The only time I get real picky about fabric choice is when I am doing hand applique. The higher thread count fabric is much easier to use for that purpose.
If you are making quilts for kids, people you dont know well, football games, experiments, etc. The lower prices might be your deterining factor.
I have a friend that buys the JoAnns fat quarters for her beginning quilters. They can learn, make mistakes without any guilt about the price.
You will learn as you gain experience which ones you like to use and which ones to leave alone.
I have found some very good quality fabrics at discount stores.