*Note* Comments are now closed. Winners announced on 4/24/11 post.
Cal and Just One More Thing
Last week I received an interesting Anonymous comment.
Originally I was going to write up a post thanking my anonymous commenter {aka AC} for their comment.
It certainly opened a can of worms in my mind. I read flickr and twitter on the topic.
But first here's the comment:
"The quality of Joann's is just not the quality of Moda. The fabric designs are cute, but your local quilt shop has great fabrics by great designers too! Check out Denyse's fabrics at your LQS!! "
There are several thoughtful issues.
First of all, Why did Denyse Schmidt choose to release her designs with JoAnn's?
I'd say "to make a living".
IDK, I like the prints. I will buy them where ever they are sold!
{Do you see anyone getting up in arms that April Cornell (formerally/currently with Moda) and
Debbie Mumm are found at JoAnn's now? nope}
AC also suggested I look for Denyse Schmidt at my local quilt shop...
Hmm....
I traveled 72 miles one way on Friday to a local quilt shop (JEllen's House of Fabric),
which then begs the questions...
How local is local?
Shouldn't it be "within driving distance quilt shop" aka WDDQS?
Wouldn't it have been more cost efficient to buy online and pay shipping?
With gas being $3.88 a gallon here...
It cost me at least $23 to drive round trip to one of my WDDQS's !!
It was worth my time and money.
{Joyce, thanks for the lovely fabric and Kate Spain sneak peek...you rock!}
But honestly, 72 miles one way....I just can't do that every week.
Third AC, the quality of this fabric is near the same as Moda (sorry it just is).
My suspicion is that JoAnn's, having been bought by venture capitalists that own Whole Foods, is trying to gain a market share in the premuim quality fabrics, and keep with the overall concept of the companies that represent the venture capitalists. {whew that's complicated}
I could really go on and on and on.
Instead, I decided to share my Denyse Schmidt loot.
It occurred to me from reading the threads on flickr that there are many that don't have LJS's (local JoAnn store) or their JoAnn simply didn't get the fabric.
Would you like to win a fat 16th bundle of Denyse Schmidt's 21 new JoAnn fabrics?
A fat 16th is 9" X 11".
If you leave me a comment I will stop using all these acronyms like LQS, LJS, WDDQS, IDK or AC.
Promise.
Just leave me a comment....
What's your favorite website for quilt fabric or favorite "within driving distance quilt shop".
If you shop online, give me your fave website.
I'll randomly select 2 winners on April 24th.
321 comments:
1 – 200 of 321 Newer› Newest»I go to Joann's a lot for fabric, it is the only place that is super close to me, so can definitely relate to what you are saying. I have also bought fabric from craft warehouse.
I'd love to make the fabric comparison between this and what I get from online stores.
I only shop online; I really love Pink Chalk Fabrics for their service.
My LQS is 30 minutes, my LJS is 1.75 hours away. My shop of immediacy is Hobby Lobby - yeah, not the greatest, but the fabric isn't that terrible. I shop online on Etsy and FatQuarterShop and Joann's and really, anyone who has the fabric I want at a decent price.
I like shopping on Ebay for fabrics. Sometimes you can find really great deals.
we are lucky to have three LQS (within 3 miles of home) and a Joann's. I buy fabric also online but no one specific store. I can't seem to always find all that I want at one store.
My LQS IS my LJS...and it is 45 minutes away! So, nearly all my fabric shopping is done on-line, at places like Etsy, Ebay, or online stores.
I wore clothes, own quilts, have curtains, pillows, and seat covers, and generally used JoAnn/Wal-Mart fabric my whole life. Guess what?!?!? IT WORKS!
I wished I had a JoAnn close to me, but I actually have to jump over the "pond" to get there! Live in Norway, Europe. And I wished I knew about these fabrics when I was in the US one week ago! What a bummer! But I'm happy to have a little chance to win them here! :-)
I buy fabrics at JoA's if I find some I like, otherwise I go to quiltshops. Don't buy much online, and to get to my LQS, I have to drive 50km one way!
My LQS doesn't really stock fabric that matches my taste. I mostly end up shopping online.
I see no reason why good design has to be so exclusive. Why not make it accessible to greater numbers of people? We see this all the time in home goods stores these days... why not fabric, too?
Wow, thank you! My local JoAnn store just closed. A super JoAnn is going to open but it just won't be as close to my house as the one that closed down. Hum my favorite local fabric store would have to be Wooden Gate quilts in Danville, CA.
I am lucky to have 3-4 LQS within 10-15 minutes of where I live. I also have a LJS about 20 minutes away. I shop online for fabric and any place I can find what I am looking for. Thanks for the chance to win some gorgeous fabric!
Well I'm off today to check out what all the buzz it about at JoAnn's. But I will stick with my favorite quilt shop, Quilter's Garden in Anaheim California (though it's a long drive so I can't visit too often). It's a lovely shop. I do use Fatquartershop.com quite a bit as well, but I found a retailer on eBay (eadishman2hgq) who has great prices on Moda precuts, especially charm packs.
I had to laugh at your post, how I wish I COULD drive to a quilt shop!! I live in France and fabric shops are few and far between, as for quilting my two nearest fabric shops (about an hour a way) have a little corner dedicated to quilting, they have 100% quilting fabric but not Moda. Your anon should be grateful they can get to a shop to buy fabric. As for getting it cheap, these days most people are on a budget - I look on ebay and buy all my fabric on line, most of the time from America because even with the postage it works out cheaper than anything I can buy here. I wait until FQS (my favourite shop) has a sale then buy as much as I can. Thanks for being generous with your find...not sure if you would send to France but wanted to say how it is in my part of the World. Linda
I actually like you using acronyms (well, when they are explained somewhere) :)
I don't have any LQS here, there are some fabric stores that carry wool but I personally don't like quilting with them. Of course, I could just order things in my own home country but fabric here is actually far more expensive then ordering in the US, paying immensely high postage plus customs. That and the choices are so much better over there!
I usually order from the Fat Quarter Shop or when they don't have what I am looking for I am browsing Etsy.
I am very lucky to have at least 7 LQS within a 30 minute drive (one-way) and also 2 Joann's. We are also getting a Hobby Lobby soon! But, even with 7 LQS, they are all pretty small and carry a limited selection, and they all seem to have found their "niche" - one is great for Civil War Repro's, one has a great selection of novelties, one specializes in batiks, etc. So, when I want something like DS or most any Moda, I shop online - usually at FatQuarterShop. Thanks for the chance to win!
I think that there are fabric types for everyone and every project. Of course, there are differences in quality from fabric to fabric, but Joann's often has very cute things and of high quality, also! I have no qualms about buying from Joann's...but also love shopping online.
This is fun....lol. On line so far; because I don;t shop on line as a rule..but my favorite is Joannes...who would have guessed...lol local is The FabricCupboard..in Moncton, NB, Canada....
I imagine that Ms. Schmidt wanted to expand the customers exposed to her designs and possibly help the chain improve the quality of their product. There are plenty of people that can't afford LQS prices or don't live close to one. My closest LJS is 250 miles away by air and the only remaining LQS doesn't carry anything Moda or modern. I do almost all my shopping online with Fabric.com or Etsy.
