Most of us began using cheaper stuff. as Dotha said, "I am spoiled...and a big believer in using nice fabric. A bit of a thread snob too. haha But it is all personal. If you can afford it, buy the best. If not, do what you can. after all, the joy is in the journey. " I go both ways. I don't use the super high priced Japanese prints for baby quilts, however (charity or otherwise) I won't use stuff that won't hold up. When it comes to thread, however, I only use fairly high quality. The cheap stuff can wreak your machine.