I’m from Toronto Canada and even though this is a big city we have lost several great quilt shops over the last few years. We still have lots of quilters as can be seen at the attendance at any of the quilt guilds that are in the area.

We have another challenge here for our quilt shops and that is there is a fabric distributor who somehow managed to get the monopoly in Canada for distribution of fabric from most of the major fabric manufacturers. Thus the shops have to purchase their fabric from him at a significant markup which then has to be passed on to the consumer.

So good quality quilt fabric sells for anywhere between $18 - $25 Canadian a metre (39″) here vs. the $8 - $10 American you see on the online stores like Hancock’s or eQuilter for a yard (36″). Given that at this time our dollars are about at par, it’s really hard to justify buying locally when you have to pay double especially for anyone who has to live on a budget but loves to quilt.

By the way thanks for the heads up on the Hancock’s free shipping. I managed to score big with a sale on some fabric from Westminister Fibers that I was looking that was only $5 a yard. It was my lucky day.

Lucky you! I love Hancocks to deal with. Our only dedicated quilt shop in our nearest town (Burnie 22ks away) closed sometime ago, there is only our Sewing Machine shop left who sell some fabrics, but because I am disabled with Arthritis I can’t get in there.

I too am wondering are there less quilters or just the general rising costs of mortgages, petrol and food? People may be doing others things with their money, but it is still a shame places are closing. Chocolate Coated fabrics in Bairnsdale that I have dealt with has closed its shop front and is a dedicated online supplier now.

Wish I’d known about hancock’s offer sooner.