Hi I live in Canada and fabric is more expensive there. It was actually $19.98 a meter which is 39 inches instead of 36. I got it at $4.99 a meter which is a good price even by Joann standards. It is a very vibrant floral pattern with lots of colours to coordinate and contrast with and it sews up very well. The dark aqua background did not run when I preshrunk it and I think I got a good deal on it. I live in a border city with the States and I do go to the Joann store sometimes so I can compare prices and values. Sometimes Joann's just doesn't have what I want. Sunflower