It was, IMHO, the very poor quality of the flannel from Joann's......they do sell quilter's flannel, that is a bit better quality.......but with the nature of flannel to ravel and shrink, and with the time I have to put into my projects, I have come to the conclusion that if I cannot afford to buy the high quality flannel, then I do not do the project......try a second project, using very good quality flannel from your LQS and see what a difference it makes.