July 26, 2010

I received more email responses to last week’s Blast than ever before. A few lines from some of those responses:

From PG in Hyannis, MA: “Your message is one that all who enjoy a place, who, unknowingly take it for granted, be it a quilt shop, restaurant, or any other establishment that brings them pleasure, or, provides a special personal service, needs to hear.”

From JR in Plymouth, MA: “it may be convenient to purchase items online but the personal service and the ability to peruse the book or get an opinion on a fabric selection far outweighs the online experience”

From JK (an American living in Nigeria): “…I actually have to SEE fabric, even thread, before I'm comfortable saying that I'll put it in a project. Online simply doesn't always convey everything that you need to know about the item you wish to use. In terms of advice, well, there is just no substitute for talking it over in person..."

From CC in Ireland: “…want to express my views as a visitor to America. I am English, living in Ireland & visiting the States for the last 20 + years. The highlight of my trips is to visit shops like Heartbeat. We have nothing like you in Ireland & the few shops I visited on my journeys home to England have now disappeared. I would hate to think the same could happen in the States where my love of quilting first began. I can look at all sorts on the internet but there is nothing like walking into a real quilting shop & handling the fabrics & meeting people with the same love of fabric & sewing…”

From CG in Oxford, MA :”…I’d rather deal with small shops than online. It is only a rare occasion that I buy on line. I am very old fashioned. I rather deal in person and have the one on one contact. I understand what you mean by our shops going. I am also a garment maker and it is very hard to get items…”

From Hawaii: “…I do prefer going to a quilt shop for all the reasons you stated and especially for the camaraderie of the staff and shoppers. BUT, I've retired and moved to the boonies in paradise. It would take me two hours to drive to the nearest fabric store and 90% of the time, they don't have what I want/need. So, internet shopping is my best bet to get what I'm looking for…”

I did expect some negative feedback which never came! For the customer from Hawaii, my answer to her and to all of you is that you might need to shop online because there is no quilt shop near you (anymore) or you might be homebound for multiple reasons. However, I urge you to shop online with quilt shops rather than discounters. The few dollars you might be saving is better spent with a quilt shop, helping it to stay in business through these difficult times.

Next week I will start a series on how to choose fabric for a quilt. Until then, stay cool, be happy and sew a bit, it will lower your blood pressure and make you smile.  

PS Be sure to visit Heartbeat when you come to the Bayberry Quilt Show in Harwich, MA on August 5, 6, 7. We are having FREE demonstrations by Shirley Henriksen of Brewer (one of our important distributors). You will find it informative, you’ll get refreshments, and you will be in air conditioning!