Most quilt shops have a fabric agent from the manufacturer they buy from so the fabric is the best quality. I have known of some quilt shop owners to buy the cheaper fabric from a distributor and mix it in with the quality fabric. You have to know what qualities to look for when buying fabric no matter where you buy it. Usually the non quilt shop fabric is called craft fabric like the $2 fabric Walmart use to sell. Once you have the feel of good fabric you'll know when it's a good buy.

I was told basicly the same as Prism. The quilt shops get the first run with the stronger color/dyes and it goes down from there. Also the higher price fabric has a better thread count. Just like sheets,you can get cheap ones or pay alittle more and get a good nights sleep.

I've been told you can buy the same pattern at the lqs and Walmart, but the quality is not the same. The thread count is different and the dye lot is different. I get what I pay for, although Walmart is now selling $8/yard fabric with a pretty high thread count, not much of a selection tho.

If the pattern on the fabric is crisp and the fabric has a nice feel to it, then I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. There are shops that get 2nds, but one can usually tell when looking closely. I have learned alot about it because of hunting for fabric bargains at the Surplus & Salvage store in our area.
Try to stay away from fabrics that don't have a nice tight weave in them.
We each have our own opinions; but hope I have been of some help to you.
Nancy

I don't buy the statement that fabric bought at a quilt shop is better because it was more expensive or because it was bought at a quilt shop. I've bought from quilt shops and from Joann's and Walmart. I've had some great fabric from each place and some real junk from each place. You just have to take time to feel it, study it, etc. to get the best quality regardless of price.