The thing to keep in mind is what I think of as traditional quilting.
They used whatever they had on hand and could find, scraps, old clothing (think Gees Bend).
My mom's cousin taught me to sew and she had the attitude that if it was fabric it could be used in a quilt. He mom hand stitched quilts from men's used wool jackets and pants.
I have a friend on a very tight fixed budget. She lets people know she quilts and can use fabric scraps, clothing etc. She has a HUGE stash (I just helped her unpack it after a move) and has bought very little of it.