I do think it's great to have a list of ones fav designers and manufacturers as it would be convenient especially when shopping online.
My first priority in buying fabric is style and color, then quality.....checking by sight and feel...if it's the color I need I might make an exception depending on how much I need. Some of my best fabric in quality has been @ Hancocks on their clearance tables. Bought about 12 yds of various fabric for $41.00 and saved $72.00 last week. Most of the yardage was designer fabrics. One was ordinary quality but a lovely tone on tone medium lavender polka dot...that I love, love, love.