If you are just starting out and need to decide if this is a hobby (addiction) for you, then definitely buy cheap stuff to get the feel of 1/4" seams, matching points, etc. I would really hate to see you spend $$ for great fabric and then not finish because you really don't like quilting. And FYI...you can find good fabrics at Walmart or LQS....you can also find bad fabrics at Walmart or LQS. Take your time at both, comparing how the fabrics feel and look....learn what is good/bad fabrics....don't feel like your very first project needs to have $12/yd fabrics to be beautiful. In my opinion, all quilts are beautiful when made by with love by someones hands.