What a total shock to see how the inventory was about half of what it used to be.
Not many newer patterns.
It was so very sad. 
One sister mainly does machine quilting, which right now takes up a large section of the store.Have you experienced this in your area? Do you notice your Local Quilt shops carrying less and less?? Where we live in Florida a lot of the quilt shops have gone mostly to modern and novelty fabrics. Which are all right, but not the majority of the fabrics I enjoy sewing with. One shop in particular used to carry the most beautiful Civil War fabrics. But the last time I was there, they only carried modern and beach theme fabrics. Is this the trend in your area?
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I've definitely noticed that the shops around me are getting smaller... But as far as the type of inventory...I'm opposite from you. They're getting more traditional fabrics, and I'm wishing they were more modern. I guess I need to travel to FL!
I really couldn't say, I have not been into our local shops for quite a while. I am trying to use up my stash.
My LQS is large, but they are into batiks...big time...as well as more modern fabrics. As for traditional, CW and 30s repros....nothing. In fact, when i asked about CW they were kind of snobby. It's not a store that i frequent, just because they aren,t very welcoming. Thank goodness for online stores. 90% of my fabric comes from on line stores. Makes me sad!
Sadly, I shop mostly at online stores as well. This is primarily due to the fact that last year I moved to a relatively remote area. However, the majority of shops in the are where I previously lived have closed up. One decent shop remains in the area, and since they are the only game in town, they are thriving.
Being in well populated Southern California, I saw two shops close but reopen with new owners, that made me happy! But I do need to travel a bit (60+miles) to get to the stores that offer the CW prints, I only do that occasionally.
I find stores here tend to lean strong in one style or another, not all in one stores. That might be what keeps them going, but again, I'm in a large populated community.
I was in my LQS, the closest in miles, and when I complemented the owner's small selection of CW, she said that people were asking for them but she didn't get it, and thought they were ugly, lol Now, I bet that can be said of other fabric, too....
:-}pokey
In my area the quilt shop is about 100km so I go there few time and the last time was in june,there weren´t new fabrics,sadly,the owner wants to change the shop so don´t know how looks like now.
I shop most at online shop.
Our closest lqs just closed - it was mainly a Bernina dealership, but also carred fabric, notions and patterns. Very very friendly, great classes and a lovely selection. I was floored to see her close. I haven't been to the next closest one, they're not as nice there...
I agree . Have you been to quilts on plum lane in Dade city?
It is very quaint and carries lots of civil war prints
Yes, sadly, I have and even seen some of my best shops close. I think a lot stems from internet sales eliminating the overhead. We all need to support our local merchants and let them know we appreciate their endeavor. XOXO
We have a LQS called Quilters Quarters and she has very little inventory. It's very sad. However, in the next town is another quilt store and he has a whole lot of fabrics and he keeps getting new stuff. I know we're fortunate in our area to have about 4 quilt stores within a 50 mile radius.
That IS strange (and very sad). The closest quilt shop to me (about 30 minutes) is all traditional, but an hour away there's one where my MQG meets, and they have a lot of modern fabric. I'm usually very pleased with their selection becasue that's what I usually sew with! I see more traidtional overall though here in NJ, I think! Come over here!
Is this the shop in Zephyrhills? I like the "Quilts on Plum Lane", but it has been over 3 years since I was down there. I always liked to check these out when I visited my folks. Lots of modern fabric showing up around here too.
As a quilt shop owner in NE Florida - it's a very scary time. Increases in prices from our vendors that we can not control...will make for smaller inventory especially when so many quilters are working 'from their stash' or buying 'online' - foot traffic has dropped...we understand, it's to be expected...but if only those who 'could' visited their local quilt shops more often....that would certainly help to turn the tides. But it's very very hard to be an independent quilt shop these days.
I live near two quilt shops. Actually the second one opened about 5 years ago because the first one was going to close. They sort of work together and try not to carry a lot of the same fabrics. One carries more traditional fabrics and the other is very bright and modern. They are both still going strong. My husband says I do my best to keep both of them in business.
I actually like this panel better than what was the specified one--I can just imagine how beautiful this quilt is going to be. XOXO
I know the quilt shops are really struggling because of the economy overall and the big spike in fabric prices. Customers are watching their money and using the stash more. I try to support my local shops when I can but mine have definitely gone more toward the same modern fabrics. It's a difficult choice. I want to support my shops but they don't carry what I use so I am forced to go online. I also noticed several commenters mention the friendliness of a shop. That is so important to me and I cannot believe shop owners can let their staffs be so cold sometimes. One shop about thirty minutes away has the nicest staff. Even though they don't carry what I like I still visit and will buy something. Plus, they are the only LQS that will cheerfully order whole bolts for me.
I just came across this post..catching up on blog reading is tough in the summer. From the other side of the counter, being a quilt shop owner, I can tell you what's going on...
More people using their LQS as a showcase and then shopping online.
The economy
More people using their stashes
Fabric companies coming out with more lines more often.
These are just a few observations...and yes I find it sad that shops close or have to reduce their stock, it is up to us to keep the art of quilting alive...
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