Anniedeb

I also make quilts to be used, and loved. If they wear out, it was well loved. (I've never had one returned or complained about). I rarely order fabric on line, but I've paid a hefty price for some, and probably won't use it, because I don't like the feel. I've also bought lots of fabric at Joann's and never have had a problem with it. I guess "admitting" I use it suggests their is something wrong with it, but I've never found that to be the case. If you like it, try it, and judge for yourself once you experience the washing, cutting, raveling, feel, and look once done.

Eva Knight

I use it with on problem. Will use it again.

maudeflanagan

I use it frequently. It's affordable and some of the prints are really pretty. As long as the quilts I make with them don't wear our prematurely, I am fine with them wearing after being used for a long time.

I have purchased quilts that wear very quickly (before any quilt I have made using this fabric) and that is enough for me to be able to choose to buy decent enough fabric, enjoy the process of making them, and then love giving them away or using them. If they get holes, I can always patch them and add to their story.

maminstl

I will use it if it feels OK and if i can find something I like (which is rare at Joann's) I don't shop there much, also because of their pricing games. I also make quilts to be used and just don't care if they aren't around forever.

illinois

I have had no problem with any of JoAnn's fabrics. I have a liking for the ones with a bit of glitter and questioned at the time how those would work out. No problem at all, even when using them for children/baby quilts that have been laundered many times. They have kept the glitz and have not changed color. My opinion is that, as with anything, buyer beware. Weigh the purchase price with the use they will get and move on. Like many of the others here, I'm not making heritage quilts and the price/quality that I have found at JoAnn's works for me.

PamelaOry

Before I understood the difference in quality, I bought near a whole bolt of the thinnest, see-through black fabric at JoAnns. It was horrible. I now pretty much only buy the Kona at JoAnns. I don’t trust myself to be expert enough to tell by feel which fabrics are ok and which are junk, so I stick to the quilt store for most of my fabric purchases.

mojo11

I have purchased a lot of fabric from JoAnns. I have used for quilts but mostly I buy it to make my husbands shirts. These shirts get a lot of wear, washing, and ironing. Some haven't passed the wear test but most have. I just have to pick and choose, read the bolt labels and feel the fabric.

greaterexp

I agree with feline fanatic. Even a little used or non-heirloom quilt takes a lot of work and time, which is all wasted if poor materials are used and the quilt fades or falls apart. I made a couple of quilts using the less expensive JAFs and was hugely disappointed both times due to the quilt top fading and shredding very quickly, and both were hand quilted, taking hours and hours of work. I've learned my lesson. I don't have to buy the most expensive fabrics or materials, and I do shop around. But I am no longer tempted by the cheap stuff, and won't even use it for backing. What good is the quilt top if the backing falls apart?

dotcomdtcm

I really appreciate these comments. Can you believe there is no JAs in NYC? It is a trip to the suburbs or on a vacation.
Then I can stock up! Thanks everyone!

sewbizgirl

The longer you work with fabric, the more of a "feel" you get for good fabric that will hold up. You can tell by the 'hand' of the fabric if it's something you want or not. JA has a mixture of both good and not-so-good. They offer quite a bit that is as fine quality as the name brand designers make. If your fabric ravels and/or falls apart, I think that's an error in choosing the good fabric. Buyer error.

Also, the title of this thread makes me bristle a bit. "Admitting" to using Quilter's Showcase implies that there is something to being ashamed in using it... and I'm not ashamed in the least.

Both of the quilts below, that I just finished quilting, have Quilter's Showcase for the backing. It's a nice sturdy cotton that feels great on the back of a quilt. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a front, either. As you can see, the fabric is pretty and modern, and serves well. Can't believe it's as inexpensive as it is.

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