Fabric Quality?

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07-16-2013, 04:00 AM

#21

homecaregiver

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: ILLINOIS

Posts: 2,053

I agree with the fact that a lot of us quilter's have to watch our pennies and we have to shop for the best we can afford. I shop JoAnns and Walmart. I also shop the thrift stores, garage sales, consignment shops etc and find wonderful sales and bargains for great fabrics that have been donated. Thanks
Pat

07-16-2013, 04:18 AM

#22

Dodie

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Wyoming

Posts: 1,460

the only difference I see with Joann fabrics is that they don't carry big name designer fabric such as Michael Miller and such but their fabric is good I use it with no problems and it usually does not shrink or bleed as much either remember when you buy big name you also pay for the name I also like connecting threads 5.96 a yard

07-16-2013, 04:36 AM

#23

katesnanna

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Posts: 3,453

I remember my first quilt teacher saying "don't just stick to craft fabrics, check out other fabrics as well". Also recall Mary Ellen Hopkins saying you can use whatever you want provided you are prepared to take the time to make it suitable for your quilt. She referred to a "wibbly wobbly" fabric (her words) she loved to use but it had to be stabilized first.
I know there are quilters who look down their noses at anything that isn't from the LQS but if they think of early American quilting they will remember the ladies used whatever was available for everyday quilts. I make my quilts to be used and even worn out. If one wears out from being loved I'll gladly make another for that person. Mistreat a quilt I've given and you are not likely to get another.
Following on what Joellyn said:- We all have our own opinions.

07-16-2013, 05:00 AM

#24

twinkie

Power Poster

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Alabama

Posts: 15,368

I agree with your answer. I have found that you can find good quality fabric at any store. I worked in the fabric department at Wal Mart. I personally have found some fabric of excellant quality there. Just go to the store and check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckcowl

we really are not supposed to (post negative comments) about specific stores & their products- the best way to tell is visit the store, handle the fabric- see if it's one you like- or one you find to be *sub-standard* --- some people can only afford to buy fabric at walmart- or joannes with coupons- that should not mean they should not quilt- use the best you can afford and be happy- there are certainly people who believe any fabric from a 'big-box-store' is poor quality- that's just some opinions...

07-16-2013, 05:42 AM

#25

Carol34446

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2012

Location: Homosassa, FL

Posts: 2,267

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcycn

"If I end up with something I really can't stand, I plan to try out some blocks that are beyond my skill set, quilt it with designs that are too hard for me and take it out to the pet shelter. It would be good practice for me and the animals won't care if my points miss by a mile and my feathers look like spaghetti."

Now that's an idea I can wrap my head around! Thanks for the suggestion. :=)

Hi Marcycn,
Gosh, I live in Homosassa, how cool is that. Are those your youngesters? How cute they are.
Carol

07-16-2013, 10:11 AM

#26

MarleneC

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2012

Location: Kenai, Alaska

Posts: 1,150

We have a quilt shop in our small town who used to tell me that their fabric was better as it was made in the US but my hubby decided to look at the bolts and lo and behold everything he checked was made overseas. Buy what you like and what you can afford. Why take the fun out of doing something you like to do because of the price of fabrics?