Connecting Threads and Thousands of Bolts are two web sites where fabric is less costly and beautiful. They both run sales and you can be alerted via email. Some Walmart stores sell fabric at very reasonable prices. It is worth the investment in my opinion to use quilter's fabric because other materials are more challenging to work with. I am making a quilt using my husband's old shirts and the cutting and sewing is much more challenging than regular quilter's cotton.