Patrice summed it up very well. I also agree with those who mentioned weeding out the fabrics which are too worn/shabby or unwashable (they can be used as rags/cleaning cloths or pet bed stuffing). I think the end-result should be a well-made, multi-use and easily cleaned quilt. Quilters are naturally creative creatures, so no matter what colours/textures are available hopefully the finished quilt will have had the usual time/effort spent on putting it together with flair and care.