Sorry for your loss.
Thrift stores, yard sales are a great way to get a beginning stash.
My mom's cousin taught me to sew and she believed if it was fabric it could be put in a quilt. (Some are easier to work with than others or better than others.)
Let people at your church, friends, or any group you belong to know that you quilt. You would be amazed how many of those that make clothing will have scraps from their projects that they will give you or that they get from a friend of a friend.
Make a quilt or two from some of your husbands cloths. Have your family give you their old jeans. Jean quilts are warm and don't need to be fancy. Children love to drag them around. We have one we use for picnics.
I think in this economy we are going to see more quilts made from gently used clothing.
I once made a queen size quilt from cloths and curtains purchased at a thrift store for a total of $25 not counting the batting. I did get the batting on sale for $12.