I'm a former Quilt Shop employee, and I must admit I used to be pretty critical of chair stores' quilting departments. Since retiring, I have had occasion to go into Hancock Fabrics on 494 and Penn. I was amazed at their nice selection of quilting fabrics, and they, indeed, do have many of the same fabrics (companies) that our shop had, as well as a few really nice ones that we didn't have!!. I had been instructed to tell customers that our fabrics were exclusive to quilt shops, and that they couldn't get the same in chain stores. Well, I found out that that was wrong -- at least in the case of Hancock Fabrics. And the nicest surprise was that theire prices were definitely better than the shop's prices!! The location of this store is very convenitent and easy to get to. The only think I would like to see is more examples of made-up itens. I appears that there isn't a model craft program. One employee, a very helpful woman, told me that they used to have such a program, but do not any longer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this store to QUILTERS, as well as other sewers. They also had a nice selection of fabric for apparel, and deco fabrics. I hope their ""powers that be"" reinstitute the Model Craft/Garment program, as examples are so very inspirational. Let's encourage sewers, old and new!!
Pros: Pretty good selection, although I have heard from friends that it used to be better. I'd say still pretty good, as compared to other fabric stores in this day and age.
Cons: They've had a lot of retirements of some experts, and some of the newer gals perhaps need some more in depth sewing training -- would be nice to have some quilters on staff too.
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