Love this post...I've been reading with interest all the back and forth on Twitter on this issue. Honestly, I think Denyse Schmidt is a genius to market her new line to Joann's...and it sounds like it is of amazing quality.
Unlucky for me I made the $25 round trip to the nearest Joann's only to find out there was no DS in the house. I shop WDDQS when I'm in Las Vegas or St. George for another reason...other than that I shop on-line...shipping is lots cheaper than gas! I love several shops...seems they each have their own "niche" in the on-line fabric world.
So that's my two cents worth! Hope you have a great day!
Great giveaway! Our local Joann is our go-to source for fabric. We have a couple of very small quilt shops within a half hour but they don't have many of the more modern designers.
Hi Vickie. I don't have JoAnn's but my sister does and my DS Quilt fabric arrived today. It's fine quality. At $10/yard it should be! I e-mailed Denyse to make sure it's really hers, and yes it is and by the way, she says she did it to break into a new audience. Now if we're all buying it up, that won't be easy. :) Not sure what her contract is like with Free Spirit, but I know nothing I've had would allow me to do that with a different fabric company. Which begs the question -- is she still with Free Spirit?!?
I would love to buy more locally, but very little that I want is available. I shop mainly online, and price is the motivator so I spread my spending among about 10 different shops-always looking at the sale items first!
We don't have JoAnns in Hawaii-I need to fly 2500 miles to get to one! So thank you for sharing-my only other choice is to find some Etsy sellers which I have. But some are really asking dearly-I've seen FQ for 4.99!
I am blessed to have wonderful LQS, WDDQS and a LJS within 20minutes of my home (no DQ fabric yet). I still like to shop online. So convenient. Will try never to be a AC as it must be frustrating to respond. Thanks for the chance to win. nanasew at gmail dot com
Interesting, I didn't think to look at quilt fabric when I was at JoAnn's last week to get fabric for patching a pair of work pants. I'll have to check this out!
For local quilt shops, I am blessed to have many within an hour's drive of me. My favorite is the Quilting Loft in Ballard, a neighborhood in North Seattle.
For online shops, I <3 the FatQuarterShop.com. :)
I like Green Fairy Quilts online--her selection isn't huge, but her prices are fantastic. For anything she doesn't have I go to The Fat Quarter Shop.
I like to shop at my LQS, about 20 miles from home, but do buy a lot of fabrics online from various vendors. Whoever has the best price!
Interesting! I have a new fave online shop weekly, it seems - can't pick just one to post here. Reading all these blogs gets expensive!
My fave LQS withing driving distance ... I have 2 - Flying Geese and Calico House - approx 10 and 20 miles, respectively, from home.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some of this great fabric - hope you pick me or I'll have to schedule a visit to Joann (2 within 5 miles of home).
Im from Norway, so we dont have a lot of quiltshops to choose from. And its really expensive! I can get it half the price from a webshop in US (incl taxes...) So I do a lot of fabricshopping online, I think my favorites must be Fat Quater Shop or Green Fairy Quilts. But I also sop everywhere there is a sale! And Im always happy with the fabrics I get.
I love these DS fabrics, hope Im lucky this time :o)
Local, you ask, ha ha, there is nothing close to me. It's an hour to Joann's and it's a small at that. LQS, another hour and it stocks what I all old lady fabrics...my mom and her friends like it though. Another 15 and if I am lucky the randomly open other LQS, may be ....gasp....open and have what I am looking for. My true favorite shop is 3hours away and with a toddler and a newborn, there's no way I'm making that trip anytime soon. Wow, I sound cranky, maybe I need to win some beautiful fabric to cheer me up :)
I feel your pain, my LQS doesn't carry awesome designers like Kate Spain, Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt, etc. I HAVE to shop online to get anything good. And my closest JoAnn is over an hour away so I have no idea if they have her new line or not, I haven't been able to go look! Thanks for offering up some of the new fabrics, I'd love to get my hands on some :)
My favorite LQS is Always in Stitches, in Noblesville, IN. It's a good 25-minute hike for me, so I have to visit when I can. But I like to shop online at Missouri Quilt Co. or Sew Fresh Fabrics.
This past year I've not bought a lot of fabric. De-Stashing! When I did buy it was online since LQSs do not carry what I wanted.
I think that online shopping at independents is a good way to promote small businesses.
Guess I'll have to take a look through our JoAnns to see if Denise is present.
Hugs,
Gerry
There is no local quilt shop where I live, but I can drive 35 miles to a fabric shop that sells quilting fabric. I used to be able to go there for fun and look around. Now I wait until I need enough fabric to justify the drive.
The designer fabrics are Joann's are about the same cost as they would be at a quilt shop. I bought a piece there the other week and it was nice quality.
I am lucky that the Columbus, OH area has 5 or 6 very nice local quilt shops as well as several JoAnn Fabric stores. I don't discriminate...I shop wherever I can get the best deal for what I want to buy.
Mary
http://www.quiltgenius.com
I split my "time" between Jo-anns's and two local quilt stores. All three have different offerings....where I go depends on what I need and what other errands are near the fabric store.
I did see the DS fabric at my Jo-Anns. I too thought who knew April Cornell has a fabric line at Jo-Anns.
I hope the new owners of Jo-Anns make other quality improvements. More fabric....less "junk".
there isnt really any lqs around me, so i travel 30miles to one, but i dont mind because the service and people are soo friendly, but since i cant go as often as i would like i buy most of my fabric on the Fat quarter shop, they are really nice and have really good prices.
Rachael
i like my lqs, Pieced Together...but they don't always have what i want...i shop at fabricshack on line a lot too! i like these new DS fabrics!!
Thank you for this. In the past, Joann's definately wasn't the quality of 'name' brand fabric. Recently I have noticed more and more bloggers commenting on the fact that they are using it. Although I am very careful with their FQ's, they can be either way, I have been buying there more and more frequently, who would not with a 40% coupon???
My absolute favorite within driving distance though, is the Attic Window in Comstock Park Michigan.
I would SLTW (so love to win)! Just had to do that. My closest LFSs are both 35 minutes away in opposite directions and the closest JFS is an hour away. I buy online, but through several different stores. Thanks for a chance to win.
clever and hysterical post. LOve the sarcasm, seriously, I do.
My favorite LWS is The Calico House in Placentia, CA. My fav online shop is either Burgundy Buttons or Fat Quarter shop.
No JoAnn's near me. :-(
But I do love that red in the fat 16th bundle of Denyse Schmidt's new fabric.
I like to shop at my LQS but local meaning about 45 min away. I can only go there on Saturday because of my work hours and their open hours. I like to see and touch the fabric. I do order online my favorite stores are Burgundy Buttons, Fat Quarter and Green Fairy althought I have run across a few more recently that I like. I pick up some at JoAnns and Hobby Lobby. Really depends on what I am going to do with the quilt as to what fabric and from where that I use.
...well my favorite on line shop is Marmalade Fabrics. And I like Fourth Corner in Bellingham, Washington..
