check thrift stores for inexpensive-worn blankets, mattress pads, fleece...also, check with 'quilting friends' and area long arm quilters- sometimes they have scrap batting laying around they are willing to part with- it Is easy to piece batting (butt the edges & stitch a wide zigzag) for me batting scraps multiply like fabric scraps---I always have a large garbage bag full, and willing to give pieces to anyone who asks- as for inexpensive practice fabric- check places like Joanne's for $1-$2 a yard muslin...and it doesn't need to be (wasteful) if you do something with the practice pieces...some things we have done with practice quilts over the years----bound the edges- gave them to the kids with fabric markers to decorate-color- they then kept them to use for picnic quilts, play outside quilts, build forts quilts. zigzag the edges (or apply a machine binding) and donate to the area animal shelter- donate to the local pre-school (and/or) daycare to use for nap mats, .... all kinds of things to do with those practice pieces---some of them turn out to be pretty useful- masterpieces (in someone's eye)
