Watch carefully for sales. Check out the $1 & $2 racks in Walmart whenever you're there. I'd advise not to get the really thin see-through ones though. Buy muslin for the backing. Once again, make sure it is good quality & weight. It is not only cheap but I think it makes a really comfortable, soft quilt. You can use sheets but they are usually harder to quilt in my opinion. Mention to friends that you are a quilter & perhaps they will have scraps they don't want. I really can sympathize with you. I was on a very, very meager budget when I started quilting. Luckily, my aunts & grandmother gave me their remnants. I now have retired & can afford to get more things I want to quilt with & I think I appreciate them more having scrimped & done without for so long. Keep on quilting! Hopefully better days are ahead!