Also watch newspaper ads, Craigslist (if you do it) and garage/rummage sales. One other thought is to see if there are any quilt guilds in the area and put your plea out to them. Many quilters buy things they end up not liking/using and they all have at least scraps of fabric that they would probably be willing to let you have or buy for a small fee. Don't give it up. It is great therapy. And as you go along, you'll realize what tools you need and what you can do without. Also keep an eye out at thrift stores, not only for fabric, etc., but for cotton clothing that can be bought inexpensively and torn up to use in quilts. Flannel too.....Good Luck.