Fun fabric!!
Oh, I definitely buy A LOT of stuff from JoAnns. #1 place to shop. I have had two bad instances with their fabric, but I just know not to buy those particular things now.
1) I ordered some country classic from them, and the quality that I received was HORRIBLE.
2) I bought a baby blanket quilt kit in the store. I spent a lot of time making it. When I washed it before delivering it (thank goodness I did), it fell apart. Not at the seams, the flannel literally detriorated! So sad, and soooooo frustarting.
But I have not had a bad exeriance with anything else. I guess I just choose carefully.
I live out in the country, so the closest store that carries fabric is Walmart. (Sorry, not great quality there, but they fill a niche. There are people who are able to quilt because they can buy inexpensive fabric there.) I can drive 75 or 95 miles round trip to two quilt shops. I stock up when I go!
I don't have a Joann's near by and the closest quilt shop is about 20 minutes away, which isn't that far, but I hate paying almost $10 for a yard of fabric. I shop online, at Fatquatershop or fabricdepot and sometimes ebay.
My LQS is in walking distance and I have 4 more within half hour drive. I also buy online, no favorite place--just who ever has some good deals. I shop at JoAnn's but not usually for fabric that will be used in a quilt, but for crafty stuff.
I totally appreciate your WDDQS reference! My favorite "local" quilt shop is 45 minutes away. The nearest Joann's is 25 minutes. So, yeah, I sometimes just pay the shipping because I know Joann's won't have what I want and I just can't take an hour and a half in driving time alone for a fabric run. Thanks for the chance at these beauties...my Joann's was already sold out when I finally made the trip there. :)
Hi - I'm temporarily in London - pretty far from any LQS....(don't worry, I won't make you ship to London). Like many people, I quilt on a budget, and always have my eye out for fabric on sale - Joanns or otherwise.
I don't have a LQS, well what I call local!
Joann's is so much closer! If I don't order from Fat Quarters Shop on-line then Joann's is where I go!
I haven't been since Denyse Schmidt's new line came out! I am very anxious to see if ours carry it!!!
Thanks for a chance to win!!
I used to shop at Joanns almost exclusively- for the simple reason that the nearest quilt shops were two hours drive away (and in a different state at that!) and Joanns was all we had. Personally, I never had a problem with that. I really miss them now that there isn't one anywhere near where I live... But I do have a couple of little shops about 40-45 minutes away now... So that's good.
I LOVE that fabric and you are so generous to be offering it! My fingers are crossed, hoping you pick my name. It would be perfect for a wallhanging I want to make.
I recently moved and haven't been to my new LQS yet. I was spoiled because I lived in a major metro area and had several JoAnns, LQSs and even a few warehouses in driving distance.
However, for online purchases I love www.lolapinkfabrics.com
Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to win these!
As for the AC, it's people like that that make me not like to admit that I shop at JoAnn's often for fabric & quilting tools. I know LQS are important and need business but most of the time they are out of my price range. I've also gotten the cold shoulder at them but the ladies at my JoAnn's are always nice.
So love the can of worms! Thanks for the blog post. So not only do I have an old-ish lady LQS in town, but my JoAnn's left town (with Wal-mart and other "corporate" reasons) about 8 years ago. So my favorite LQS is over an hour away. But it's Stash in Walla Walla, Wa. These lovely ladies have much of my $.
My favorite online store is Fat Quarter Shop. My LQS, which is dangerously close to my house (about half a mile) is Quilt Crossing in Boise, Idaho. Love them both!
Oh sure, I'll just go to my local fabric shop and.... wait, my local shop doesn't even have DS fabrics? hmmm....
This giveaway is so great! I live on Vancouver Island and I think the "nearest" JoAnns is in Alaska! I would love some of these fabrics :)
Interesting. I have two local quilt shops, but they are very small, don't carry a lot. I shop online at Country Threads in Iowa. The nearest Joanns is about 150 miles away.
I usually end up at WalMart since they are within 20 minutes. Prewashing makes the fabric feel better. I've purchased online from Fabric.com and Burgundy Buttons. Both great.
Wow! I am really sorry that Anonymous decided to unload on you! I have been seeing the Denise Schmidt fabrics on blogs recently, and they make me drool! Unfortunately, my local quilt shop is over 45 minutes away, and my "local" JoAnn's is probably five to ten minutes farther. Sigh...and I drive an old Caddie, not exactly cheap on gas! My favorite online fabric store is Connecting Threads. Thanks for offering your wonderful giveaway! (and don't let the turkeys get you down!)
I love the Quilt Home online shop. They have fantastic fabric and the service is superb!
I would dearly love to win these fabrics from Denyse Schmidt please. We do not have JoAnn's here in Canada and as I don't drive, it is hard for me to get to one, no matter how close or far in the US. Also my LQS. My favourite online store is the Fat Quarter Shop. They always have the latest Moda's but the shipping makes the fabrics pricey sometimes.
Thank you for a chance (I hope) to win some.
I love the WDDQS!! 30 - 40 min to WDDQS, and 30-40 min to LJS (in different directions of course). I like to see what's available and go at least once every 3 months. I do buy on line but don't think I have a favorite. My favorite is who ever has the best sale!! That might be online, WDDQS or LJS - so I guess my favorite is BSQS (Best Sale Quilt Store)
I am very lucky to have 2 very nice quilt shops in my area (20 minutes and less driving distance). I do shop there BUT I shop more often at JoAnn's (even though it is a 40 minute drive) because of those magic coupons !! AND because JoAnn's is in a strip mall and across from another strip mall and also a mile from the major mall is this area ..... so, convenient for other shopping/errands. BUT, for the most convenience, I LOVE shopping any time of day or night (in my jammies or underwear) online at the Fat Quarter Shop or Green Fairy Quilts .
Favorite LQS, Franklin Mill in Franklin, MA, about 25 mi one way. ONE of my fav online stores, Fat Quarter Shop
Everyone needs to make a living--that includes LQS, DS and the people who work at JoAnn as well as all those marvelous online entrepeneurs. Why do we need this either/or all/or nothing thinking?
It's a big ol' world with room for everyone, I hope.
People who live in cities don't understand! We rural Ohio girls have to stick together!
And in all honesty JoAnn has stepped up the quality in some of their cottons -- they still have the cheap stuff, but the name brands are just as good (Alexander Henry, etc).
I buy fabric where I find it, online, at my lqs, etsy - wherever there is a good deal, or a certain fabric I can't get anywhere else. At the end of the day we all want to be at our sewing machines not arguing about where we got our fabric - don't we?
We have 2 LQS and Ben Franklin's within our immediate area, which is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We used to have a JoAnn's, but they closed it. Now we have to travel about an hour an a half to shop at the closest JoAnn's, but since there are two other LQS in that area, we do it. Just not in the winter, since travel can be dicey then. I shop them all, JoAnn's has stuff the others don't and vice versa. Most of the time, I don't use my fabric for quilting, but for other crafts.
I've just started buying fabric online; such a better selection then what we have here in Canada. at least in my part of Canada. I love Joann's; the closest one to me is about an hour south.
