Wash it first and see how it holds up. I bought some minkee like fabric from them and when I washed it, there were huge fur balls all over it. This fabric was soft and furry on both sides. The good stuff will only be furry on one side. I have bought lots of good fabric from Joanne's. Especially love the 50 to 60 percent off coupons. That's where I bought the dragon fabric at and it's normally $13.99 a yard and I was able to use a 60 percent off coupon on it.
I would do the touch test. My rule of thumb is that if I hold it up and can see through it then it's too thin regardless of whether it's from Joanne's, Wal-Mart or a quilt store.