Quilting Fabric, Sticker Shock
#41
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 45
#44
I love coupons - there are a lot of on-line stores that have good sales - with great shipping
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
When I decided to really "get into" quilting, I went crazy and spent $$$$ on so many different fabric lines. Well, now I'm plum full of fabric so I don't buy very often, but when I do, I pay what the online stores and LQS offers. I've given away fabric lines to get rid of "my obsession" so I don't feel so guilty. Gave a newbie here a $189 quilt kit. I have sooooo many kits and know I'll never ever get around to doing them. I sent some kits to a gal in Germany and a gal in Russia and then realized that they probably don't read english and that the instructions were useless. The gal from Russia was so excited to get some Moda fabric and she said she would find a pattern that would work with the fabric I sent her. I have two more kits if someone wants to pay $16.40 for shipping.
#47
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 233
Yes! I've noticed this jump in the LQS AND on line as well. I shop and look for good buys. My good stash which I bought at cheaper prices are going to last me for awhile. The quilting shops are going to run themselves out of business. The price increases are too drastic.
#48
I was at JoAnn's yesterday for the first time in months and happened to see this beautiful bird fabric that would be perfect to make my aunt a quilt, however the price was $12.99 a yard. It was some of their better quilter's cotton. I had a 40% coupon I could use on one piece, but to get the coordinating pieces, that was the price--no sale. With gas so high and living on the other side of town, when would I be back over that way? So-o, I paid the price because it was exactly what I was hoping to find, one of those 'you'll know it when you see it' things, and it was a gift for my aunt. But I am thankful for every yard of fabric I have accumulated over the years now, as I can't pay these prices on a regular basis. My LQS has frequent sales and puts fabric on clearance, so when I shop there, I usually limit myself to what is on sale or clearance. I've bought fabric on-line too, but unless you buy enough to get free shipping, that can become high too. Nice when you can get a couple quilty friends to go in with you in placing an order so that all enjoy the benefits of free shipping!
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
Okay. I understand the concern over the prices of cotton. I really do. But and it is a Big But, if we stop buying fabric then many, many more online and brick and mortar shops will close. I have enough fabric to start my own quilt shop. I really do. But some how I find a few fabrics I just have to have! I also find a few I need for the current project. So yes I purchase what I need at the lowest price I can find. If it is $10.00 or more a yard so be it. It will take a little more saving to purchase my wants and needs. But I am still buying as I want the stores available to me now and in the future! Just my feelings on a very personal matter. Luann in CT
I personally feel no obligation to "give my money to a shop to keep it in business". My money, I believe, is mine to keep "my family afloat". After I've met my obligations to my family, then I can hand out my money to anyone I want as I please--whether a foreign charity or local quilt shop. I suppose it all depends on how much you believe in keeping expensive stores (or restaurants) in business in your community. If enough people want it, then it will stay in business, but if not, then it will all head out on line.
Here in Poland, when communism first went by the wayside, everyone thought that in order to make a bunch of money all they needed to do was open up a little store--and of course, charge high retail--no discounts or sales or promotions. Thankfully, over time, little by little, we've been getting discount grocery stores and supermarkets and sales and even some loyalty programs and a few coupons. It has helped us. Yes, many have complained about the demise of the little shops, but since many of the owners knew nothing about free market and keeping customers happy, I say, without too many hard feelings or sorrow.."goodbye".
Not to say that your LQS owner doesn't know how to be nice, etc, but obviously if the local people do not want to spend the money or have enough extra money to spend on expensive fabrics, then the stores will have to go out of business. With the upswing of the internet business, probably courier service would be a great place to invest (at least here in Poland it would be.)
#50
These are the prices we pay for quilting fabric in Australia - good quality. This is why I shop on line - even with the high cost of postage from the US it still works out cheaper. Also get the travelling kiddo's to buy Batiks from Bali when they are there.
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