Ask someone at the cutting table. At my favorite store, they want the customer to take the lighter bolts of fashion fabrics to the cutting table, but the cutters get the drapery and upholstery fabrics for you most of the time.

I know what you mean about the funny look. Maybe they should post some signs.

I'd say ask the lady, those bolts can be heavy.

The place I usually go is so short handed, that you can't wait for them to come get the bolt. So I go get it, but one time I DID have this older lady who was pretty crabby. She acted so exacerbated that I brought the bolt over.

Say, since we're on the subject of fabric stores...do you ever get the feeling that the clerks can tell you're not a regular patron? I thought it was me, but my DD's said they feel the same way. I am a very good seamstress, but I just don't sew often any more. But the clerks tend to be haughty and act as if I don't know what I'm doing. Maybe it's just our fabric stores! haha.

I've always picked up the bolt and carried it to the cutting table myself. I've always seen others doing the same thing too.

Most of the stores that I go to, if the bolt is hanging on a rack, they prefer that you ask for assistance. Depending upon the amount of fabric you need, sometimes they don't even remove the bolt from the racks to cut. For larger amounts of fabric, they take it over to the cutting table where the meter can measure the amounts prior to cutting.

If the bolt is standing up against the wall, or in a stacked group with other remnants, then you can take the bolt to the clerk or the cutting table.

Well after posting this I felt stupid but I see I'm not the only one who ever got the look.

I forgot to check this before I left and I ended up carrying the bolt. A young girl cut my fabric this time and seemed fine about it. There's usually a lot of people around and not enough workers. I find the bolts very awkward. Even worse if you have other stuff in your arms. It would make sense to ask them but I've found you seem to loose your spot if you wait around!

I think they can definitely tell us non sewers apart. I bet I have a very bewildered look on my face as I wonder through the isles of fabrics, thread, and stuff I'm not sure what it is. . .

A sign would be nice if they'd rather you not touch it. The time I got the look, I debated but I actually thought maybe they'd think I was lazy/helpless that I didn't bring it over! I found some nifty fabric on the sales pile that was $6... I was really hoping it was for the whole shabang but that was per yard. Which is still good. Point I'm trying to make is they at least have a sign there.

I guess from here on out I'll track someone down and just flat out ask them which they'd prefer.

I honestly never knew there was protocol involved in having yardage cut. Live and learn! ;-)

As a life long sewer, I always take the bolt to the cutting table, unless the bolt is those huge decorator bolts and too heavy to carry. I've never noticed any strange looks. I've made everything from formal gown to coats and curtains to jeans. LOL!

I used to design clothes for artist dolls- shoes and all. I would take several bolts of fabric and ask for 1/8th yard of this, 1/4 yard of that. Oy! That burned me out.

" I would take several bolts of fabric and ask for 1/8th yard of this, 1/4 yard of that"
You can do that? I thought you had to get full yards??

Shee, I used to sew dolls and would often ask for 1/8th or 1/4th yard. No problem!

Aunt Jen is right. Get the amount your want. And who cares about the looks- you're the customer. Can you tell I'm over 50. I take the bolts up to the table. I would be waiting all day if I had to get someone to carry it for me and I can't even ever remember seeing anyone do that. At our store (JoAnne's), people are always lugging several bolts around and getting 1/4 of a yard or 2/3s of a yard. Enjoy your sewing!

LOL! That's right -- us "old broads" know how to deliver the stink eye right back at 'em! ;-D

I guess I should have clarified that the bolts I'm talking about are the 60" wide decorator fabrics that are extremely heavy. The clerks at my favorite store always get huffy if we try to carry those to the cutting table, so I let them do it because the bolt and rod is about 6 feet long and cumbersome to maneuver! The store is well staffed and there's always someone available at this one.

Whereas, at Joanne's or Hancock's in Savannah, there's never enough clerks - so there you have to help yourself or you'd never be served! Bad enough to have to stand in line 10 minutes just to get some trim cut, the store is always understaffed and because of their sales this month it was full of customers!

Bingo! I was at Joanne's. Understaffed they were. These were on the 54" wide fabric bolts.

I ask the lady to go get it for me. And I feel a little high (I love that feeling) looking at all that gorgeous fabric.

....Jane