For a really good quilt, I would use batiks for a Baltimore and I would personally put the bright colors on black. But that is just me. I like bright. I have gotten good quality fabric at WalMart and JoAnns, but--I would get a small piece first and wash it to see if it is just sizing and a poor quality fabric. For a Baltimore it will probably be a once in a lifetime quilt, so for the applique I would get fat quarters of good quality fabic. I like Kona solids for applique. Good luck.