I don't like piecing backs, either - I only do it if the perfect fabric isn't available in wide widths.

I buy almost all of my quilt backings from "judipat47" on eBay - she's got over 100 different prints and solids in 108" wide fabrics, plus some more in 90" wide and 120" wide.

The price is only $7-10/yd and the most you pay for shipping on any order is $10.70. She's always super fast and friendly and the quality of the fabric has always been very good.

http://stores.ebay.com/QUILT-UNIQUE-FABRICS-AND-GIFTS

She's got several purples in marble, solid and tone on tone.

You have opened my eyes. I have been picking from the tiny selection at Hancock Fabrics. I need to get on the net.

Jo Anns has some, and I sometimes use sheets too!

Amazing choices. How heavy are they?

I use the marbled blenders from

http://www.marshalldrygoods.com

They are usually $6 for 108 wide. Great thickness.

I am experimenting with different battings and such... I am wanting to try using a sheet as a backing ( love the idea of buying the sheet set/cordinating).
For those of you that have used sheets as backing..Do you have a preference as to what kind of sheet feels/works best,thread count? etc?..Thanks for any info

I have bought a lot of my wide backings from this lady as well and have never had a problem with the quality or the price and she ships to Canada with very reasonable shipping charges as well.

I have used all kinds of cotton sheets with no problems--of course, the better quality last about forever!

I haven't tried any of the batiks or tie-dyed, but the white on white and the tonals and mottled prints that I've tried are of a nice weave. Not the same as the stuff that costs $25/yd, but not in the least bit cheesy, either.

I think in thickness, they're somewhere between Moda and Benartex or Windham?

That's great information, thank you. I hate to piece the back of my quilts and I don't like to use sheets. They never seem to feel right to me. Could be because we sleep with flannel sheets year round!!