Nokie: Yes, fabric is expensive. So you might look at yard/garage sales for fabric or old clothing in patterns you like; sometimes the Thrift stores near me have material/fabric pretty reasonable, so you might try them as well. I use blocks I have made from my daughter's clothes that she cannot wear anymore, as they have cute patterns or colors I like (she's 5 now). Plus, I have used some old dresses I have no chance of ever getting back into, due to the middle-age spread! LOL Some quick inexpensive ideas. You might ask your friends and family who are not quilters if they have any material they need to be rid of; my boyfriends sister and mother have given me some great material they never use or it didn't work out for what they needed.
Good luck!