I always read through everyone's response when this subject comes up. I don't live close to a LQS nor a Hobby Lobby, so when I started quilting 10 years or so ago, it was JAFs. Their quality and prices were great, but I didn't sew enough to really recognize quality. Then, WalMart started carrying fabric, and I bought lots of the $1 a yard stuff 5 years or so ago. When, I really began to look, most of that was so thin, it could be used only as a back for string quilting. So, I got rid of all of that, and moved up to their $2 per yard fabric. Most of it was AF Nathan, made in the USA, and it was wonderful fabric. I personally don't think the quality has to do with where you buy fabric as much as it does with where it's made and the thread count. The last few times I've gone to JAFs I've looked, but all the bolts that I pulled was made in China and very thin, so I didn't buy. I'm sure there are some that is not as thin, it was just the ones that I looked at. I found almost the same at WalMart, although actually I think they buy a lot of fabric that is a couple of years old, and the age makes it a little better quality. I had read about a year ago that one of the major fabric manufacturers (not sure which one) had reduced their thread count to the point that they had complaints, so had upped them again. I also discovered EBay about 3 years ago and built my stash up tremendously, and I'm so glad I did. I would hate to have to purchase lots of fabric today with the quality thats out there. I'm very satisfied with what I have and I still buy some special lines like the Paper Dolls fabric, and I always look at thrift stores. I do have one place (I don't think she qualifies as a LQS), who buys mostly bolts from LQSs that have gone out of business (she goes quite a distance to get a truck load) and I buy from her a couple of times a year. Bottom line for me, I think the older fabric is all better quality that what we buy today. And, if it's stored properly, it will be in great condition! Happy quilting!
Joyce