I use cotton and or poly/cotton blends. I enjoy trying new block patterns but only make enough blocks to create a square with borders that will be about 38". This is ideal for a wheel chair. Sometimes a pretty print can be cut square and tone on tone borders added. This leaves lots of room to try various quilting designs on the borders.
It is so rewarding to see folks with these on their laps especailly when they are taken to the auditorium to see programs or even to therapy. Elderly ladies love blocks that contain flowers.