i can not express how happy i am with this bedspread.  yes, it is thinner than your mom's chenille but living in south florida it is perfect - and since i turn down the spread each night i am glad it is not heavy - that is why i replaced my heavy matellasse spread - this one is beautiful - is a true 110" wide so reaches the floor on both sides, unlike most queen bedspreads which are 102" wide.   i just love it - it doesn't smell - it may shed - soooo? but it hasn't yet - thank you