auntpiggy - thanks for the pic of your Michigan quilt - it looks great!
april - thanks for the info about clipping, that helps.
dunster - I hadn't thought about not having to quilt the X, that's a good point!
Rachel - the fluffy look I want isn't in the quilting, but the raggy edges. And I'm not too worried about the cost of the flannel, I picked up some flannel king sheets from Target that were clearance, I think I paid $4 for the whole set. Can't beat that with a stick.
Thanks to everyone for chiming in! I'll post a pic when I get it done.