Yes you have to be a bit picky with so called "good buys" but most fabric can have some use left in them. Practicing quilting on some of the more well loved buys can still have a use, such as pads for garden seats, car covers and other utilitarian uses. You learn your quilting techniques without breaking the bank and still find a use for them, BTW Fur-babies love our practice bits n pieces
A top tip, a pair of pillowcases, un-stitched will give you a full yard of fabric, approximately 72" wide! Absolutely super for binding as you get 14 yards from ONE pillowcase. Don't worry if you get Poly/cotton mix as they are super for children s and other heavy usage quilts as they are made to launder a lot. My charity quilts are all backed with them.