Quilting club members - something to discuss

**homesteadmamma** · 01-27-2003, 08:43 PM

Here is an article I found on another site and I'd like for all of us to discuss it. I'll let you all read it and then come and discuss it here.

http://www.quiltfriends.com/fabric_diffs.html

Here are some questions to think about:

- do you feel there is a difference
- if so, does it make that much of a difference when quilting
- where do you purchase your material
- will this article make you think differently about where you do
- do you think this guy is out in left field

**frugalmel** · 01-27-2003, 09:12 PM

Well, I haven't finished the other asignment, and I don't know much about this topic. It sounds interesting (the article) but I think I would have to find out from fabric manufacturers if there really is a difference! I just have to know these things. Hmmm.. wonder who I can find in a search.....

I buy fabric when I see it. I bought for the tutorial from the local quilt store. They specialize in heirloom fabric. I did get one piece from wal mart. It seems ok though. Our quilting store of course pushes the heirloom quality bit.

**Missy** · 01-27-2003, 09:38 PM

I find fabric that appeals to me and ususally go for it. I don't always find it at quilt fabric stores, quite often I am at Hobby Lobby looking at theirs. but from what I have gotten at a quilt store I haven't felt a difference...maybe I wasn't paying close attention. I probably should look closer at the quality of the fabric, but I also have not had any trouble with any of the fabrics I have bought no matter where I have bought them. And they have all worked together nicely. I have my first outfit that I made myself nearly 7 (maybe more) years ago and it is still in good shape, and the color hasn't gotten too faded even through washing (it has faded some, but i haven't worn it but maybe a few times....BEFORE I got pregnant

) and I bought that fabric from WalMart. So I dunno where my opinion really stands on this topic of which is better. I buy at a quilting store when I can, but otherwise at Hobby Lobby, and places like that. And Walmart as well. For now I will have to go to the places my wallet can afford, LOL.

**MJsLady** · 01-27-2003, 09:50 PM

I did buy some fabric from JoAns and I do not notice a difference between it and the fqs i got from wally.
Aftre reading his article, I get hte feeling he may work for a fabric house and wants to convince us all that more moeny = better goods.
Sometimes htis may be true but most times i think its not

**heaven** · 01-27-2003, 09:51 PM

I have bought from both the quilt store and walmart. I do know that the quilt store has a bigger selection, But as for you get what you pay for i am not sure. i have bought material and walmart and it has held up fine. so i guess it is just personal opinion.'

**KathiS** · 01-28-2003, 04:34 AM

I bought all my material for the quilting tutorial from Joann's. I buy lots of material for crafts and other sewing at WalMart. I can't see a difference myself. WalMart probably gets its fabric from the same place that Joann's does!

**Kimmomo3** · 01-28-2003, 06:54 AM

Walmart and JoAnn would be the chain store type of material, and your local non-chain quilt shop would be the "better" fabric.

I do think there is a difference the quilt shop stuff is much better (imho) softer stronger. But I don't buy it cuz it is too hard for me to spend that much on fabric when I can get the same print at JoAnns for 1/4 the price.

I do plan on making a few quilts with quilt store fabric like wedding gifts for my kids(if they get married) and or baby quilts for my grandkids(my kids are 8,4,2) but that is about it.

I machine quilt so I don't think I would be able to tell the differance in the fabric quilting it, but I bet there is a big differance if you hand quilt.

**sunshine** · 01-28-2003, 09:27 AM

I agree with the majority. I can "feel" a bit of difference in the quilt store fabric, but not enough to justify paying the huge price.

**paelthom** · 01-28-2003, 09:55 AM

As for me, Jo Anns and Walmart are just fine. Maybe if I was Super Quilt Woman and was making quilts to sell for big bucks I would consider the other fabric, but I am just making them for fun. So the less expensive, the better. I honestly can't imagine how there could be enough difference to justify the high cost of the specialty store fabrics.
paelthom

**SewCrafty** · 01-28-2003, 11:06 AM

I completely agree with the gentleman. There is a big difference in fabric. This is especially true if you are quilting in the original way, which would be by hand and all your fabrics, quilts and garments would be washed by hand on a scrub board. I think that is how so many quilts have lasted through the years and become heirlooms was because of the quality of the fabric in which they were made.

For instance, you go out and purchase a set of cotton sheets. After 1 or 2 washings they do not fit anymore. Now you go and purchase a better quality set and you have them for years and years. This is the difference in the how many threads were used in the warp and woof of the fabric. The tighter the weave of the fabric and the thread to make the fabric, the better quality you get.

Now on the other hand for myself purchasing fabric for quilting, I too buy at JoAnn's and Wal*Mart type stores (100% cotton). I do know the difference in quality, but I also know mine will never be heirlooms and with modern conviences such as washing machines they will not be taking a beating like they would with hand washing. I also always prewash and set all dark colors so they will not run later on.

If I was indeed making an heirloom, I would be using the better quality fabric.

**captclearance** · 01-28-2003, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by sunshine
I agree with the majority. I can "feel" a bit of difference in the quilt store fabric, but not enough to justify paying the huge price.

I agree, I am not an authority on fabric, I am a crafter and not a quilter, I do have quality fat quaters for my quilt but, I have found many bolt fabrics to be good..... Our grandmothers made quilts from old clothes and some have lasted 100 years or more.... I just am not an authority, but I am frugal and can't afford to quilt with some of that pricey fabric ........

**homesteadmamma** · 01-28-2003, 07:48 PM

Ladies I love this discussion and I'm thrilled that you've all been so honest. Now your teacher reports in and don't shoot the messenger but I purchase ALL my quilting material from quilting shops and yes there is a huge difference.

I've always looked at quilting as the only true hobby I have and I want my quilts to last for years. Working hours on a quilt to have the material wear out just doesn't do it for me. I wouldn't even mind if it faded because quilts look pretty neat faded (especially the older quilts), but to have the material wear is what aggravates me the most.

I've never purchased material at Jo-Ann's because we don't have a JoAnns, but I refuse to purchase material from Walmart for quilts. I have purchased material there for pj's or dresses for dd because kids grow out of them quickly and I've also purchased material there for crafts (other than quilting).

Now having said all of this, each quilter has to make up their own mind how much they can afford, where they will purchase their material and how much time they will put into quilting. Thats was so great about quilting, you can still make beautiful quilts with material from Walmart!!!! So continue to purchase material where you feel is best for you.

**Kimmomo3** · 01-28-2003, 10:17 PM

I think when I get better and want a quilt to last I will buy the good stuff.

**mylittle4** · 01-28-2003, 10:33 PM

I visited a quilt store for the first tima and purchased a grab bag of fabric and I do think there is a difference. I just can't justify the cost compared to Joann's. As for Wal-mart I will only purchase fabric there for p.j's and crafts not for quilting. I can see a big difference from there fabric and Joanns.