My favorite LQS is a short 10minute drive; and you can shop them online www.hamelsfabrics.com
thanx for the chance!
Thanks for the giveaway, Vickie! My Joann's only had the pinky-red dot (which I did buy a yard of). I'm hoping they will get more of it since I really like the blue/aqua fabric. Anyway, my favorite within driving distance quilt shop isn't a quilt shop but more of an all-around fabric store. Colchester Mill Fabrics is the name. I love the room with all the quilting fabric. They pretty much carry everything.
My favorite WDDQS is "Happiness is Quilting" in downtown McKinney, Texas. There is a JoAnn nearby, though...
Love the chance to win some of that beautiful fabric - no matter where it's sold!
I am a JoAnn's shopper. Have been for years. As a wife and mother of a one-income family I had to watch my pennies. If it had not been for JoAnn's I would not have been able to sew. I have only been these last 10 months buying other fabric. Some Moda bought on line and in LQS. For me the farthest shop is 45 miles. I think we all buy what we can and we make what we want. It is not going to matter who is best just who's quilt has loved the most people.
My favorite local quilt shop is Mary's Quilt & Fabric in Snohomish, WA. It's very convenient and I always find something I like! When I'm looking for a specific line I usually check overrainbow.com. Great selection & prices, very fast shipping!
I don't have any problems with designers selling their fabrics wherever they want! I do shop at my local Joann's some of the time -- I do tend to spread my quilting dollars around!
Im lucky to live near a 'big' city in NC-Winston Salem. Once a month I do a cycle I drive at the farthest 15 min away to LQS 1 then LQS 2 then Joanns, then LQS 3 which I unfortunatley have to pass everyday on my way home from work. In fact its on the same road as my neighborhood. I recently discovered what I thought was just a yarn shop is actually LQS 4 between 1 & 2. Oh yeah there are also 2 Hamricks I could add to that route too. So I cant cry. I also love to buy on ebay and etsy the Fat quarter shop, Green Fairy quilts and others. But my Joanns does not have DS.
My favourite shop is close by in the next village. It takes me about 20 minutes to go there. But often I order also by internet and use sales as my budget for fabrics is very limited.
Thanks so much for the give away!
Hello,
I go to Joanns often. Mostly I like to sit and look at patterns. It's a get-out-of-the-house destination. The people who work there are always nice and if you shop carefully you can find some cool things. I suspect Denyse Schmidt is following a trend of designers being featured in stores such as Joanns and Target. Remember Liberty of London at Target? Anyway, great give-away. Thanks.
I used to buy fabric mostly at a local outlet - Mill End Textiles. Having kids meant going to one income and having little/no time to sew, so I've shopped from my stash since then. I'm just really glad I "shoppped ahead" so I have something to choose from!
i shop online a lot...usually hawthorne threads!
My two cents- I live near two LQS's & they are both open mon-sat 10a-5pm. I work mon-fri 8am-5pm, so unless I want to spend my lunch hour shopping for fabric, I have ONE day a week to shop. & that's just dumb. I'm not going to let them dictate my schedule, so I shop online or at Joann/Hobby Lobby. My quilts havent deteriorated to dust yet from using "inferior" fabrics, so I'll keep taking my chances!
Locally I love my folk art quilt store, she carries all of the primitive patterns and fabrics. I always try to buy from the smaller shops and they do have bargain racks, so I can get stash by buying things I like for later use, at half the cost.
Debbie
First yes Moda is like the Cadillac of fabric, nothing else compares to how soft it is, But I am not going to ONLY buy Moda! I buy what I like where I like it, usually wherever there is a good sale going on. I do not enter my quilts into quilt shows, so it doesn't matter. We use and abuse our quilts on a daily basis. So I buy at the LJA, Hobby Lobby, a little bit at Walmart even and we do have a local quilt shop as well. Every shop carries something different so therefore I get different stuff whenever it is on sale. I also like to shop many, many, many different places online too! Sales and customers service along with what I like or am looking for plays a bit part in what I buy when I buy it.
It's funny to me, and I don't care, because I can't find any local quilt shops down here in South Florida! Joann's is like the only place. Not even a Rag Shop any more. So that's where I go!
My favorite LQS is Quilts on Plum Lane, although it is still 35 minutes away. And there are so many great online shops now, it would be hard to pick one. But I like the Fat Quarter Shop and Cotton Charm Quilts. Thanks for sharing the DS fabric. I've been to two JoAnn's in our area, and they don't carry it.
My favorite LQS is Calico Cats. Thanks for the chance!
I can actually walk to my local quilt store but in fact have to admit I seldom buy fabric there. In New Zealand quilting fabric is expensive so I tend to buy online. Favourite is Handcocks of Paducah- and I buy up large when they offer free shipping.
My local shop, Minding my P's and Q's, is 5 miles away, thank goodness.
I love to shop online in the comfort of my living room! Usually I find fabric for much less, even with shipping. My fav online shop is "Sew Unique Creations". My favorite LQS (omg I am doing it to...lol) is Traditional Pastime in Calgary Alberta Canada! Awesome atmosphere and great fabrics too!
We don't have a Joannes anywhere near where I live and no local quilt shops either......the closest one (lqs) being an hour away....I love sewlovefabrics on etsy among others that I use......I would love to win some of this fabric line.....
It is just easier to shop online sometimes, especially for pre-cuts. I have 3 LQS near me and none of them carry a very good inventory of pre-cuts. I shop at the Fabric Shack. Their website isn't the most usable so I do my browsing elsewhere and then shop with purpose with them. Great selection with cheap shipping. I have family in the area and I usually hit them up in person during the holidays. There clearance selection is wonderful especially for backings. I am usually so far behind on my quilts that by the time the top is done, the fabric is on clearance and I can get coordinated backing.
So April Cornell is at JoAnn's? I need to look for that. I liked her Moda collections.
Honestly, I shop Joann's more than any other local place.
However, when I'm trying to find nice fabrics online, I often hit etsy first. =) There are a lot of nice shops there.
Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful bundle!
I typically buy fabric at a local quilt shop that is 20 miles away..I also buy from Hobby Lobby and JoAnns... I am also off to Paducah next week for the big quilt show and will buy there, but I'm not driving. I'm taking a bus with other quilters...the cost of the bus is cheaper than gas and I don't have to find a place to park...
Online I purchase from either Jackie at Canton Village QuiltWorks or GreenFairy or Missouri Quilt Company.. Would love a chance to win...and I think the DS fabrics at JoAnns has a very nice hand...and I got to use coupons!
I think this is great! I don't have a lqs. The closest ones are a good distance away and the don't have the good fabrics. And I've never felt welcomed at them. I think it's great that the modern designers are going into joann's. Maybe with this success they'll listen to us quilters and bump up the quality. I think better fabric in the hands of more quilters is a really good thing. Also there are a lot of quilt bees and swaps that only include quilt shop quality fabrics which I felt excluded people from joining. I do love online shopping at the fat quarter shop!
