I noticed the same thing recently, but it was book paper. Checked out a really old book from the library and the paper was so thick & sturdy compared to what is in books today. You'd think things would get better instead of worse. Or, maybe you wouldn't.

They don't make paper for books now that will last:
paperbacks, tons of them and best seller after best seller. Even the hardbacks don't use good paper. Read em and pass em on. No one has libraries with books floor to ceiling, bound in leather or good fabric.
No one keeps their books for ever and ever.
I have some older books from the 1910s and they used a finer, smoother paper that was more durable. Todays paper is porous and disintegrates easily.

The magazine I work for uses very high quality paper and our photos really show off. People archive the magazine for decades. Not a Family Circle, House Beautiful or Woman's Day quality paper... it is really noticeable, but then we appeal to higher end, better photography...

Where does most fabric come from? Quality and price have both changed.

The fabrics I buy are good enough for me. I can't quite get to the making of heirloom quilts, not enough patience, time or desire. I sure don't buy magazines to last forever either.

I know what you mean. I just bought some Moda fabric, from aa LQS It's almost as thin as batiste! I wouldn't buy a sheet made from this material, I would expect it to fall apart the first wash. What a pain in the you-know-what.

I have been buying fabric from fabrics.com for several years, and they carry all the major brands, plus, I have always received wonderful quality fabrics. They always send several inches more than I ordered and paid for, and they have a money back guarantee with free return shipping. You can't beat that

I'm new to quilting, I would have loved to seen the old fabrics. :XD: