How does Connecting Thread sell so inexpensively?
03-23-2012, 07:37 AM
#51
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Chili, New York (Rochester)
Posts: 1,147
I think their fabric is thin and grainy and I no longer buy from them. I bought once from them and never again. I buy from www.ThousandsofBolts.com because they have beautiful brand-name fabric like Moda, Kaufman, Fassett, etc., and I love the quality. They may be older prints but I don't care. Their selection is HUGE!! Also knowing production of fabric has been moved out of the US doesn't make me at all happy. I know a lot is made outside, but when a company specifically moves out to go to foreign production, I'm out for good.
CT has moved production of fabric out of the US, so that has kept costs down. I'm not particularly thrilled with the quality of fabric or thread, but you get what you pay for in that sense. Any business that doesn't have store fronts will be able to have lower costs than a brick and mortar establishment.
03-23-2012, 08:33 AM
#52
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,812
I am with you 100%! I know when I go my LQS I will get a personable smile and thank you from behind the counter. I get the one on one that is really important to me. The other day I wanted to know about a particular sundress pattern and they looked online for the yardage etc. after I gave them the site and what to look for. They did the surfing and searching while I shopped. It was great! Money is tight everywhere, but I plan my purchases around their sales, and they will order what I need or am looking for and bring it in for me. I run errands anyway, so the gas money to go a few blocks out of the way is no big deal. I do not like paying shipping, which is why I will shop Nancy's Notions and other shops online that offer this with actual codes or purchasing a small amount. Just as other online stores do, my LQS sends emails and fills me in when sales are coming up in the future-I can plan and budget for it. My LQS sells quality fabrics and thread, the same notions, books, and patterns as elsewhere in addition to hard to find items, and give back with their friendly service and knowledge. I have used Connecting Threads, and so far have been pleased, but hands down in my opinion does not compare to a LQS.
I'm with Mary.
One afternoon, a worker at my LQS spent over an hour with me helping me audition backgrounds for my (poorly chosen) main fabrics. She didn't tell me to start over because my choices weren't the best but helped me with good nature. Granted it was slow but her attention was really appreciated. When I decided to scrap it and start over, she was there to help me again. This is what I love about using an LQS.
And I especially like it when they point me to another shop when my main shop doesn't carry, or isn't inclined to order, fabric choices that I need.
And...the prices aren't always higher than on-line. For example, I wanted to buy a brand of pins that aren't readily available just anywhere on line. When I priced them from the vendors on line and added in shipping, it was cheaper to buy them at the LQS.
I know not everybody can afford to patronize the LQS but, if you can, please reserve at least a portion of your spending for the local little guy.
Off my soapbox - I know I didn't answer your question about CT. I've never used them. Sorry.
One afternoon, a worker at my LQS spent over an hour with me helping me audition backgrounds for my (poorly chosen) main fabrics. She didn't tell me to start over because my choices weren't the best but helped me with good nature. Granted it was slow but her attention was really appreciated. When I decided to scrap it and start over, she was there to help me again. This is what I love about using an LQS.
And I especially like it when they point me to another shop when my main shop doesn't carry, or isn't inclined to order, fabric choices that I need.
And...the prices aren't always higher than on-line. For example, I wanted to buy a brand of pins that aren't readily available just anywhere on line. When I priced them from the vendors on line and added in shipping, it was cheaper to buy them at the LQS.
I know not everybody can afford to patronize the LQS but, if you can, please reserve at least a portion of your spending for the local little guy.
Off my soapbox - I know I didn't answer your question about CT. I've never used them. Sorry.
03-23-2012, 08:54 AM
#53
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
CT has moved production of fabric out of the US, so that has kept costs down. I'm not particularly thrilled with the quality of fabric or thread, but you get what you pay for in that sense. Any business that doesn't have store fronts will be able to have lower costs than a brick and mortar establishment.
03-23-2012, 11:43 AM
#54
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
There is no US manufacturer left to make fabric. If you know of fabric that is produced in the US please let me know.
The last mill closed a couple years ago.
This is where CT gets their products manufactured. http://www.kaltex.com
Last edited by BellaBoo; 03-23-2012 at 11:46 AM.
03-23-2012, 11:51 AM
#55
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 112
There is no US manufacturer left to make fabric. If you know of fabric that is produced in the US please let me know.
The last mill closed a couple years ago.
This is where CT gets their products manufactured. http://www.kaltex.com
The last mill closed a couple years ago.
This is where CT gets their products manufactured. http://www.kaltex.com
03-23-2012, 04:54 PM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Posts: 421
I have purchased kits from them in the past and have been a little disappointed in the quality/feel of the fabric. It just has a coarser feel to it. I try to support a quilt shop at the coast (where we have a second home) because she gives the local quilters a discount on fabric. I know that she is always there to answer questions for me too. Our local quilt shop owners need all the support they can get.
03-24-2012, 11:33 AM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sheffield vlg Ohio
Posts: 2,299
seems to me they have there prices so EVERYONE can pretty well afford to buy from them. Always thought if you have lower prices in the long run you will have more people buying there for more profit.
03-25-2012, 06:32 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sunny AZ
Posts: 570
I am in complete agreement with all those who have said please spend your money at your LQS. When each of these mom-and-pop stores has been put out of business by online companies, where will we go to touch fabric, ask questions, take classes and meet like-minded women? I have nothing against CT or any other company, but just be aware that you are voting with your wallet each time you make a purchase, and it is a real shame to be putting small business owners out of business. I do understand if you are 90 miles from a LQS and need to use the internet, but for the rest of us, let's try to support our local small businesses.
03-25-2012, 01:59 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
[This sounds good in theory, but I make all my quilts to give away, and I can't afford to do this when I have to pay $11-$12 a yard. I can get equally nice fabric for under $5 online. Paying LQS prices for much fabric is just not a wise use of my money.
QUOTE=Gabrielle's Mimi;5089028]I am in complete agreement with all those who have said please spend your money at your LQS. When each of these mom-and-pop stores has been put out of business by online companies, where will we go to
QUOTE=Gabrielle's Mimi;5089028]I am in complete agreement with all those who have said please spend your money at your LQS. When each of these mom-and-pop stores has been put out of business by online companies, where will we go to
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