Since you are a new quilter I see nothing wrong with going to Joanns or Hancocks and trying to find a nice quality fabric on sale or with cupons if you have them. That's what I did when I started not wanting to pay the higher price for fabrics when learning. Now I only use QS quality (quilt shop) fabrics. Once you feel you are happy with your quilting then you can move up on quality so to speak. You will learn by touch/feel, thread count quality fabrics in your own way. Just make sure for now you can't see through the fabric and you will be just fine. There are many people that never purchase QS quality fabrics because of cost and their quilts are still stunning and beautiful. You just have to decide for yourself what works and is pleasing to you and most importantly what you feel you can afford and not cause problems with your budget.