Can you believe how fabric prices are going up? I stopped in at our local quilt shop the other day to look for fabric to back my Autumn Pinwheels quilt. The cheapest bolt I could find was $10/yard. At that, it would cost me more than $50 for a quilt backing! I can't go there. I decided that I would piece together some of the smaller pieces of fabric in my stash to back Autumn Pinwheels.
Already in my area, several quilt shops have had to shut their doors. I'm afraid these outrageous prices are going to spell the doom of many more. And that's a shame. Because not only do quilt shops offer the best fabrics you can get for quilts and the latest gadgets, and patterns, and books; they also serve as a gathering spot for quilters. And I believe they also spread an interest in the art of quilting. I really hate to see them all go. While places like JoAnn's and Hancock's are great places to shop, they'll never serve as places of quilting fellowship like quilt shops do. At least, I don't believe they will.
Thank y'all for letting me whine to you when I feel so bad. You'll never know how much it helps.
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On 08/15/2011, quiltmom anna said ...
It is hard to see the rising prices of fabric- quilting can be quite the expensive pastime. Here in Canada, the prices are often higher than that- as much as 22 or 23 dollars a meter and the lowest regular priced fabric is about 15 dollars a meter in a quilt store. We have faced the same challenges and lost a couple of LQS. I usually buy in LQS clearance sections and am thrilled when I find fabric for 6 or 7 dollars a meter. There is Fabricland here( like Joann's) and of course on line shopping- which I do periodically. Even with exchange and shipping I can get some good deals from Connecting Threads and Hancock's. Recently, there was an interesting article that Reuters had about the rising price of cotton and that helps to explain the rise in the costs of quilting fabric. Good luck in your search.
Regards,
Anna
On 08/15/2011, Linda Smith said ...
I am in agreement that the rise in cost of quality cotton fabric is discouraging. I am finding that I am considering looking at JoAnn's or Hancock's, especially for backing. The cost for backings can really add up!
Hang in there with the fibromyalgia. I hope you will have a pain-free day soon.
Linda
On 08/15/2011, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Oh Susan, be glad you don't live in Switzerland - I think we've reached the point where the cheapest fabric is around $20 a meter. I just don't by fabric here at all anymore - have to get everything from the US - even after shipping and import duties it's still cheaper - and the selection is way better. It's a crazy world.
Hope you've started feeling better - just think...fall is just around the corner!
On 08/15/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
Hello friend,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling rotten. Bummer to the max. Hope you can spend the day doing what helps you feel as good as possible. Bless your heart and other parts!
The increased and increasing cost of fabric is dismaying here, too, and I no longer buy any unless it's on a great sale and I have a specific need for it. I always enjoy the friendship and encouragement found in quilt shops and hope as many as possible stay open.
There is a great search at www.quiltshops.com (be sure to click on Thumbnails). Often the fabric you want is on sale at some shop and you can find what you need at a better price even with shipping.
Here is another good site: www.quiltfabriccloseouts.com If this doesn't work, leave out a "c" or do a google search. They're still there!
Hugs!
On 08/15/2011, Jan S. said ...
I'm sure that you have tried propping up your book on a big, squishy pillow, and then resting your hands except to turn the page. If not, maybe that would help.
The price of fabric is ridiculous. Cotton prices went way up, and then fabric, and clothing prices increased. Now, cotton has fallen dramatically, but we will never see a reduction in the prices we way. I buy on sale, or work with my stash. It has to be an incredible piece to pay full price these days.
Hope you're feeling energetic soon!
On 08/15/2011, Ann Marie said ...
Yes I love a good deal on fabric too, the stuff at JoAnn's just doesn't compare in quality as the higher end stuff you find in the Quilt shops. I use both. Depends on the project.
On 08/15/2011, Joanne Cage said ...
I'm sorry the monster has hold of you again. Whine all you like, sometimes it helps a little.
On 08/15/2011, Laura said ...
Yes, I experienced the same sticker shop on my last trip to one of my local quilt shops. This is a larger shop that does a lot of volume and still the price on the new bolts of cotton fabric was $11.59/yard. I about choked. Needless to say I took the opportunity to buy some of the black and white prints I'd been looking at that were on older bolts and still at the older prices since they also had a 30% off all fabric sale going on. It was the only way I could afford it!
Hope you are feeling better soon! Fibromyalgia stinks!
On 08/15/2011, LindaSchiffer said ...
If everyone feels like you, Susan, it is highly unlikely that the LQS will survive, sadly.
Linda
On 08/15/2011, Nancy (in USA) said ...
I also felt the 'sticker shock' last Saturday when I went to pick up the first block for our 2nd Sat. BOM. I've past on it the last couple of years to try and work on my own projects but didn't accomplish anything due to health issues and surgeries. So, I hadn't been going to the shops much and I share your fear that the great quilt shops, where you got to pick up 1/2 yd. of something your working on but you end up spending 1...maybe 2 hours visiting with the folks that run the shop, or quilting friends, even strangers who engage you in conversation about quilting and even if you just walk out with your intended 1/2 yd., you leave feeling inspired, at least I do. My SIL believes that if the price of fabric doesn't kill these great local quilt shops, the online shops will. I see so many quilters saying they prefer the convenience of ordering from the comfort of home that I worry about that too.
