sunbonnetsue,
welcome aboard!! no one has really planned a fabric exchange for this and many of us are using different types of fabric choices. Mine is civil war, as are a few others. You are absolutely correct - it would have been loads easier ....well a little work....but cheaper!! What I will suggest is that you get some jelly rolls you like and charm packs. They will be a better investment for the cash outlay! A charm and a half will cover most squares
Gus