At this point in time, i think you need to get creative on your materials, at least when you start out. In times past, quilts were made from fabric on hand, often recycled. It's easiest to use all the same fibers and fabric weight. See if there are any old cotton sheets available. Men's shirts are also a traditional source of quilting fabric (do a search on this board for 'recycled shirts' for inspiration). Let your friends and extended family know what you are looking for and you soon may have more than you need. An old blanket or fleece throw can be used for batting. You should be able to get your startup fabric costs down to a much more reasonable $$ amount, especially for practice pieces. The finished product may not be as pretty as you would like, but you will be developing your skills. Spend your allowance on good quality tools.