When i first started I shopped only at Joanns..thought it was nuts to spend 9.99 a yard when I could go there and spend 5.00...when I made quilts for my kids and husband I went to Keepsakes quilting shop in NH...it was more of a fun girls day....Wow...really nice fabric...the thickness is the difference. I bought a bunch and when sewing them I really noticed the difference...some people think its snobby to buy LQS...its not..there really is a difference and how it will wear over the years. And how it feels now. I now shop for fabric at my LQS...there are a lot around me...sadly a few went out of business but there are still at least 5 if not more in 1/2 hour distance. I do have my favorites and they all carry different lines.