Online VS quilt shops
 

Somehow I've convienced myself that I'm better off buying online instead of going to an actual quilt shop. Do you buy only what you need (want) on line to save a few bucks or drive to a quilt store where there are more choices to make? I would spend more in a quilt shop myself. What about you?

I go to quilt shops and buy online. Started buying on line because I couldn't find what what I needed. Sometimes I'm better to buy online because I don't know if I can find what I need. I have more then I need in fabric.

I think I'm much more likely to buy what I don't need on line than in an actual quilt shop. I don't have a quilt shop nearby anymore, so I only shop on line. But I remember being more able to zero in on my specific purchase needed when visiting a quilt shop, whereas in the act of shopping on line, I end up viewing much more fabric that is outside my intent. Plus in a quilt shop, you aren't going to end up with anything you don't really love, because seeing it in person you have a much better understanding of what you're buying. It's easier to determine that you can live without it.

I do both but my LQS is only a short 8 mile drive from my house. I'm there every week for open sew with my quilting buddies and will walk around the shop when taking a break and look at new fabric collections. I often will buy a focus fabric or panel and then figure out what fabric I need to go with it. That is when I may go online to see the full line of fabric or blender fabric if I can't find at the shop. During the holidays the shop offers a gift certificate ($250) which hubby buys and you get benefit of 1 yd of fabric a month free. It's a win win for me, hubby and the shop. Some of my quilting buddies buy more than 1 gift certificate. I really like to support my LQS and would hate to see it go out of business as they also have excellent variety of classes. I should confess that the shop has a VIP club with special discounts and perks and if I spend over $750 for the year (not including machine purchase) I get free membership. I've gotten free membership ever since they started the club over 6 years ago.

I have three quilts shops in my town. One is more Moda and Riley Blake style, one is more Kaffe, Tula, and many more, one is a mix of both. I shop the clearance section of all three and find what I like there. Last month one had Tilda on the 40% off shelf. For some reason the shops don't have many choices for backings.

I shop mostly online. There are certain brands I prefer so I'm never surprised with the quality.

i actually buy fewer things online because I'm not walking past things LOL much fewer impulse buys!

this is true for me for groceries as well, when I do curbside I spend less

I idon't have a stash unless we count scraps or leftover "yardage" from projects. I only buy what I need whether an actual shop or online. I like seeing it all, but sometimes it is easier to order and have delivered.

I do both. Mostly I like to shop my local quilt shops. I like to have them there when I need something NOW or when I need advice on a quilt top or help with colors especially matching. I just can't match things online and don't buy whole fabric lines. I support my local shops to keep them in business because then when I need something, they'll be there.

I totally shop online. I don't have any quilt shops nearby. Plus I can get a better bargain online by watching sales, etc.