I have two WDDQSs. Both are about an hour's drive from my home. Otherwise I have to go thousands of miles to get to a quilt store. Obviously I shop a lot on line. I like Hancock's. I like Hamel's Fabrics (Canadian). I buy some things on Etsy shops. And I love Canton Village Quilt Works. Thanks for a chance to win.
Oh how I wish we had a JoAnn! I usually buy my fabric at our local Hancock or online at fabric.com.
kirsten_13@hotmail.com
The quality of this line is quilt shop quality. I say get it where you can if you like it. My only beef is that it's 2.00+ more a yard for fabric at my lqs. But they don't have this fabric soooo you go to J0-Ann's and use a coupon, easy peasy. I'm having a give away too for the very same reason you are, many people can't get this fabric. You don't have to enter me in yours. just wanted to say I liked your post! Here's my giveaway for this fabric but it's not as sweet as yours :)
http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-denyse-schmidts-ds-quilt.html
I do not have a nearby quilt shop so JoAnns is my choice because of convenience - unfortunately they do not yet have the Denise Schmidt fabric in stock so I really need to win some!!
Interesting response, definitely something I often think about when shopping -- not just for fabric, but food, too. Local? When I can. Bargains? When available. In pinch? What ever is available. I shop at LQS, JASm and OL.
I LOVE to buy from Joann's, especially batting with a 40% off coupon. I have at least 3-4 quilt shops VERY local within five miles even and I buy sale fabrics from time to time. I splurge once in a while on more expensive fabrics.
http://knitonesmocktoo.blogspot.com/
http://www.karengraydesign.com/
http://quiltshops.blogspot.com/2009/01/sew-original-winston-salem-nc.html
These are some of my local shops
I wish we had JoAnns in Canada to shop at. They've pulled the fabric out of Walmart and we have Fabricland (not a fan) other than quilt shops are few and far between that's it. My LQS is over an hour away but I hit it whenever I can.
I have a Joann within 5 miles from my house that I go to for thread, bias tape, batting, or anything I need that day, but they're tiny and don't have a very large fabric selection.
I love ordering online from Pink Chalk (who are actually local to me) and Fat Quarter Shop, since Kimberly has the best selection. I also stalk Etsy and Fabric.com for good deals.
I am new to quilting and have really only used Connecting Threads, and a bit of Fabricland (Canada chain) fabric (not a very high quality).
I have never bought fabric online. I want to feel the fabric before I purchase it. I buy most of my fabric at Hancock's Fabric. It's the easiest to get to for me, and they send coupons.
My favorite online store is connectingthreads.com. The prices are terrific and there fabric is very good quality. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway!
PS. I agree with you totally!!
love you vickie for driving 72 miles. guess where i am going in about one hour? joanns. btw did you get their new glossy mailer yet? very impressive. i let you know what i find.
I think everyone needs to buy their fabric where they want to! I do not have a local quilt shop either - my local quilt shop in any direction is about 85 miles away from me one way! I am not going to drive that far to find out they don't have what I want - I order mainly on line at Moda Fat Quarter Shop or Hancocks of Paducah - I mainly look for bargains this year I am being much more careful with my fabric shopping - prices have gone up, gas has gone up, groceries :) need to save where we can.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
I shop at Joann for almost everything. I'd love to work with Moda and other "nicer" fabrics, but Joann has fabrics that work for me, and work with my budget. I also check out Hancock Fabric when I'm in that direction (Joann's is one way, Hancock another less-traveled direction).
I do drool over almost everything at FatQuarterShop, but I haven't actually ordered anything.
I bought some Moda Lollipop at Material Girls once. I love just being in that place! All the pretty designer fabrics!
When ordering online I tend to use Fabric.com. When shopping "local" I go to the quilt shop 30 minutes away...Heirlooms and Comforts.
did that commenter work for Moda or something??!!
I love Moda/designer fabrics but I love to quilt more...meaning that in order to be able to afford my quilting I sometimes have to shop in a thrifty fashion...
My mom lives in the U.S.A. (I live in Canada where sadly we do not have Joanns --we have fabricland--like Joanns but no coupons)
so sometimes my mom will pick up some fabric for me...
but I shop alot on Etsy!
(sewfreshfabrics is my fave)
I also shop at fabric.com
and whittles.com
and love to buy at connectingthreads.com too!
I'd love to win this as I don't have the access to it myself
I live in Canada and I don't shop much online because I find the shipping cost is outrageous. I do shop at JoAnn's when were travel to the US and I've got some great stuff there. I live in a city without many LQS so I shop at the discount place and when I travel. I haven't seen much of Denyse Schmidt's fabrics here so I'd love to have some of yours. Thanks for the chance.
My quilt shop is 25 miles away. I don't get to go very often because their hours and my work don't seem to match. But when I do get there they are most helpful.
JoAnns is 130 miles away so I don't get to go there very often either.
Thank you for the give away.
I used to shop in my LQS but as you so wisely said why buy locally if I can buy cheaper on line?
That's what I've been doing lately. I buy on Ebay and sometimes from Fabric.com. I think I'll try JoAnn's as I didn't know the shop but it looks quite nice.
I am very lucky, there are a ton of LQS in Pennsylvania and a Joanne's 10minutes away. My favorite LQS is Zooks in Intercourse, PA (yes Intercourse!) They carry a great variety and really good prices. The DS fabric thing is crazy, maybe now all of us who didn't get FMF and Katie Jump Rope can get a little of her new fabric!
To tell you the truth, I hope Denise Schmidt's fabric will stop a little of the Joann's bashing that goes on around the internet! Yes, Joann's carries some lesser-quality fabric, but I've notice in the past year or so that they also carry some very fine quality quilting fabric, too. You just have to look for it! Also, sewing for a quilt ministry, I can't consistently pay LQS prices for quilting fabric, so Joann's is my store of choice most of the time, because when I need more Kona, they're either on sale or I can use a coupon to bring the price down. When I shop online, I most often turn to Burgundy Buttons or Wondrous Woven Magic or Green Fairy Quilts!
Ohhhhh.... Please add me.... Living in Sweden... And NOT being able at all to get my hands on these lovely fabrics... Ahhhhhhhh thats awful!!!!! So I hope you let me stay!!:0)
I so wish I had a LQS around here but I do all my shopping from the internet... Works fine... But sometimes I dream of just feeling the atmosphere... touch the fabrics... See them IRL before buying... And browse books...;0)
That would be something !!! :0)
No more acronyms, I'm getting a headache. I'm just kidding. My favorite online quilt shop is Missouri Star Quilt Company. Why can't people just buy what they want where they want to, without being judged by the masses. Thank you for the generous giveaway... By the way gas here on Long Island, NY is now(please sit down if your fragile) $4.03 for regular. Thanks again! ;>
Well, I buy quilt shop fabrics and I shop at Joann's. I have to drive a bit to get to them. Some people are just snooty and won't even sign their name to a comment. Thanks for your response to "AC". It may not make a difference to "AC", but I am glad you responded.
I like my LQS because of the owner, but I rarely buy anything. A little pricey and usually not my taste. I mostly shop online (I have several favorites) and buy the best sales! We have a new JoAnn's and I shop there, but the service is less than stellar.
