My best advice is you get what you pay for. Cheap fabric usually won't hold it's color for long, is too thin or too stiff. So far what I have read from the other posts, is right on in my book! For me just feeling the fabric is a good indicator of quality fabric. If you are wanting to make something that will be here for years to come or a baby quilt that will get washed numerous times, go for quality (read more $$$).
Oh yeah. Welcome. You're right, the friendship list just got waaayy bigger!