By ANDREA GALABINSKI

The cost of cotton has gone up over 50 percent, said one local business owner, that sells material for sewing and crafts at her shop. But that is not keeping local individuals who sew and crafters from still purchasing material.

Debbie Olive is the co-owner of North Fort Myers Quilt Lovers’ Hangout. “We see cotton up 54 percent due to crops overseas, but while the price of cotton soars we still see customers take comfort in their crafts.”

The shop sells to those who sew, quilters, doll makers and other hobbyists. They won’t give it up — these are soothing activities.

As customer Mary Lou Hannigan said, “Any hobby you have is therapy.”

“It is like comfort food,” said fellow co-owner Gayle Sheets...read on!