Love, love, love the fabrics you showed from your recent shopping venture. That is quite a drive, though and yes, the gas prices are high and probably will be rising.
I've noticed lately that our local Joann Etc. has some nicer fabrics and I've used them successfully. Didn't know that they had been bought but that may explain the changes I've noticed.
My favorite LFS is called "Quilt Patch" and its in Tecumseh, MI (near Monroe, MI). This is a wonderful store which is owned and run by a wonderful gal who is SO friendly and helpful.
I'd love to win some fabric!
Thanks!
Karen
My favorite online site is Pink Chalk. I've gotton some interesting fabric there. Locally, there is a Mennonite shop in Kutztown - Wooden Bridge, and you do have to cross a wooden bridge to get there. Kathie L in Allentown
I shop at JoAnn's all the time and I have found a lot of the exact same fabric that is sold in quilt shops! It may take a lot of looking around and inspecting bolts of fabric but it is there. And I can use a 50% off coupon to boot. I would love to be able to afford shopping at my local quilt shop all the time but in reality I can't. Besides I only have one local quilt shop anyway and they don't always have what I am looking for. If I am buying fabric online I love the Fat Quarter Shop.
I live in a mecca of LQS's BUT my favorite fabric store is M&L fabric....it's a fabriholic's dream....it was an independent grocery store turned into a fabric store...in Anaheim, Ca...so if you ever visit disneyland look it up! (nope, not affiliated in any way....)
I love the Fat Quarter Shop, but I also love Fabric.com because they offer free shipping over $35.
I am really fortuante to live in the SF Bay Area and have many quilt shops that are local to me. My favorite will always be The Laurel Leaf in San Carlos, CA, but I shop at the others, too. I have also shopped at many online shops - my favorites are the Fat Quarter Shop and Hancocks of Paducah.
What a great giveaway...I would accept them in a heartbeat. My favorite online store is Fat Quarter Shop...and locally I like Little Red Quilt House in Medina and Polka Dot Pincushion in Richfield.
My closest Joann's and local quilt store is 25 miles away. I shop at both. On line I use Fabric.com, Green Fairy, and sometimes the Quilt Deal of the Day.
I rarely shop at LQS which aren't too local. I don't drive.
I shop at the FatQuarterShop, Burgandy Buttons, Fabric Buffet, Jojos, Old Country store....I look for sales 40-50% off and free shipping the most.
I love a fabric store in Ohio called Miller's Dry Goods.. but I am in Kansas now and drive over 75 miles to meet my friend and to go Sarah's in Lawrence. while I won't do weekly, it is nice to take a road trip.I would love to win since you are drawing a winner on my birthday..(fingers crossed) thanks for the chance to win.
I use JoAnns - my LQS is 30 min away (not too bad) but really they are not nice! If you are not in their "Group" and take classes there you are treated like second class. I like JoAnns - Local People working for a living and helpful (at least at mine) Yesterday on sale I purchased some AHenry Farmdale fabric there!
I also use Fabric.com
I like to shop on ebay & etsy, fat quarter shop also has a good selection! :)
I sadly don't have a quilting store close by so I go to Hancock Fabrics, JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby for my quilting needs. I actually googled quilt store the other day to see if there was one close and the closest one was about 30 minutes away. It was called "The Quilting Store" so easy to find! :) I did visit it the next time I was in the city...
Love my LQS (45 minutes) for their service and personal touch. Love several different etsy shops and online shops for their selection(usually shop those that I have been referred to and have what I want/need on sale). Thanks for the generous giveaway.
I mostly shop at JoAnn's because its so close. I have bought material at Goodwill online, but they are older fabrics and not the newer lines.
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. I haven't found these at my local JoAnn's.
Gosh...do I have to pick a favorite? I shop at so many online shops. I guess if pressed I would have to say that I have bought the most at Hancocks of Paducah or Pink Chalk Fabrics. My local quilt shop is only about 10 minutes away but the selection isn't what it is online.
I shop at my LQS when I need a particular fabric. Shop at JoAnn's to get things I can't get at LQS. {with my coupons}My favorite online site is QuiltShops.com. Thanks!
JoAnn's(a small one)is more than 20 miles away from my home and the nearest quilt shop(family owned) is twice that distance away. This beginner quilter is quickly learning why quilters appreciate well-stocked sewing rooms! Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabric!
Shari
I guess I never thought about how lucky I am to have so many quilt shops nearby. On our recent shop hop, there were 11 stores participating and 3 more that we went to. None of these shops were even an hour away. However, I buy all of my backs at JoAnn's. I truly prefer a doublewide back and have not found much of a selection at the quilt shops.
My LQS (French Knot Quilt Shop) is about 2 miles from my house and a few blocks from within my office - so I am incredibly lucky. I live in a small town and the only other place to shop for fabrics is Hobby Lobby but I prefer my LQS. Thanks for the giveaway chance!!
merefleming{at}yahoo{dot}com
I would LOVE to win a fat 16th bundle!!! My fave online shop is Fat Quarter Shop. So fast, good customer service! :)
Thanks for an awesome giveaway!
My LQS is about 10 mins away but I am not happy with the service so I prefer to shop on line at QFD (Quilt Fabric Delights)....
I would love to be able to visit JEllen's; I have been reading Sarah's blog for so long! :) I usually go to Joann, even though there is probably a "LQS" or two around here somewhere. I also like Fabriworm.com for online...
I would love to win the fat 16th bundle. We don't have Joanns or anything like it in Canada....
We don't have JoAnn's stores here in Australia. Sounds like they are good places to go! My favourite LQS is about 40 minutes away.
I have to drive over 50 miles one way to get to a JoAnn's. I do have two small local quilt shops, but one doesn't like to carry anything modern, and the other has some of the more modern lines, but she's trying to keep things at a discount. So sometimes, I can catch gems in either, but it's not often. To be honest, I couldn't care less why DS decided to put her line in JoAnn's. It's her decision. I think it gets her to a wider audience and it also gets her line in with many who sew clothes or house goods, not just quilts. But I say Kudos if she opens up new people to the idea of quilt fabric. Eventually, the business WILL filter down to the LQS. It's just a matter of time. :) And sure, put me in the hat for the Fat 1/16th. :) There's no telling when I can get to a JoAnn's to even see this fabric.
I used to buy online until a few years ago when my niece developed an interest in quilting. I took her to the LQS to teach her about fabrics, threads, notions, etc and now it's become a regular trip for us. She loves it and I love spending time with her!
I shop online at burgundy buttons for good deals and a few others, but I do go to Joanns to supplement. I find it very interesting that some people are so particular about their LQS. For me, quality fabric is quality fabric.
I live in a remote community in Northwestern Ontario, Canada and in this little town of 3,000 there is only one place to buy fabric and it's in the basement of a great lady's home. Otherwise I need to wait until we head to the city (5 hour drive!!) and we don't travel during the winter months (almost half the year!). Sometimes I will shop online (Sew Sister in Toronto) but I like to look at fabric in my hands!
