I worked for almost two years in a shop that did custom dressmaking and alterations. I saw first hand how important grain was in sewing. I was a quilter before that job and have been for at least 25 years since. I tear any strips I need and most of the fabric I use in my many Linus quilts. It is obvious that stores like Joanns must wind their bolts with the fabric either still damp or deliberately crooked. It helps to straighten up the fabric if you remove the selvages and steam press it. It is true that many prints are stamped off grain. Since I am not willing to pay $14.95 a yard for Linus quilts I will just have to cope. Cutting fabric straight even with the best rotory cutter and mat is almost impossible if the fabric is wider than your total reach in one sweep.