I too have noticed that some of Wallyworld's/Joann's material is better and some is really shoddy.
I'm going to be starting a D9P for my 7 year old ds. His favorite thing in the world is Thomas the Train. I found the highest quality material at Walmart of all places! The fabric was normally 4.44, but this bolt was on sale for 3.50; close to a dollar off a yard....and STILL cheaper than the large chain outfits here in town.
There is a store here that didn't use to have good fabric, that I keep hearing is better and better, so I might just have to go over there and check it out.
What is a tossed 9 patch?
M