Hi Rebecca,
I knit more than quilt, and the same dilemma with affordable mega-store vs. pricey local store applies. I am very blessed that I can walk to an AC Moore, and have a Michael's and Joann's within a 10 minute drive. But my closest local yarn store is 25 minutes away, and I am literally driving past AC Moore and Joann's to get there.
My middle-of-the-road solution is that whatever I can get from the mega-stores, I do. I wear out AC Moore's coupons on knitting needles, beads, notions, and good day-to-day yarn for felting and charity knitting.
But my local yarn store is my first and only stop for higher-end yarn and notions that the mega-stores don't sell, classes, events (trunk shows, sit & knits, etc.). I love that they know my name, and I know their's. They know what I'm working on, and invite me to sit for coffee and hang out. I don't mind paying more because I have a haven there, and often drop in at the end of errand day to get a moment of peace! :D
---
[---------------------------------------------------------------------]
2007 FABRIC POSTCARD CONTEST
http://www.artcardideas.com/
Multiple entries accepted, deadline August 1
Prizes for the top 10 cards. Spread the word!
[---------------------------------------------------------------------]