The main criteria that I’m using to determine fabric quality is weight/thread count, softness, drape and how well a fabric washes time after time. I am heavily taking experienced quilters preferences into consideration. There is a local quilt shop that I’ve visited, but was only able to find Moda, Timeless Treasures and Robert Kaufman. I did like the feel of Moda.
The style I am aiming for is modern prints with a more traditional quilt layout; hence Art Gallery Fabrics being one of my top choices print wise. The material I am looking to use is typically 44’’ – 45’’ cotton. Not Batiks, though I’m aware that batiks have a higher thread count. I’m looking mostly at manufacturers because, like you said, designers work with companies. My assumption is that because it’s the designers that work with the manufacturers, consistency of quality can be better determined by manufacturer versus designer? Correct me if I’m wrong.