Amen! I'm learning to buy online as I have to travel over half an hour to either of two "local" quilt shops. I've also found good sources for thread online as well.

Me, too, Teresa. The last Hancock's store in Orlando just closed, and now the only JoAnn's near me is closing. It's a 30 minute drive to any sewing store or quilt shop now. Good thing I have a big stash!

Donna

It's very frustrating! I have 3 options "locally"(20-30 minutes). A Wallyworld that still has a bit of fabric, a Ben Franklin that carries fleece and quilting fabric($$), and a small quilting shop that carries...you guessed it, quilting fabric($$). Quilting fabric is fine if you quilt...I don't. I just want to make stuff for my grandkids. In order to get anything other than calico, I have to drive over an hour to get to a Hancock's and a Mill Ends Textiles within a few blocks of one another...it's not fair!

Hi, I live near Los Angeles. Several Joanns and Hancocks have closed in the area. Some of our Walmarts are eliminating their fabric depts. It seems like sewing is on a downswing right now, in spite of the media plugging the sewing type shows and constantly repeating how it's getting more popular, largely due to these shows. I've taught a lot of little girls to sew and have no doubt that it will get popular again. Remember when JC Penneys, Sears and Montgomery Wards sold fabrics? I'm a lifelong sewer and find fabric everywhere. It shows up at thrift stores, yard sales, swap meets, on the internet, etc. Los Angeles has a large garment industry, and we have lots of outlets with fabric and all the trimmings. If you live near a fairly large city, there are probably sewing contractors there and the leftovers must show up somewhere. You might locate sewing salvage dealers near you by doing a search on the internet. Lots of pics of our fabric outlets on the link below,. Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: Loads of sewing stuff here

I love thrift stores, but have never found any good cotton fabric. Tons of other fabric, but not the cottons that I love to use. As far as I know, there are not fabric outlets here in my part of Texas. I do use the internet and have had some luck on ebay and Keepsake. I wish the stores would start selling what people want...

bah-humbug!!!! I sew all the time, and have the worst time finding ANYTHING!!!!!! I have been looking all spring/summer for checked polyester fab's to make table cloths.....you would think I was looking for a bikini on an iceberg!!!! Our Hancock's closed, the Joann's has more deco stuff than fabrics, and THREE Walmart's stopped selling fabric (and I quit going to them!!!) What is the PROBLEM?????Don't they understand that a gal's gotta' have a stash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!