I love Fat Quarter Shop when I buy online. I have two local quilt shops, Quilting Squares and Stitcher's Garden. I also buy at my local Joann's. I'm excited that Joann's is beginning to get designer fabric.
I guess I don't understand the backlash against Joann's fabrics. Or chainstore fabrics for that matter. Many people cannot afford LQS fabric prices and can only shop at more discounted places like Joann's and Walmart. Personally I can afford either and I love shopping at all of them. But really I do what's convenient for me which is online shop... :) I love pinkchalkfabrics.com and the fatquartershop.com also connectingthreads.com since they also ship to canada. Thank you for sharing your DS booty!
I am going to have to go with fatquartershop! I have bought some DS myself, but oh to have a bit of it all! Thanks for the chance!
So here is the thing! I would love to have been able to buy this lovely DS quilts fabric closer to home at my LQS. I love my LQS but I also will buy stuff at a chain store if they have something that is good quality and I like it. Some of the stuff at Jo-ann's is pretty bad but there is nothing wrong with the DS and I also got some farmdale there and saw the Kona cottons and April Cornell fabric. What is wrong with that? And my LQS does not stock Konas. Enough said! Thanks!!! for the chance !!!!
I use both JoAnn's, my local quilt shop, and online depending upon what my project is and what prices I find.
My very favorite LQS is Willowcreek quilting in Kalona, IA. My favorite online store is FatQuarter Shoppe or Green Fairy Quilts.
My favorite LQS is Memories by the Yard in San Antonio, Tx. Online, my favorite LQS is probably ebay...there are some good bargains there if you know your prices.
I like to buy quilt fabric from Fat Quarter Shop. My favorite within driving distance quilt shop is Sister's in Chehalis WA. About 5 min away! Joanne is about 30 miles away. I did however buy 3 one yard pieces of Denyse Schmidt fabric at Joanne over the weekend when I was on a quilt retreat! They are sooooo cute!
GREAT post. Really. The whole JoAnn vs Local Quilt shop vs Online Fabric debate has been raging in my head for the past few months. I tend to feel like most Local Specialty Shops are kind of hard to approach and can be a little snooty (case in point... the anonymous comment), and really from an economic standpoint you really can't beat joann's. I frequent JoAnns and occasionally visit my LQS's (Nido VT and Stitched in Williston VT). And buy a bunch online from various places. And I don't think people should get all snooty - sewing is sewing and if people are doing it and enjoying it, then don't knock where the fabric came from, you know?
I suppose I am blessed to have several LQS and FLQS close to home. I have to drive the the LJS store. I have not been for a while and will need to check into the DS fabric line.
Oop's I left off my favorite LQS
Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton, MO.
1. Because of the owners, Jenny, Natalie, Sarah and the boys.
2. Always a great daily deal, some days I have to go check in at 4am to see what the deal is to be sure I get one.
3. Because no matter what happens in my life it is the happiest place I can go and I go alot.
How nice of you to share the DS wealth! The closest JoAnn's to me is about 30 miles and I recently had back surgery so I am not able to take a trip to see what they have. For those that are all concerned and in DS business for why she launched at JoAnn's, I say let it go...enjoy the fabric for its loveliness and choose to buy if you want some and leave it alone if you don't. hmphh..enough said! Lisa in Texas
I forgot to add that I buy a lot from different Etsy sellers and Fabric.com
Lisa in Texas
The nearest Joann's is 70 miles away. Therefore .... I shop online a lot ... and fabric shack is the best!!
You raise a very good point about local. 72 miles away is a long drive!
We have a local Joanns, which I occasionally visit. Mostly though, I use Ebay or fabric.com. Even Amazon has fabric these days!
I, like you, live a LONG way from an LQS. The closest is 45 miles, the best is 70. I shop at JoAnn for lots of stuff and get fabric there when I like what they have. I shop mostly online at a variety of shops. Don't really have a fave, shop the sales and like the ones that carry the majority of a collection so I can get a little of it all.
I listen to the "chats and tweets" about what is popular, pics of how it is used, then buy online.
I live within 30 minutes of 4 LQS and 2 JoAnn's. My loyalties lie with the LQS when it comes to fabric. Customer service can't be beat! When looking for a particular fabric, I almost always check to see if I can get it at my LQS before buying online. I like buying my fabric online from Burgundy Buttons and etsy. I do shop at JoAnn's for batting, needles, etc. Maybe next time I'll check out the new fabrics!
"Within Driving Distance" is relative. To me (because I live in the boonies) that means anything within an hour's drive. Not overly fond of the one LQS I've dealt with; the ladies who work there are a bit snotty for my tastes so rarely spend my money there. Only if I'm desperate for a fix of something really nice :) I do shop JoAnn's, there is good quality fabric there, & with the coupons & sales you can save a bit of cash. To spend on more fabric, of course. Online I like Thousands of Bolts. I've a future order planned for Fat Quarter Shop; it's the only place I've found the Cranberry Stonehenge that I nee for a rose quilt I'm planning.
I didn't know that DS's fabric was now available at my LJS. I'll have to check it out as I love her designs as well.
Sometime her fabric is hard to find, so maybe Joann's will market it better.
Hope to win some!
I am lucky to have a local quilt shop that is really close by. And I also have a JoAnn that is close too. I buy fabric that I like where I find it and sometimes that is online. I will go where I find it!
I have been in situations where people are turning their nose up at JoAnn's. Very interesting to find out who bought JoAnn.
Love the fabric - no matter where you got it. I go to my LQS, but I also go to JoAnns - to each his own! Love your acronyms!
Fun fabrics! I do have a local JoAnn's, but my favorite WDDQS (I'm a military wife, so I kinda like acronyms!) is Quilter's Stash in Windsor, CO.
we have locally, two quilt shops (both are sew and vac stores :), Hobby Lobby, Hancock, and Joanns. So maybe too many temptations! :) I think that fabric is GREAT and can't wait to see it in person!
I LOVE Fat Quarter Shop. They're definitely my go to store for online shopping. My LQS, Cabin Arts, has lots of great fabrics packed into a very tiny space. I'll shop JoAnns for clothing fabric and sometimes quilting fabric, but I love shopping in my pjs, so FQS is my first choice!
I sure hope my Joanns has the DS fabric - I don't know yet if they do. My favorite web site to shop at is www.quiltshops . com. I can find just about anything on through that site. Thanks for the giveaway!
I am very fortunate to have several LQS that I go to that have wonderful owners and helpers, but if there is a fabric I like at Joann's, I'll buy it! :) The Joann's isn't nearby, so I do shop my LQS first, but am always looking for good fabric, no matter which store it is at!
Thanks for the chance to win some of the lovely fabrics!
Sandy A
I am lucky enough to live within 10 minutes of 4 LQS's. I still drive 45 minutes to a Joann's occasionally. Online shops I love are Hawthorne Threads and Canton Village Quilt Works. Both have great service.
I love craft warehouse locally and fat qtr shop online.
For online shopping, it's the fat quarter shop and fabric.com. My fave within driving LQS is Bernina Sewing Centre, Lake Mary, FL.
