Something like this Ralph Lauren fabric?

You need to do a google search on Home Dec fabrics -the first link you had was for quilting fabric -two different categories.

Here is a link that might be useful: Large Check Fabric

Did you look at Calico Corners..it's a little pricey but they have wonderful check prints.

Here is a link that might be useful: CALICO CORNERS

thanks to both of you for the reply.

bestyears - how do I tell how large those checks are? When it says 9" repeat, what does that mean exactly? Does that mean the checks are 3"? Also, is that $66 a YARD? gulp. that's a *little* more than I'd like to spend. but thanks!

lukkiirish - thanks for the link. I've looked at them before, but am not finding a basic neutral large check. Maybe they have more in store? I'm unfortunately in the middle of no where so no store here.

anyone else have any ideas? Thanks so much for the help!

I think this one would be ideal for what you're looking for. Price is great, too!

Here is a link that might be useful: large spa blue check

I don't know how to add the link "properly", but Country Curtains has a ton of buffalo and other checks - and they are very reasonably priced:

http://www.countrycurtains.com/p2p/search/searchresults.do?search=basic&keyword=checks&sortby=newArrivals&page=all

Heidi