I like what you wrote, Jeanne. I have a lovely shop owner that isn't 45 miles away (only 14) but it is far enough. Her business is also taking a dive because of the prices she has to charge for fabric. I love the shop. They go out of their way to help. Like you said, they help me pull together fabric for quilts, help with calculations, and just about anything else I can think of. I have talked to the woman that does long arm quilting, and have gotten a better deal. I can get 1/8 cuts, and have gotten a 5" square of something when I ran out of that much fabric.
I buy some from online sources and do watch eBay for real deals. However, I drive the 14 miles for more than fabric--I drive for the camaraderie and the help. Thank you, Lisa. You are a true gem.