Just remember our 30 year old quilts have thirty year old fabrics in them and they have been used, washed, and sometime mistreated and they are still good. I would go for it.

I have tons of old fabric and it's still good. All of my feed sack and flour sack fabric is way older than 30 years.

I have a piece of fabric that is over 40 years old that I bought because I liked the pink and white print. I have since searched for other fabrics to use with it, and never found one with the same color in it. I have it stored properly, but may have to give up and pass it on, but it is as fresh as the day it was printed. If you can't touch it, don't buy it. Others may not be as picky as we are about storage...

It all boils down to how it was cared for. I went to an estate sale past weekend. Older quilt tops and a few clothes moths. I bought no fabric. Actually, I got out of that house asap. Didn't want to bring anything home with me.

I have fabric from my DM that passed 25 years ago. I know some of it is from the early 60's. It is still good however as someone else has said it is thinner and softer and needs starch for sure.

my vote is with those who recommend against buying it sight unseen/unfelt-up-in-person.
even if the seller does accept returns ... what a pain it would be if that was necessary.

I inherited a box full of 30's and 40's vintage fabric, aside from the smell which washing did not remove, the texture was very stiff and rough, I ended up throwing away most of it.

I recently used a Disney fabric (Three little pigs & the Big Bad Wolf) which my mother saved in my great niece's quilt. It is holding up quite well. It was something my mom saved - she made a dress for my oldest sister (my niece's grandmother) and she liked the fabric. You would never have known it was over 60 years old if I didn't tell you. I did point it out to my niece, so she would know why I put it in.

I have fabric that old and it is just fine. In fact my avatar which I made a year ago was entirely made of calico fabric from the 70's and 80's. I would be hesitant buying fabric that I couldn't touch and sniff before I bought it. I know how I care for fabric. Not everyone is so careful.

Just wondering -- Why is it that most fabric is still good after many years, but they say do not use thread that is old?