what is minky? Is it similar to chenille? I tried to buy chenille but was told it was too stretchy to use on a quilt. (I had a book on making a quilt with chenille. Any basic information on using the two of them would be great...

Minky is a microfiber plush fabric that can be used for quilts, especially quilt backs. If it is used on the back, it looks beautiful when it's quilted. It can be a little challenging to work with, but it isn't awful. It is a little stretchy, and it's expensive Try this website: http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...h_minky_fleece

Minky is WAY stretchier than chenille! I have used both for backing on quilts but never in piecing a top. Like casual quilter said it can be a challenge to work with but if you use a walking foot it isn't bad at all. It find that it makes a bigger mess than it is hard to work with. Joann's has a bunch of differnt textures, however I only ever buy it with a coupon or when it is 50% off. If you have a joann's around also check out their "ultra cuddle fabric" it is AMAZINGLY soft and backs AWESOME quilt backs! I have given up using minky and have started using the ultra cuddle. HOWEVER. it does not shrink at all, so you have to make sure you fabric used for your top and batting are both preshrunk. I don't prewash anything yet I have my own method for shrinking AFTER I quilt the top to the batting but before the backing is put on.