Iceblossom: I believe it and have experienced it for myself. I ordered the fabric from a popular website and it has measured out to be 44 inches. As you say though, there is some selvedge and those little lines of holes that eat into the width. I have noticed that lately, fabric does not seem to be as reliable as it used to be. I have never made a quilt this large before; usually only baby quilts and lap throws, so was a bit overwhelmed by it all. I guess if I do get 40 inches out of the width I will be lucky. I need total of 136 7 inch squares to be trimmed to 6 1/2 unfinished. I think I will be able to do it; but it might be close and that is part of the reason that I was anxious to approach this project with care. The rest of the quilt, which for my chosen size is the same amount of 7 inch squares, is being cut from fat quarters which I am able to handle better.
You have been most helpful and I appreciate all the help I have received on this.