Jane3

I thought the price of cotton was going down - so shouldn't it be reflected in the stores?? Or am I just dreaming??

labtechkty

Looks like I will be making a goodwill run....lol

crzy4qults

i think we might have to go back to the 1930's and 40''s get some chickens and sell the eggs and use the money to buy our fabric lol lol ha ha he he

JUNEC

I love coupons - there are a lot of on-line stores that have good sales - with great shipping

jcrow

When I decided to really "get into" quilting, I went crazy and spent $$$$ on so many different fabric lines. Well, now I'm plum full of fabric so I don't buy very often, but when I do, I pay what the online stores and LQS offers. I've given away fabric lines to get rid of "my obsession" so I don't feel so guilty. Gave a newbie here a $189 quilt kit. I have sooooo many kits and know I'll never ever get around to doing them. I sent some kits to a gal in Germany and a gal in Russia and then realized that they probably don't read english and that the instructions were useless. The gal from Russia was so excited to get some Moda fabric and she said she would find a pattern that would work with the fabric I sent her. I have two more kits if someone wants to pay $16.40 for shipping.

crzy4qults

jean can u post pic of the kits

Emjay

Yes! I've noticed this jump in the LQS AND on line as well. I shop and look for good buys. My good stash which I bought at cheaper prices are going to last me for awhile. The quilting shops are going to run themselves out of business. The price increases are too drastic.

missionslady

I was at JoAnn's yesterday for the first time in months and happened to see this beautiful bird fabric that would be perfect to make my aunt a quilt, however the price was $12.99 a yard. It was some of their better quilter's cotton. I had a 40% coupon I could use on one piece, but to get the coordinating pieces, that was the price--no sale. With gas so high and living on the other side of town, when would I be back over that way? So-o, I paid the price because it was exactly what I was hoping to find, one of those 'you'll know it when you see it' things, and it was a gift for my aunt. But I am thankful for every yard of fabric I have accumulated over the years now, as I can't pay these prices on a regular basis. My LQS has frequent sales and puts fabric on clearance, so when I shop there, I usually limit myself to what is on sale or clearance. I've bought fabric on-line too, but unless you buy enough to get free shipping, that can become high too. Nice when you can get a couple quilty friends to go in with you in placing an order so that all enjoy the benefits of free shipping!

justflyingin

From what I've read people in the NE USA make a lot more money that many other parts of the US. So, for people from your part of the US to pay that much results in a lot fewer sacrifices than someone say, from TX or FL to pay that much for fabric.

I personally feel no obligation to "give my money to a shop to keep it in business". My money, I believe, is mine to keep "my family afloat". After I've met my obligations to my family, then I can hand out my money to anyone I want as I please--whether a foreign charity or local quilt shop. I suppose it all depends on how much you believe in keeping expensive stores (or restaurants) in business in your community. If enough people want it, then it will stay in business, but if not, then it will all head out on line.

Here in Poland, when communism first went by the wayside, everyone thought that in order to make a bunch of money all they needed to do was open up a little store--and of course, charge high retail--no discounts or sales or promotions. Thankfully, over time, little by little, we've been getting discount grocery stores and supermarkets and sales and even some loyalty programs and a few coupons. It has helped us. Yes, many have complained about the demise of the little shops, but since many of the owners knew nothing about free market and keeping customers happy, I say, without too many hard feelings or sorrow.."goodbye".

Not to say that your LQS owner doesn't know how to be nice, etc, but obviously if the local people do not want to spend the money or have enough extra money to spend on expensive fabrics, then the stores will have to go out of business. With the upswing of the internet business, probably courier service would be a great place to invest (at least here in Poland it would be.)

Jennja

These are the prices we pay for quilting fabric in Australia - good quality. This is why I shop on line - even with the high cost of postage from the US it still works out cheaper. Also get the travelling kiddo's to buy Batiks from Bali when they are there.