quiltstringz

Most of our shops are ranging in the $11-$13/yd range for cottons and more for batiks. We are lucky in that Fabric Fanatics (all batiks) is in our area and I believe they are currently at $9.75 for current fabrics and around $7ish for closeout/older fabrics.

mckwilter

The cost of the backing will kill you every time if you use the designer fabric. I have found that the wide back white or cream muslin works fine with just about every quilt I make. If I want a darker fabric, I buy a Kona cotton solid from Hobby Lobby for $5 a yard.

mckwilter

The unions destroyed the fabric production industry in the US, as they have done with automaking and steel making. It's not the hourly wage that is so exhorbitant, but the bennies and retirement plans that put such a burden on the manufacturer.

However, this forum is not for political opinions, so I will get off my soapbox and continue reading.

Skratchie

I use muslin on a lot of my quilts for backing too. I buy the 108" by the bolt from Joann's with 50% off coupons, which makes it about $6.50 a yard.

orangeroom

I was shocked recently when my total was rung up. I think it was ~$12/yd for the fabric I purchased. The good thing is I could piece and quilt to my heart's content with all the fabric I already have! See, I don't need to purchase anymore fabric. Ever.

Jeanne S

My LQS prices are usually $11.95 and have been for awhile-- hope that large of an increase isn't on the short term horizon!!

katier825

It runs $12-14 in my area too. That's why I do most of my shopping either in the clearance or online. As much as I would prefer to give the money to a LQS, I can't afford to spend that much, but am not ready to give up my hobby. I do shop local for thread and patterns sometimes.

Lori S

I too have seen the 13.99 price a lot lately at my Local shop... that and the almost 10 percent tax .... OUCH! I remember when prices moved past the $5.00 mark and thought this is getting expensive... But I can also remember $1.25 for cottons... but back then 100 percent cotton fabric was not popular.

Skratchie

I'm not sure if other LQS are this expensive, or just this one. I was at another LQS that's further away a couple weeks ago and I don't recall seeing prices quite that high, though there were many $12-13/yd bolts. I love to support the locals but it's cheaper for me to buy fabric online, even at $10.75/yd when shipping is free. Considering the number of yards it takes to make a quilt, I end up buying a good bit of fabric online.

crafty pat

I am so afraid they are about to price themselves right out of business. As long as I can buy by catalog or on line cheaper that is where I am buying. I love going to the shops and seeing and feeling the fabric I buy but I can only buy what I can afford. When it gets up to 13 or more I will walk away. Thank goodness for my huge stash.