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I used JoAnn fabrics for my first three quilts and I still use it for certain holidays like Haloween and July 4th. They have a nice selection and some of them are really good weight and quilt up great. You just have to watch for the thin stuff and weed that out.. Also they have lots of kids prints that are very nice for baby quilts. My friend just made a King sized quilt with all JoAnn, Hobby Lobby and WalMart fabrics and it was beautiful. All stars with white backround. Very affordable too.
I like and buy some Joanns fabrics -- I am just fussy about the feel of the fabric (nothing too thin or too stiff). I too buy only when on sale or with coupons. I have not found fabric at WalMart (I am hoping mine gets some nice stuff since I used to buy it there too) -- again I look for good feel. I also buy LQS fabric when I can afford it. I prewash all Joanns and Walmart fabric.
QuiltnLady1
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
I rarely purchase from JoAnns. I find the thinner fabrics to be a dissapointment. There have been some bolts with a thicker fabric. When I need to make a lower cost quilt I go to Thousands of Bolts. Most are under $5.00 , batiks are more and its better manufactures and higher quality. They have great service.
I do buy some fabric at JoAnn's but only with a coupon or big sale. I agree with just make sure you like the feel of it. I prefer Hobby Lobby, they have a limited selection but always have a 40% off coupon and you can print all you want off the internet. Have you thought about some of the online stores? Connecting Threads has good prices and good generous kits. They also have clearance kits and free shipping for a $50 order. Maybe do a small order and see if you like the fabric. There are other online shops as well but CT just comes to mind right now.
Joanns has several lines of their designer fabric that I had bought from the original company, Makower, who printed the design. The fabric now says Joanns in the selvage but it is exactly the same print, colors, etc. So I would say, if it makes you happy and has a good feel and look, go for it.
Even LQS fabric can have issues. I have mentioned before that the Moda line I bought and used raveled so badly that I am not sure it will last thru the quilting. Very thin although the colors and design are lovely.
Try not to be a quilt snob
I buy from them, Hancock Fabrics, Fabric Hut and even Walmarts if it is what I want and the quality is there. I'm practicing on organza now so don't you know I headed to Walmarts to get cheaper fabric for this. Use coupons when I can; especilly at Hancocks, 1st 3 Wednesdays I get a 15% discount on top of all coupons or sale items.
Judy
HEHE..there are some benefits from getting old!!Originally Posted by romanojg
I always use coupons when I buy. They also have some cool coupon codes + super cheap shipping nowadays (I speak about Joann Fabrics). This code JDF294 is to get $2.95 shipping rate for all orders from Joann Fabrics until 20 October 2012. Hope it helps!
Don't buy quilting cottons at Joanns...inferior quality. I'm lucky and work at a LQS that is only 3 miles from my house...I get the employee discount. Besides, the nearest Joanns is over an hour away.
I too buy at Joann's when fabrics are on sale or I have coupons. I rarely, if ever, purchase from them unless I can get at least 40% off. Some of their fabrics are just as high quality as LQS, and they have a different selection. That being said, if I want something really special, I go straight to my LQS! They have wonderful fabrics and GREAT service. They've even started offering a coupon once a month that is good for 20 - 30% a cut of fabric, a book or pattern, or thread. I almost always use mine and never have any trouble finding fabrics there that I just love. If I need a special color they'll even order it in for me and usually have it within a week. A couple of times I've bought full bolts and they have given me 20% off. They also sell and service lots of brands of machines. As you can tell, I really like the folks at the LQS. It's a family business in its third generation now.
Wendy
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