Sure hope the quilt police are taking the day off because:
I have bought bed skirts from the thrift store. The 'ruffle' can be used for many different things that aren't for competition (pin cushions, quilt pieces, doll clothes, mug rugs, work caddies, etc.). If the part that goes on the bed springs is of cotton, there is a lot of material there to be used in some way with material from my stash. They are usually between $1.00 and $3.00.