About the Fibro Monster...I also go to bed every night not knowing if I will even get dressed the next day, let alone do any sewing. I have Scleroderma and I get so discouraged not being able to make plans in advance because "I'll have to see how I am in the morning". Ah well, we take what God allows in our lives and do what we can with it, right??? Ummm....got any of that cheese left? Gentle Hugs...Feel better soon.
On 08/15/2011, Dandelion Quilts said ...
It is expensive right now, I agree. Connecting threads is always reasonable. I also have many shops that I love to visit online and they often have good deals and newsletters.
On 08/15/2011, LaVoice said ...
Since I do not quilt, not familiar with the fabrics or prices. I do know that most quilts are very expensive and I am sure that is part of the reason. I still love them regardless.
On 08/15/2011, Debra said ...
A local quilt store had a massive yearly sale this past weekend. They unloaded bolts and bolts of fabric but one thing I noticed no one even picking up and looking at were the "vintage" FQ bundles of blues and browns at 10/$10! I guess we have enough of that in our stashes still to last a long time. Everyone was going crazy for the newer fabrics that were on sale but not the newest ones marked at $11-$15/yd. No one seemed to be buying those prints.
My hunch is that quilters will actually start using their stashes and quit stockpiling.
On 08/15/2011, Linda said ...
Absolutely! Do let us know how you are feeling. Reminds us to keep you in our prayers.
Aiy! The high price of cotton these days. I had budget trouble buying fabric last year. This year's prices are ridiculous. I have had to slip back to the methods of years ago... buying sheets for backing --not piecing the back is a definite advantage. I find that a 250 thread count will work nicely. Anything more is too tight. Years ago one could find 180 and 200 count cotton sheets, but I haven't seen those for a long time. Target has a good price on single flat sheets (as opposed to sets).
On 08/16/2011, Donna said ...
I was in the quilt shop the other day and noticed the prices as well. I try to buy when it is on sale! When they had a sale last month I stocked up on necessities!
Love the quilt top!
Hugs,
Donna
On 08/16/2011, Merrie Miller said ...
Hi Susan; we just opened a quilt shop. Yes some of the prices are a bit high; but it is a response to the manufacturers who have raised the prices. Here's another issue; we purchased 1st quality fabrics only; including MODA and others, we were able at one of our wholesalers to get a better deal on fabrics and purchased many basics; we priced them at an amount that allowed us to make a profit, yet help out our local quilters. Get this, people refused to buy it, feeling and saying! that if we priced it low it must be old or junky. So we raised the prices to 8 and 9 dollars and up. People can buy online if the wish or at JoAnns etc. JoAnns does not get the quality fabrics. I worked there and I know; I also know that they mark up everything to account for the "sales" and "coupons" we don't do that. But if people want to buy online and don't support their lqs; then one day we will all be selling online and no longer will we have anyone in town when we want to buy thread we just ran out of or expertise. Hope you get to feeling better soon; say hello to the fur kids too! And if you need something fabric related; email me; I'll try to get a deal for you!
On 08/16/2011, Kai said ...
Beautiful fabrics - HORRIBLE fibro! You are NOT whining, my sweet friend - you are SHARING. That's what friends do. I hate that you are in pain, but I love YOU!
On 08/17/2011, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...
I understand your pain days!! Yesterday I could hardly move my right arm. This morning it is just fine!! My condition is Polymyalgia Rheumatica. It comes on suddenly in your shoulders and below your hip. The Dr. told me it lasts for 2 years. The RX? Prednisone. I am now on 10mg. from 20mg. I was in such a panic yesterday that I would have to up my dose. Today, no pain at all.
I agree with material prices. I am using my stash and try to buy mostly on sale when I can.
Hope your pain is better this afternoon.
On 08/17/2011, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...
PS Love the quilt and the backing you picked out.
On 08/18/2011, Jen in NY said ...
I only have a couple of LQS in my area...and I may be in the minority, but I actually prefer to shop online. The fabric selections are better, the prices are definitely better, and it's more convenient for me. I'd love to find the "comraderie" (sp?) that many people talk about, but I just don't see it at these particular shops. Anyway just wanted to give another pov. :-) Jen
On 08/18/2011, Sandra Neel Hutchins said ...
Get better soon dear sweet lady! Lupus and I do the same battle as you and the fibro. I hear and understand!
As for the fabric debate, I just don't see that quilt shop fabric is totally better than some fabrics elsewhere. I have quilts that I made twenty years ago that have been washed and washed. I know exactly which were expensive fabrics in the quilts and which were fabrics from other sources. Honestly, in every one of those quilts the quilt shop fabrics were much more likely to fade and they looked older much sooner. Personally, I think the myth that all fabric from all quilt shops being superior is just that, a myth. The fabrics that have held up the best in my quilts has been from cotton ready to wear clothing that I turned into stash. Next best was the better Wal Mart fabrics. Then the quilt shop fabrics and dead last are the fabrics purchased from Hobby Lobby, they do not seem to hold up well at all. I want everyone to take note that this is my personal view from the quilts that I have made. Different strokes for different folks! I wish quilt shop owners the best, but they do need to realize that sometimes it is the attitude of individual quilt shop owners that run away business. I was shopping in a quilt shop the other day with my husband, he commented right away that the attitude in that shop was very snobby and they acted like they had rather be doing anything other than ringing up our purchases. So, if a quilt shop owner reads this, please remember to be friendly and kind to all who enter, you are not running an exclusive club, you should be serving the customers well if you want to stay in business.
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