I spent half of my growing up years in the desert outside of Palm Springs, Calif.. my grandma lived there, out on the flat desert floor.. Still we had quilts.. much nicer to sleep under than a blanket! They had pieced tops, and a printed or plain backing with a piece of flannel between.. all 100% cotton.. our even lighter quilts were top, backing with a piece of muslin between for 'batting'... they were so wonderful.... I still have some of those quilts today.