heard they were closing down that department two years ago. I know our local store doesn't have much variety so I guess they will be next.

chairjogger

Material is so expensive at some to the quilt shops. 8 dollars a yard.. ouch.. so, I guess as we all look for less expensive fabrics, we help this sad "store closing."

Praying for an up swing in economy.
Ell

Lacelady

How far do you all have to travel to visit all these lovely sounding quilt shops? I have a choice of two...one is an hour and a half away, and the other, in a different direction is two hours! Hence mose of our quilt group's fabric comes from online sites. We regard ourselves as living in a quilt desert

sandpat

We have so few shops within a 50/60 mile radius that the few that are here are doing well..so they say. I do hope they stay open..I always go there when I need something really specific and need advice (after coming here for the advice of course)..I like the touchy feely, but she does concentrate more on selling machines than on fabric...I hate that part. I think its how she stays in business though.

cybercat

I am in a small town in East Tn. Yet I know of 3 shops withing 30 mins. One is here in town. None are cheap but they do carry some cheaper fabric. It would be alot cheaper to buy online as sales tax here is 9%. But alas my Cc are closed down by choise and so buying local is easier. I could always send a check but I will cross that bridge when I come to it. For now I am not buying at all.

For the past week I have noticed that our local shop has had no customers. They run classes daily and have a quilt meet monthly. I have seen no cars of late. I wonder if they will close too as of now they are the only place in town to buy fabric. But they are small and as I said prices are high. This is a very low income area and no big business within 30 miles. It would be a shame to loose them but I can see why they would close also.

EC

I grew up going to Fabric Place, even before it was named the Fabric Place. It was originally called Sportswear. There's just nowhere local to go anymore for incentive. Sure wish it didn't close!

DebraK

We're lucky to have 2 in the city limits. The closest one offers 20% of any backing yardage if you bring in your top for show and tell. I like that incentive.