I buy some fabric at Joann's but most of my quilting fabric I buy online. Favorite is Fabric.com
You are so wonderful to share your goods! I have never seen a JoAnn's, but I think from the sounds of it, it is like Canada's Fabricland. I used to dislike them due to really high prices, but now they are almost on pair with the US online stores so I go there all the time - like all the time they know my name all the time! The quality on their solids is terrible, but they have some designer stuff now too.
Cheers,
Carolyn
my JoAnn's is a 70 mile round trip for me, but I still like to go check it out every once in awhile. Thanks for the chance to win some beautiful fabric.
I usually shop online and my favorite is Fat Quarter Shop.
I love all of your acronyms! We have 3 LQS within reasonable driving distance and a LJS. There are still things that I can only find online.
We used to have a JoAnn fabric - it closed. Then we had Hancock's - it closed. Walmart doesn't sell fabric anymore. We had 2 small LQS - they both closed. Now we have a little chain called Sew Smart. Out of necessity it is my go to store. Thank goodness they carry quality fabric.
I just posted today about the fabric I bought at two quilt shops while we were travelling. I did find a difference in quality. And I'm sure that I'll be making more quilt shop visits in the future, but like you, my LQS is over an hours drive away, so I can't be shopping there very often.
I totally understand your rant- my Nearly local quilt shop, as I call it, is 30 miles away. Granted, much better than 72 miles, but I still only go there once a month, if that, since it's on the other side of the town from JoAnn's- when I'm traveling 30 mins to begin with, I don't always want to go another 10 just to get to the south side. I think the NLQS is called Scraps and Threads... honestly, i only remember it has something "scrappy" in the name!
I live in the Middle East. There is a "local" quilt shop but it is a 5HOUR drive away. So, I shop online A LOT, @ Fat Quarter Shop, Hancocks of Paducah & Keepsake Quilting! I have paid up to $100 for shipping before, but it is worth it to me (it was a really large order and I wanted it fast). The shipping fees I also consider as part of the cost of living so far away from home. I am a native Texan, just here temporarily. If I thought my mom could find the DS fabric, I'd have her go look for me. But, I can only imagine what she'd pick. :) thanks for offering the giveaway!
I just wanted to say I totally agree with your thoughts on the local shopping. I do try to support small businesses but my "local" shops are also 40min-1hr away. They are a special field trip for me. Don't feel guilty about shopping where you can. I'm a big FatQuarterShop.com fan but I also support my local Joann's.
I buy most of my fabric locally and often enough at Joanns. As for an online shop Burgandy Buttons has the best customer service that I have found.
I can understand what you're saying when your LQS is many miles away. I am very fortunate to live in a city of 1 million plus people and therefore there are many LQS to choose from. My favourite LQS is http://www.mysewingroom.ca/ This store has everything for the quilter and more. Fabulous.
I actually don't shop at the LQS nearby--they are so unfriendly! I drive into Portland, OR to JoAnns or Fabric Depot. I love online shopping (saves time and gas) and usually check Hancock's of Paducah first.
I shop at JoAnn's, since other quilt shops are further away from me. I can usually find what I would need there, and if I REALLY want certain design line of fabric, I would go shopping online at Fat Quarter Shop~~~
The closet LQS to me is an hour away. I like to go to them occasionally, but I mostly buy online now. I like the Fat Quarter Shop; fabric.com; and I have just found Pink Chalk Fabrics and Burgundy Buttons. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love JoAnn's. I understand that sometimes there is a difference in quality but if I only bought fabric at my LQS I couldn't afford to quilt. I wait for sales and coupons at JoAnn's so I can afford to do my "quilting therapy!"
First off, thanks you for the giveaway! Unfortunately I do not have a Joann's where I live, however I do have multiple LQS! While this sounds great, I find I do most of my shopping online or I go to brick and mortar shops in Atlanta (a 2.5 hour drive) when I visit my in-laws. I support my LQS as much as possible but they just do not carry modern fabric:( My favorite shop is hands down Whipstitch in Atlanta!
This has been extremely interesting reading all the comments, too. I shop JoAnn's and have for decades but use it mostly for gadgets and books and Kona cottons. My LQS is just three miles from me and LJS is around 7 miles. My favorite on-line is Fat Quarter Shop. I am very fortunate, I know.
Love the post!! I am so excited that my local JoAnn's will be opening on June 24th. I moved from UT to SC. So, I went from about 10 LQS and 3 JA's within a 30 minute drive to one LQS that has a really nice person there but not the assortment I'm used to. I try to buy from her or the other shop that is about 45 min away because I want to see them stay around but I just got my flyer today for JA's that contains coupons and more. So, I can't WAIT for it to open I think this will only help the local shop by making out of towners stop there as well. Don't we all know what shops exist in about a 90 min. radius? AND, go when we get a chance??
Wow, I would love to win these as the closest JoAnn's to me is about 300 miles. My brother lives in a town with one, but I just can't see sending him there to check it out for me. LOL. My favorite LQS is about 5 miles away (Fabric City)and we have 3 good ones in town (Rapid City, SD) and another 15 miles away so I am lucky. If I shop online, it is often on Etsy.
Oh, dang... only count one of the posts I left BUT I forgot to mention my 2 favs. on line Fabric.com and Burgandy Buttons. Now, don't go buy everything I want from there but they are both GREAT!!!
Wow... all those acronyms - I was getting confused (too tired!).
I've had iffy service at my LQS - its only 6km from my house... another couple of close by stores carry good quilting fabrics, but only a small selection. I really have a good selection at one about 8.5km from my house, but my favourite one is probably 25-30km from home.
Thanks for the chance to win such fabulous and, for me, hard to come by fabric. I shop various online shops - it depends on who has the almost out of stock fabrics I'm usually desperately seeking. Recently it's been Etsy and eBay who have been my best sources.
Thanks for sharing. Mine was one of the stores that didn't get the fabric.
Oh...I have to throw my two cents into this. The Denyse Schmidt fabric was just as nice as any moda fabric! The fabric is at my local JoAnn store(8 miles one way), I felt it and examined it and it is beautiful! JoAnns is carrying a few nicer designer fabrics and there is always a 40% percent off coupon to be had. I LOVE quilt shop fabric but JoAnns is starting to compete. My favorite on line shop is Fat Quarter Shop and they have great sale fabric! Pat McDonald
My LQS is within five minutes drive, I live in a very small town in Northwestern Ontario Canada so a bigger city of about 20some thousand is either way 5 hour drive. My LQS is ok. fabrics are a little bit costly she also has to pay shipping, but she's also very conservative with her stash no big name brands here except this past christmas I bought a Moda Jelly Roll for 55 plus taxes and found a moda basic dots but thats about it for brands. So whats a girl to do when you can't choose? Well I buy online I love green fairy quilts prices but there is no yardage and if I'm going to pay for another shipping, I minus well buy a little bit more expensive and get my yardage and save on the extra shipping. I buy allover think of my experience and decide later If I buy againg from them or not, also not everybody carries everything that one likes, so you got to move around.
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