For me it's not the quality of the fabric. It's Joann's management's attitude. I know this can be different at different stores but at my local store you see a sale sign and think the fabric under the sign is on sale, but, the bolt has been put in the wrong place and you find out at the register it's not on sale. Also my store makes it almost impossible to use the coupons. I will say that a few weeks ago I was close near the store and stopped by and used my iphone app for a coupon but the clerk asked if I was on the mailing list and eve though I didn't have the 40% coupon she gave me the discount. Maybe the management's attitude has changed.
I'm on a retirement income so I don't buy much at the LQS so I shop at Beverlys and Hancocks. I use my quilts all the time and they get washed over and over, the "other than LQS" does fine. I do the same as you and go by the feel also.