Tomorrow I'll be leaving for Quilt Market. While in Houston, I will be meeting with vendors to find the best fabrics, notions, and patterns to bring back to you in Henderson. I'll be seeking out patterns and fabrics to turn into kits, looking for ideas for exciting classes, and learning about new techniques to share with you. For the next 4 days I'll be hundreds of miles away, but completely focused on you.

I have no doubt that every other independent shop owner I will see at Market would say the same thing. Even when away from our shops, our minds are constantly focused on how we can better meet the wants and needs of our customers.

In the shop, we often hear customers talking about how they could purchase an item for less online than in the brick and mortar store where they are standing. Now, we all appreciate the need to economize, especially these days. And all of us quilters and sewers agree that not purchasing gorgeous fabric, new books, or a fabulous new tool is out of the question!

However, if you don't patronize your local quilt shop, then you might be contributing to its demise.  (Did you know that 95% of fabric shoppers make their purchases at chain stores?). An independent shop such as Quiltique provides many free services to you that you won't find online or at a chain store. These services are free to you, but not to the shop. If you go elsewhere to purchase, soon the store and these services will be gone.

Some of the services you get from a local quilt shop, in person or by telephone, are:

You get the idea! And if you can think of other benefits you get from your local quilt shop, please send them to me!

I want you to know that Quiltique is not in trouble. That is not the purpose of this letter.  We have had a successful year so far, thanks to you, our customers, and look forward to many great years to come. But there are far too many quilt shops around the country that have gone, or are going, out of business. To stop the extinction of the local quilt shop, we ask your help in the following:

1. Think of your local quilt shop first. When you're looking for a special notion, fabric, or pattern, stop by your local quilt shop (whichever shop that might be) first. Or, pick up the phone to check with your local shop before you hit the "Order" button online.

2. Check out groups like Project95 and the 3/50 Project. These non-profit groups were created to remind consumers of all the benefits local shops offer, and to ask them to support their local economy.

3. The next time you're browsing the beautiful fabrics in your favorite quilt shop, or maybe your at a guild meeting, and you overhear others talk about how they could get items for less online, remind them of the reasons shopping independent shops is important - to you, to them, and to the entire community.

Thank you to each and every one of you - our customers, our friends. You are the reason we do what we do... and love every minute of it!

Sincerely,