I make quilts to endulge my love of sewing, playing with fabrics and giving to others. My quilts would never win a prize in a show, fair, etc. but I don't do it for that. I am not a perfectioninst, never have been and never will be. If my seams line up, then "Hey, I did it!", if not then "Oh well, better luck next time. LOL!!" Sometimes I press my seams and sometimes I don't.
I seldom ever pre-wash my fabric. I prefer the crinkly, wrinkly look after I wash a completed quilt. I tend to stay with simple, plain blocks. I don't have the patience or the time to do fancy blocks.
I don't have a quilting machine (long arm) and don't want one. I have a simple Janome and a few old Singers that I love.
You are not alone and are in good company with us quilters who quilt for the love of quilting.
I buy fabric where I can afford it. If it is on sale at the lqs, then I get some. Otherwise, it is Walmart, thrift stores, online stores or even Ebay.