I am definitely NOT a purist. I use whatever material I like and can get my hands on. Definitely am a low budget quilter, but there are some poly fabrics I hate to use for quilting. I use poly batting for most of my quilts because it is affordable for me, but I do love cotton batting and buy some here and there for kitchen items that I quilt like potholders, placemats, table runners, etc. I also like to use it for wall quilts. As far as thread goes- I use what matches!