If that's actually true, they've lost my mom in the system somewhere. She passed away a few years ago, and I'm StILL getting her coupons. I only buy W&N batting (by the bolt only), rotary cutter blades or fusible interfacing (by the bolt) for my t-shirt quilts when I get a 50% off coupon. Every time I've bought their fabrics it's been a disaster (bleeding, holes in the fabric, etc). I won't buy my Kona cottons there. I know at my store they re-wrap fabric on bolt ends that aren't actually for that fabric (and yes, I've seen them do it), so I don't trust that I'm actually getting true Kona.

I shop at ANY store that sells fabric by touch. I feel them all! I shop with my 1 year old granddaughter and she is very much a touch and feel person, too, so we are continuing that tradition!

I always buy my fabrics with these ideas in mind; that I may have a few damaged spots (especially from the sale or remnants section); that the sizing WILL be washed out before I cut the fabric; the color in my minds eye is seldom accurate, but I do know what color/feel I don't like; and last but not least, what ever I buy will eventually be used! I just recently cut into a 2 yard piece of fabric that my Great Grand Mother purchased when I was born. My GD loves the new little outfit and when she outgrows it, we will save it for her. (that tradition thing again)

I love when I find a true fabric/sewing/quilting brick and mortar store, but the biggest reason I love going to Joanns and other "Variety Stores" is that they sell OTHER stuff too! Yarn, crafting thread, home decor material, off the wall patterns, books, art supplies, etc. Just 2 weeks ago, found a wonderful "Sewing Room on Wheels" set for an awesome price. My sewing machine is loving it's new stylish storage and my daughter "inherited" my old wheeled tote for her Singer. This particular item, I've never seen on the web, at any site!

Since I sew clothing as well as quilts, if a fabric turns out unsuitable for one, it's usually ok for the other!

PS, I also buy at fabric.com, their descriptions are brief but seem to be accurate. and once you are on their mailing list, they send out loads of "sale" options.

I shop at Joanns only if I am desperate or doing a charity quilt that I can't afford to spend a lot of money on. They do have some good items. It depends on what you are looking for. If a have a 50% off coupon and I need replacement blades or a new ruler, it is cheaper there than any other place I know of. Unfortunately, there is one remaining local quilt shop near me and their fabric, while wonderful, it not cheap. I go there is there is something special I need. We just had our other one close about 3 months ago. I think buying on line, which I do a lot of, has really cut into the sales at local places; Sad to say.

Joann shopping...not as often as I used too but I still love to go and rummage thru their clearance aisle...which seems to be getting smaller each time. Last trip there...I found a whole set of BOM...all twelve blocks, finishing pack and binding all clearances. Blocks were 3.97 ea., don't remember prices on other parts, but much less than reg. price. Has anyone ever tried one of their BOMs? I did one other one and found it to be accurately cut........so I will try this one....probably if I were to add everything up the cost is still high, but it's a no brainier to do...and some days that's what we all need.....

Joann's today is definitely not the Joann's of yesterday, but then what is the same as it was......

I have a love-hate relationship with said store. There is usually a wait to get fabric cut, then you have to wait in line again to pay! At any rate I still shop there. I like when their red tag fabric is on sale for 50% off. You can find their premium quilt fabrics which are fine for $3 a yard. Great for backing. I also by thread and batting using either the 40% or 50% off coupons.

I was told that you have to be a frequent customer and get your mailer scanned each time or you would be dropped from that and only get the post cards. The postcards are a brilliant merchandizing trick. You go into the store planning to use the coupons only to find the desired item is on sale in the mailer for 20 or 30% off making the coupon unusable. One store clerk said this even happened to her.

I usually only buy notions when on sale (40% - 50% off) like blades, new cutters, pins, some rulers, books, magazines. Every once in a while (like Black Friday) I get some fabric - mostly the flannel that they have on sale to back baby quilts. Also batting when it is on sale.

I can't afford LQS fabric, it's just too expensive for my budget, so everything comes from joann's, walmart, etc.

You can get Joanne's coupons online. I get them frequently even though I don't shop there very much.