Several years ago, I purchased a polished cotton at JoAnn's which remained pretty crisp after washing into a dress although he glaze dulled. It was manufactured or distributed by a company called "Polished Apple" or "Apple Cotton". Apple was in the name. Would buy more of if found. The prints were outstanding.

I just bought a kit from Happiness is Quilting in McKinney, TX. It included chintz from Amsterdam. The pattern is in the current (fall/winter) issue of Quilt Sampler. You are right, hand stitching is a challenge. I hand pieced the whole thing, but I am having it professionally quilted. You might get some answers from this shop www.happinessisquilting.com or 972-542-8839.