I personally love the look and feel of chenille.  I didn't know anything about chenille when I made my first chenille projects several years ago.  Since then I have learned A LOT!  I've put together some information I hope you will find helpful.

1.  As with all fabrics, all chenilles are not equal.  This means there are many choices for you to make, as well as many characteristics of the fabric that my affect your project.  These include the many different styles of chenille, its different textures, weights and colors as well as a wide range of prices.  I have used high-end chenilles a well as inexpensive chenilles and I have to say I have not had any problems with any chenille after it has been sewn. None of my projects have shed, faded or fallen apart in the laundry.  However, sewing with chenille can be an interesting and very messy experience. The more chenille is handled after it has been cut, the more likely a loss of chenille will occur before it is sewn.
2. Try to keep the needle, needle plate, feed dogs, bobbin area as well as any other area where you notice lint accumulating as free of lint as possible.  Your sewing machine will thank you for it and perform better for you.
3. Be sure to use a 1/2" seam allowance or larger. 
4. You should  experiment with your stitch length and tension settings when sewing with chenille. You may need to adjust these items to avoid distortion.
5. Be sure to use an appropriate size needle and change it often if sewing a large project. I usually use denim needle ~ 90/14.
6. Be sure to balance the different weights throughout your projects.  Bedspreads/craft panels may be a different weight than fabric store chenilles.  This may cause wall hangings to not hang right and quilts to feel strange ~ off balance.  Don't be afraid to mix fabrics ~ just keep them balanced.
7. Be sure your colors will not run or rub on on each other.  There are so many new bright and beautiful colors available today, be sure to test them before you use them. Don't let a red fabric ruin your completed project by turning a white fabric pink!
8. It is important that all of your fabrics in your project by "treated" the same.  If not, you may not get the look you were going for. This is true of all fabrics not just chenille. If you pre wash your fabrics it is important to know if your new fabric has been or can be washed. (There are chenilles out there that cannot be washed!) If you are using batting be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions as it can shrink 3-5%.
9. Know how much fabric you need for your project and buy more. I learned this the hard way when I couldn't find the exact dye lot of my fabric.
10. The best advice I can give you is to ask questions.  Be sure you understand exactly what is is you are buying and the terms of the sale. It is usually best to ask questions before you bid! The following examples are important for general buying not just for chenille.
1. Do you know what size quilt you can make with 40 six inch squares?
2. Do you  or your recipient have allergies or is affected by odors?  You might want to know if the seller's items come from a smoke/pet/free environment.
3. Is there a return policy? My own eBay philosophy whether I am buying or selling on eBay is that all sales are final and if the item is breakable insurance is required.  Your philosophy may be different.  Be sure you are comfortable with your seller's the answer to this question.
4. The Shipping and Handling area opens up alot of questions for me.  I want to know if I buy multiple items, will the seller not just combine for shipping but discount the amount I am being charged! I also want to know if I can request a different shipping option than the seller is offering, maybe I'm in a hurry for the item. Handling fees do not bother me, I know there are a lot of expenses involved in selling and shipping items.  It's when I'm paying several times what I paid for the item in S&H that I think twice!
5. Did you know you can buy upholstery chenille/chenile on eBay?  You can, but it's NOT what you want to soft cuddly baby items!

I love chenille and I hope you will too.  Please contact me through the eBay email system if you have any questions or comments.