We lost our Joann's but we have a Hancocks that have great deals. Also check and see if there is a Wal Mart in your town ,or the next ,that sells fabric. I usually but about 3 yards and you need a simple pattern to start. There is a site called Quilters Cashe, by Marcia HOhn. She has a lot of free patters and even has a section where you can learn from lessons. Free.