Early this summer, I attended a Northcott event at LQS. Here is part of what I posted:
"There was discussion of fabric production - approximately 9 mo's from selection of design to time of release in stores, most fabrics for all of the "big" companies made in 7 printing plants in So. Korea, the amount of fabric produced in a run (3,000 yards, whittled down to 15 yd bolts), where designs come from (for their Stonehedge line, the designer was inspired by a tile in a store her father owns) and how designers are paid (royalties). Questions from people did lead to talk about Connecting Threads (made in US but dyed in Mexico), and how chains can offer "the same" fabrics (almost never are exactly the same; a small portion of the pattern will differ and are not on the same quality greige goods)."
The gentleman who did the presentation told us that currently the printing for most quilt fabric is done in So. Korea. He did not indicate that it was due to less stringent laws, but that they have perfected the process.