When I went to New Orleans to visit a couple of weeks ago, the first thing my sister and I did after leaving the airport was to go to a qult shop on Magazine street. They rip everything that you purchase! Measure, snip and rip. That is the only way that I can get a straight piece. On occaision I have found that the grain doesn't run true, but not usually on the pricier pieces. So don't feel bad about ripping, even quilt shops do it.