I've bought lots of batiks from my LQS and I see VERY minimal difference in theirs and CT's. In fact I think CT batiks have a much nicer "hand" than those from LQS. They are smoother and sew up beautifully. LQS batiks are rough and definitely harder to sew through. As you can tell I love the CT ones. Wish I could buy several yards of every one of them. Mmmmm..........that would be fun! :D