Love your quilt, and admire your stick-to-it-ive-ness!
I consider myself, a moderate-frugal.
I am on a budget, so I really want quality on some things.
I do buy at Joann's and Wal-mart, but have to say, since wal mart's quality in fabrics, has been going downhill, not going to miss them as much as I thought I would.
I just look closely at the grain, and of course we quilters, always touch and feel, so I put my hand underneath, to see if I can see my rings, etc.
If I like the thickness, I go for it. If I don't think it's thick enough...and I really like the fabric...I just groan, and walk away.
Pretty ain't worth it, if it's only skin deep.
I don't know what I'm gonna do, buying online. Won't be able to feel, or make sure of shade :roll:
Like you, I am thinking more an more of the cotton type battings.