Barb in Louisiana

This is the perfect way to handle this. I've learned that most often people really don't mean to hurt or humiliate you, but if you carry the grudge & the hurt, then they hang around your neck like a big chain. Hold your head up, march right in & enjoy yourself sewing. At some point, make sure you get clarification from the owners or the clerk, regarding the issue of paying. Perhaps some of the other sewers have arranged a tab & pay monthly?

pattis47

I believe the clerks' behavior was unacceptable. In today's economy, they should be more thankful you are there. I too don't like confrontation. However, I have learned to speak with my wallet (credit card). When I am treated poorly, I just don't return. Eventually the shop owner will call to see if "I am alright". My $20.00 - 40.00 purchase weekly doesn't seem like much at the time. But, when your shop is short $150.00 a month for 1 customer it makes a difference. (If it happened to you, it probably happened to others, multiply that and it adds up at the end of the month). Her call to check on me or ask if I am joining the new group gives me the opportunity to discuss the situation calmly after I have overcome my feelings. I very much like going to the shops to actually see and touch the fabrics, however I have started shopping online recently and have not been disappointed with my purchases. The thing I miss is the friendship I have made sitting and stitching. I have invited several of the ladies to my home to sit, chat, and stitch. This summer I made a simple salad and iced tea for lunch. With winter coming a hot bowl of soup with some crusty rolls or bread make a nice treat. Just my thoughts.

ksea

Even if you weren't a regular, this was completely out of line. The clerk should be schooled in using good people skills. With things like this happening they are going to have a hard getting regular clients.

farmer623

If you don't like face to face confrontation, maybe you could write a note to the owner and describe how you were humiliated. Writing always makes me feel better.

MerryQuilter

Occasionally a LQS just does not seem to get the business aspect of running a shop. I took a large quilt in to choose a border and the clerk said "not my colors" there are enough shops around so I will not be shopping there again. Not the first time similar attitude was shown. Don't get it.

DA Mayer

I have been on both sides of the fence and I think the gal may have felt comfortable to call you across the parking lot, she may have been under pressure for not getting payment before, and maybe she couldn't leave the shop to come out to you. I think if you like her just ask her, I have done acts that I didn't realize offended someone until they told me or someone else pointed it out, so please give her the benefit of the doubt. Chalk it up to bad timing, bad day and maybe with your busy schedule you missed the information about payment when you signed up. Keep up the good work, I went back to college to further my education when I was 40 and I know how stressful that period can be.

Tinabodina

I understand exactly how you feel. If that happened to me I would be just as if not more, upset. My problem is that after I get over the hurt, I get mad. In order to be the better person, I find I tend to stay away. I would definately call the owner/manager before my anger set in. So sorry this happened.

jitkaau

I think the only way to handle this is to speak to the person concerned, about how you feel. Use lots of "I" statements and ask her to assist you as to how you can feel more comfortable in the situation.Then ask the owner to explain the 'rules' to you more carefully, so that you can't have the same misunderstanding again. If you don't speak up, the people will continue with their bad behaviour and you will continue to feel lousy. You don't have to be their best friend - you just need to have a working relationship with them.

bigsister63

Do not let one incident stop you from shopping at this LQS if is usually helpful and carries fabric that you like. You should talk to the owner or sales clerk to get a verification of the "rules" for the group. Perhaps the clerk was wrong. Every one else has probably forgot or did not notice this incident so hold you head high and go back into the store and your meeting.

bearisgray

These comments seem to make the most sense to me.

Is this person USUALLY nice to you? Do you want to get the rest
of the blocks?