Hi Cindy,
The change to the more recent Serenity fabric is interesting to note. However, when comparing the Serenity 17 line with other current Japanese prints from Daiwabo, Lecien, Westex, and Olympus, the latter appear finer, a little lighter and silkier textured than the Serenity fabric. The only one I have here that I find very similar to the Serenity is Kinkame European Taupe line from Clothworks. I would not notice the difference using it for machine sewing, but for needleturn applique I do notice a difference, particularly in how easily the fabric frays.
I do like the changes that EE Schenck has made to Serenity, not only the fabric weight, but also returning to a broader color palette, more characteristic of the earlier Serenity releases... I hope they continue with this.
BTW, I love your website.
-Steven