I live in Alaska and I know how price effect your spending on fabric but I buy fabric by feel and color... If I can't see my hand throught it much I know it should hold up. I bought some cheap fabric and when I used it as a border and washed the quilt it fell apart --- shredded . I check thread count very much and feel. I usually spend about $8.00-10.00 but our shop has good sales and I take avantage of it. I have brought on Ebay and you have been careful with color.... but I spend more because of shipping..... all you quilter's are lucky if you do not live in alaska shipping kills you no matter what you pay for your fabric...