The first thing I thought of when you mentioned this "windfall" was for you to make very simple one patch quilts for you and every member of your family to carry in the trunk of your car, in case (god forbid) there is an accident or someone is stranded in the cold. It would be a good way to get the feel of the fabric and how it sews and those blankets can stay in the car for years and still look Oh so fresh! Just a thought.