i have made quilts from some pretty yukky, cheap fabric that have held up to being dragged around, traveling in the car, and out in the yard for picnics...they have held up through lots of washes and after a few years they wear out...as it should be...if it is used it will wear out. if you are making *utility quilts* to be used and abused don't worry about the inexpensive fabrics they will last as long as the quilt lasts...who really wants to make a quilt for a child to have picnics on and play on out of $10 a yard fabric? better to use the less expensive fabric and let them have fun. i get upset with the parents in our world who take their kids quilts away from them and say--"oh-it's too nice to let her use it"...really it's so good it should live in a box???
i seriously do not get it!