When you think of going to a quilt shop there is just so much we never even think about. We get to see and touch fabulous fabric and seek out any new notions or find our old favorite ones right on the shelf. Not sure until now that I even gave much thought to everything that goes on to make it seem so simple.
Like other industries in the United States due to rules and regulations and wages much of the product we use is manufactured overseas. And the supply chain to get it to you is massive — a global project.
Skipping the part where the designer begins creating the fabric and the vendors shop it with all the quilt shops, just focusing on delivering the finished product you have so many people touching the product. It goes something like this:
Trucked from factory to cargo vessel (this leaves out all the work in the factory; then it is loaded on the cargo vessel and begins its long trek to its destination; then container is placed on the warf waiting for the trucker; the trucker picks it up and it goes to the warehouse for processing; when ready for shipping another trucker picks it up and and begins it long process across country to wherever it is bound. In the background there are hundreds of workers, accountants, in-side reps, outside reps, and factory workers. This is such a massive operation to deliver just the right fabric into the stores at just the right time
I never really gave much thought to the above until recently when I received a call from a vendor in-side rep who announced the fabric I ordered was ready to ship and did I still want it. Well, you know me, can’t have too much fabric so I said “yes ship”. She very excitedly said “Thank you”. Seems that so many people have been cancelling their orders for all sorts of reasons due to the virus that throughout this supply chain people are fearful — loosing their jobs and wondering what normal will be when we get through this. I spent a few minutes talking with her and we cheered each other up.
We never really know what we do or when it is that we will affect someone’s life. Could I afford the fabric — no, but I had not given proper notice to cancel so felt I was obliged to accept delivery. It is lovely fabric and will sell, so in the end it will be alright.