you could also get scrap packs (hopefully ones with the selvedge intact) or fat quarters, squares, etc, from folks right here on this board, and compare the fabrics... not too expensive and a good way to sample different fabrics

Moda, Red Rooster, Benartex are just a few

My favorite is Legacy Studio. I buy it on sale or with a coupon.

I just took a quilt class and the instructor suggested this site: http://www.thousandsofbolts.com. You can look at a fabric, then click on the COLOR MATCHER icon and it gives you all sorts of choices as to what would match. These are all high end fabrics at about 1/2 price.
I buy fabric where ever, but the suggestions you've already received are great! I love the Moda charm packs, vibrant colors all matched.

I have found some good fabric at Hobby Lobby. They seem to carry a better line of fabric than Joann's, Hancock, and Wal-Mart. All stores seem to have a cheap line as well as good stuff. They cater to everybody's pocketbook. I tend to get too excited when I find something special and forget to check fabric quality.

Don't stress out and just have fun with selecting fabric colors and designs while it's still new to you. I figure I've got plenty of time to get serious.

I found 12 Joann's Block of Month packets at Goodwill for 99 cents each from last year's line. I had 2 or 3 blocks with the same pattern but that cheap who cares. I just switched the pattern around so it doesn't all look the same. It was the best learning experience I've ever had. I discovered the fabric was a little thinner. It didn't have perfect fabric cuts so I had to make adjustments. I bought sashing and border fabric. Best of all my husband took part in the process and gave his suggestions. I gave it to him and now to my horror he wants to hang it on the wall with all it's mistakes!

Moda, Moda, Moda!!!!!! Can't go wrong there :thumbup:

go to localquilt store and talk to to a sales person and explain what u want . ask questions about whats good fabric .

****************

Ditto..
While I do shop online at times.. I ALWAYS hit my LQS first. If we don't support our LQS's they will end up closing which is a LOSE~LOSE for everyone.

One of the classes I took way back when I started quilting was on the quality of "grey goods" which is what fabric is printed on. That was an education and a HALF about staying AWAY from inexpensive (and big box store) fabrics. I will experiment on cheap fabric, but NOT put a lot of time into a quilt using them.

Buy your fabric from your LQS and you will get quality fabrics.

Ditto