I use sheets in my quilts. I machine piece and quilt and it has never been a problem for me. I was blessed with a lot of free fabric from several people who were cleaning out closets and knew I'd give the fabric a good home. Since a lot of my quilts go to the Christian Life Home in Raleigh, NC (unmarried mother's home), I use whatever I have on hand. I like the "good stuff" , too but can't afford to use it all the time.