unfortunately with all of the rising costs, and stores barely staying above water now, things are going to be rougher. They estimate that one in four shops will close before June this year. They used to estimate that one in ten would close in any given year....going to be tough on those of you who are used to having a shop at your finger tips...here in rural OK we don't have any real shops very close, so the internet will still be our best bet! Much as I hate it...and I miss being able to walk into a shop and take classes, etc...

One LQS I frequent has nice fabric and I have spent quite a bit of money (to me anyway) there this winter. My issue is that in all of the times I have been there, I have yet to see the same employees. Some are nice and helpful, some are overly helpful, one had a superior attitude when I asked about sales. I was told they don't need sales because their fabric will sell anyway. One wouldn't stop talking about anything and everything except my purchase and I couldn't get away from her to get out of the store. One day one was waiting on me and was about to start cutting my fabric. I already had it on the cutting table and she was there to cut it. Then a customer came in to buy a used sewing machine and my saleslady left me standing around while she showed the other customer all of the used machines and demonstrated them for her. There was another salesperson in the shop who wasn't busy, but didn't even step in to help me. All of this time (at least 30 min.)my DH was waiting for me in the car which I did mention to the first saleslady. When she finally came back to cut my fabric, she did apologize but really had the attitude that to her it wasn't a big issue as long as she was able to sell a machine. I get the feeling that the owner (she owns more than one store and runs the shop that is in a town five hours away) isn't into customer service because there is no way to get to know anyone. I think if the employees change so often that I only see them once, how can they invest in getting to know the customers in order to give good service. Well, that was my vent for a long time to come. I promise :) I still shop there because there aren't that many places nearby to purchase fabric. I just hope for the best when I go there.

I would have told her to finish with me first as the other lady did come in after you AND apparently had more time to spend in the shop...wow,,that did take nerve...

For me, going to a quilt store is a treat. I LOVE to look at the colors, fabrics, get inspiration, and yes - buy something that keeps the business going and me happy. When it stops being fun (and it is not something I can fix) then I stop going. I may find an alternative (different store or different group) even if it means driving a bit further.

You say that money is tight, so maybe you are looking at the situation with a different filter. Maye it's time to further the skills you already have. Then you can show us and we will be your support. We won't make you use thangles.

I taught at a local shop for a short time, stopped because the owner forced me to design classes that required the quilters to constantly buy new products. I feel it is very unfair, I understand they have expenses, but to increase the cost of a class &fabric an additional $30. Or $40. Is wrong.


After 6 months, I could not continue under those conditions, so I withdrew.

A footnote, she was open for about another yr, & ended up loosing the store.

Well said!

I can just picture your giddy DH! Blessings on your pregnancy!