Originally Posted by twinkie

I have found that the thread count is not always a factor. To me this is like saying that a 500 thread count sheet purchased cheaper at a large chain store in not as good quality as a 500 thread count sheet purchased at an individual shop at a higher price. It has a lot to do with purchasing power. I have found high quality fabric at WalMart for $2.50 to $5.00 per yard and have the same fabric in an LQS for $3.00 to $5.00 per yard higher. I have even known of LQShops that have bought bolts of fabric at WalMart and mark it up and sell it at their shops. It stands to reason that WalMart and Hobby Lobby can buy much larger quantities at a lower cost than an LQS so therefore they can sell it cheaper than the small individual shops that have a much lower purchasing power. Many times the LQS can offer more personal experience and advice than the "chain" stores but if it is price you are looking for I have found that WalMart has some fine quality. I bought some flannel at a well known and respected LQS that was thinner than the flannel I bought at WalMart or Hobby Lobby and paid $5.00 more per yard. I think it all depends on the fabric and you can find good and not so good anywhere. As a WalMart associate who worked fabrics (which has now been removed) for several years and an avid quilter, this is just MHO.