10/12/2019
The Economy of Quilting in the age of Tariffs and Trade Wars�I have been thinking about this subject for a year now. At quilt market last year in Houston , as an industry, we were told about the effects of Tariffs on consumable products. ��Fabrics are being effected now with the Tariffs from China. Last year I interviewed my fabric vendors about where they print their products and decided to not buy anything from China. It has been a good decision. This week a gal walked in and said, "Your prices are better than Joann's!" ��Now granted Joann's offers many things and the thing that grabs many shoppers is the coupon specials. Buy one item at 40% off! This cannot be combined with any other coupon. ��Did you know that companies are printing their products on many different grades of greige (pronounced grey) goods? They can sell to quilt shops with high quality, 60 threads or more per inch, and create the same pattern on lesser grade product to sell to other distributors.
�� I strive to create an instructive environment where you can get your questions answered, buy quality quilt shop fabrics and help you resize your quilt(do the math). Quality of Service.��I do not buy fabrics manufactured in China. You can purchase fabrics that have not been inflated by tarrifs during this trade war at Quilt Republic.��The digital age for printing fabrics is upon us and many fabric vendors are moving to this medium which costs more and allows for a bigger, wider, longer field for printing, thus creating new opportunities for creativity. For instance, Hoffman launching their Call of the Wild Series or the giant flower! Pricing for this process has raised prices and you then pay for what you get, high quality fabric, printed in vibrant perfect form.
��Quilting and sewing is like breathing to me. I love the tactile feel of woven goods. I enjoy the creative process. I learn new patterns, techniques and love to share them with you. I quilt, solve piecing problems, make up new patterns in my sleep. My economy of quilting is taking yardage and creating a work of art and a special gift for a family member or friend. My economy of quilting is you.��I hope to see you soon. It is my intention to inform my customers of the changes going on in the industry and help them make wise decisions.
��Blessings in abundance,�
Geri