I Support Local

I Support Local is the second of the new blog series I discussed last week (New Direction).  Much like The Thrifty Quilter, this is not intended to be an in-your-face, stick-it-to-the-man campaign guilt-tripping you into buying locally. It is simply a way for me to support my local businesses through purchases, reviews, shout-outs and any other means I stumble across on my journey. If it nudges a few people into checking out businesses local to them, well that would just be dan-diddly-andy.

Why Will I Support Local?
Over the years, I have become a Spotlight (large craft store chain) or US fabric shop customer. There are two reasons for this: Cost and Range. Australian specialty stores just didn't seem to stock the ranges advertised in the US stores. When they did, it was still cheaper to buy in the US and pay shipping to Australia. It probably still is, however, I have grown to appreciate the uniqueness of the stores around me. Ranges and products that aren't being used by every second quilter, service and chit chat the you just can't replicate online. This series is really a reminder to myself to shop locally and support like-minded folk in my area.

What do you mean by Local?
Local businesses can mean different things to different people. For me, it's about looking at those small business around me both in Tasmania and in Australia. They may be online or Ye Olde Shoppe, craft supply stores or even handmaidens (or the men-folk). Whatever the situation, I'm hoping to show off a few of our local talents and give myself, and perhaps a few of you, the nudge needed to support local businesses.

No more overseas purchasing then?
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA *ahem*....I mean, "why no, no good Sir. I do not mean that at all." Obviously there are still times when purchasing overseas is the only option. Quilting is a world wide community and some things are only available from one store. Block of the Month clubs for example. (Fat Quarter Shop, I'm looking at you). The idea is simply to spend a little more time considering local businesses rather than immediately jumping elsewhere.

I'm really looking forward to this series. It will be great to talk more with some of our local business-folk. If you think you're interested in being a part of the I Support Local series, then please do not hesitate to email me at sewtodaycleantomorrow@gmail.com. I will be looking at supply shops, handmaidens (and of course the male equivalent), bloggers, quilters, or pretty much any Australian business that would fit with the audience here.

Who else is excited to see what Australia has to offer?