Originally Posted by Jennie and Me

Ashley, I'm so sorry that you seriously aren't supported in your hand quilting. And you're right, I think that all of the stores go where the money is and the money is in the machine quilting....faster turn around= selling more fabric and quilting supplies.
May I just add that I so admire anyone who does hand quilting. I've never tried it, but keep thinking that I will. I, like the majority, want fast results, so I got a long-arm. Sometimes I feel that we all need to slow down and enjoy the quilting process a little more instead of hurrying through it.
Please show us some of your work. I, for one, would love to see it.

Originally Posted by butterflies5518

My favorite LQS is where I learned to hand quilt - it is a small store owned by Mrs/Mr but I get all the attention I can ask for. I am so sorry that you encountered a group that did not think beyond their machines.

Originally Posted by bearisgray

It is practically impossible for one shop to have everything for everyone.

Hope you can find a place that supports your passion.

Originally Posted by BluegrassGurl

I want an "Aunt Becky" too. Where did you get yours?

Originally Posted by EIQuilter

I'm really sorry you feel that way about shopping at a LQS. My guess is that they have to base their in-store items on what they think will sell best, and if the last quilt show I attended is any indication, not many people are hand quilting any longer. I think the fact that they offered to order an Aunt Becky for you is a sign they are willing to support your interests. But from a business standpoint, if only one person in 500 (I'm just throwing that number out - it's not statistically reliable!) wants one, it doesn't make a lot of sense for them to keep them in stock.

I like an LQS that is willing to do what they can to accommodate the buyer. Last year I was looking for two Fairy Frost fabrics - my LQS didn't have those two colors, but she offered to order them for me, even though she knew I planned to buy only one yard of each. As it turns out, I bought three yards of each, so I felt better about it, but for all I know, the rest of each bolt is still sitting on her shelf.

I do love Connecting Threads - I've ordered from them in the past and been very happy. Recently I ordered a large ruler, and when it came, it was broken (the packing left something to be desired!), but they immediately sent me a new one at no extra charge and, if I remember correctly, I didn't have to pay for the return shipping on the broken one. It's a great company!

Originally Posted by LyndaOH

I think it really depends on your LQS. One shop near me does longarm quilting but also supports hand quilters, including having one staff member who is available to help those of us who are learning, at no charge. They carry supplies for both machine and hand quilting.

The other shop in the area is set in a historic village and very often you go in and they've either got a quilt on their frame with several ladies hand quilting or they are marking a quilt for hand quilting. At the same time, they give all kinds of classes, from hand quilting to machine quilting.

I know that I've bought hand quilting thread from Connecting Threads. I believe it was YLI, but I'm not positive. I see that they only offer YLI silk right now, but maybe they are just out of stock.