What makes a great LNS???

Purchasing expensive threads, such as silk or the overdyes, is a choice one can readily make and won't affect the end result other than visually. That's not the same thing as basic supplies.

Now my question is: What do you consider high cost for a hoop? Since I consider a hoop a basic necessity of needlework, I wouldn't want to purchase one that breaks when you attempt to screw it down tightly. That's going to be frustrating for someone new to the experience.

Granted, you can pay $15 or more for a hoop. But the words "cheap" or "expensive" means different things to different people.

Also, cheap needles frequently have burrs, the eyes are rough, or the stamping is imperfect. Why would you want to start out needlework with something you can't thread or that chews up your thread? A package of needles is pretty cheap in that you will have them for quite some time. Dianne

The answer is generic to anything - you get what you pay for.

There are people who are unable to see that an inexpensive dress has a cheap little hem, is made of fabric destined to lose shape and look horrid after two washes. There are other people who can see that and would rather pay somewhat more for nicely finished and destined to last.

Admittedly with needlework, while what you say is correct, beginners will not know that and will have to find out for themselves, or from other stitchers, why they should spring for the more pricey one if they can afford to do so.

I think I would try to buy middle price and experiment to see if there is a difference I can see/feel.

Lucretia Borgia wrote: > The answer is generic to anything - you get what you pay for.

I don't disagree. But the original premise (if I understood it correctly) was that an LNS should have "cheap" hoops and needles to keep down costs for those new to needlework. Well, to stock the better quality for those that know better, and also stock the poorer quality - for those that don't know any better - is a problem for a retailer in many ways. It's also going to be a problem for a needleworker . . . especially the needles. You might get 10 tries from the made-in-China hoops before they break down, but cheap needles can really be exasperating and the difference in cost isn't that great.

The original poster eventually got into different, more expensive threads and tools as she became enamoured with the adventure of needlework and learned. We all do that to some degree or another. But it still begs the question what one person calls "cheap". :-) And how cheap do we go so that a novice doesn't get turned off by tools that don't work. I mean, a nice birch hoop can be had for about $5!! That's not a lot of money. A package of quality needles is around $4 or $5.

Dianne

I didn't say cheap - I said inexpensive - there's a difference. Maybe you could even call it the beginner's corner.

Also, I have to say, I *still* consider $4 or $5 for a package of needles expensive!

Coming late to the thread

I like salespeople who don't try to sell me.

I like stores that if they don't have something, tell me where it might be purchased.

Since I'm not in the mainstream of cross stitch or needlepoint, the ideal store would have lots and lots of fibers, cloth, embellishments, good selection of books and magazines on a wide variety of techniques, mailings (snail or email) that alert me to special events and sales.

Or talk down to you! Bobbie V tells of one place (now gone) that told her true needleworkers ONLY work in hand!

I love mailings - especially email ones - because I am the only one who sees it!

Cheryl

Don't you just wish that people like that would tape their mouths shut? Boy, I guess all those talented Asian needleworkers, who work in a frame, are not true needleworkers! Dianne

Truthfully, the owner was a b*tch at times and seemed to want a shop only for her friends and those "elect" that shared their taste. While it was fine place for threads and fabric, the charts were all primitives (folk art-ish), samplers or Xmas related. I found a few charts, but wouldn't bother going unless I needed fabric or fiber. It wasn't a browse until you drop shop.

BUT - she had one outstanding employee. She even serged the edges of a piece of markdown fabric. Found the perfect piece for each project - encouraged you to bring the chart with you.

Cheryl

Cheryl Isaak said

Eons ago, when I first got involved with computers, a very wise person told me "there are at least 3 ways to what you want to do." Carrying it a step further, any time, any place, someone very positively or adamantly states that the information they've just imparted or about to impart is the ONLY CORRECT way to do something, I immediately discount the validity of their statement.

I once worked for a man that had retired from the military. He taught me that you need to think of three outcomes: the best - the worst - and the one most likely to happen.

I'ts been good advice to follow.

Phyllis