Calzo

I visit my LQS a couple of times a year to see and touch the new fabric but I only buy what is on sale. Otherwise I shop online - more convenient, better selection and much better pricing.

bearlea

I buy mostly at LQS...we have had 3 close in our area recently and a major part of that is because so many people have gone to online buying even though these stores kept their fabrics up to date and always good sales...we only have 2 left and I plan on doing my part to keep them open..heheheh....the only time I buy online is when I have bought a line of fabric and can't seem to find the last one in the line...than I will go and find it....if I see something online I want I ask the shop owner if she will be getting it or can she....we have a small business my dh runs from our home and I know how important it is for both online and local customers...blessings

Karen's Kreations

I buy primarily at LQS but have picked up some nice batiks on sale on line. I prefer shopping at LQS mainly because I like the up close and personal contact with fabric before I buy. But I sure like the prices I can get online.

Great-great granny

Morning quilters - do you have a favorite place on-line to buy or several different for various items? I live in the country & w/the price of gas going up so high (plus the prices of EVERYTHING), I try to limit my trips to town to a minimum. Have not shopped for fabric on-line, as a little leary of the quality. And like most quilters, I love to 'touch' the fabric & dream a little of how a piece would look in a future project.

Thanks for sharing - have a blessed day w/all your quilts filled w/love.

sharoney

I buy mostly online, but I do try to support my LQS, cause there's only one and I'd hate to lose her. But I can get quality fabric online cheaper and usually free shipping, so it makes it hard.

MTS

Someone yesterday was looking for a specific fabric and had never before shopped online - here's the post (and check out the one after) I replied back to her:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-113085-1.htm#2935354
That's a start. You're going to have to educate yourself on what you like and what you want to spend.

There are many threads already about favorite online shops so I'm not going to rehash that. You can search them yourself. Sometimes the lowest price stores don't have the best selections. Sometimes. ;-)

But many do allow 1/4" yard cuts if you're looking for a wide selection but just want a sampling. I personally don't buy "collections" because it's not my taste, but go do some browsing, get on email lists so you will be notified when are sales and free shipping offers.

Do order from http://Hancocks-paducah.com (not the hancock fabric stores) at least once so you can get on their mailing list and get a catalog. Love, love those catalogs. Great way to find out about new collections, but also great to have for the staples - blenders, batiks, etc.

Also, ebay is a great source of fabrics. Worth perusing to see what's available - both brand new fabrics and fabrics from sellers destashing. And - just use your noggin when buying and make sure you read the descriptions - don't just look at the picture. If the description doesn't answer your questions, ask the Seller or move on to the next listing.

Here are two more that I've recently purchased from that have great prices:
http://www.thousandsofbolts.com/index.cfm one yard minimum but really cheap prices
http://fabricshack.com/

Enjoy!

ghostrider

I buy 95% of my fabric locally, but I have not seen prices anywhere near as high as some of you are quoting. I am blessed with a wide selection of local shops...'local' being within an hour's drive...and I will continue to support them.

I value the personal interaction, the mutual interest, and the supportive relationships I have built with the owners and staff of these businesses. That, to me, is worth paying a bit extra and always will be. We share so much more than a love of fabric. :oops:

Great-great granny

THANKS SO MUCH MTS - your suggestions will be very helpful I'm sure. I'll 'save' the links to ck. out later.

Happy quilting

karenpatrick

I have started buying more online as my favorite quilt shop is 4 hours from my home (Lolly's in Shipshewana, IN). There is a nice little shop in Shelbyville, IL that I visit once a year when dh and I go to Lake Shelbyville for Labor Day weekend, little boing the operative word here. Not much selection. I buy some at Joann's, but only the premium stuff. I'm starting to buy a lot online as I have no other choice.

Becky Crafts

I buy about 50/50 online & locally. It depends on what I'm looking for. I shop color/print first, then price. We have a big JoAnn's & one LQS that I know of nearby. I shop at both as well as e-bay, here on the board & online. Have an order at Nancy's Notions right now for a kit I wanted.