I think it is the old addage "let the buyer beware." You need to examine the fabric you are buying. Personally I think Joann's fat quarters do not have a good thread count. Some of their fabric is very nice. I have never had a problem with fabric bought from the LQS or at reputable sites on line (fabric.com, connecting threads, etc) Personally, though, I have had my own issues with some of the MODA fabric. I felt it "ravelled" (not sure if that is the right term....it was too stringy)