I have shopped and purchased a lot of fabric at Wal-Mart. I check the quality of the fabric and if it doesn't measure up, I don't get it. I recently purchased some flannel with some other fabrics to make a baby blanket. I was using regular fabric as a liner for the blanket. I was so anxious to get started on the project that I FORGOT to prewash my flannel. Well, once the project was finished, I washed it, expecting the flannel to shrink -- it didn't happen. Turns out that Wal-Mart flannel was pretty darned good!
If I bought quilt shop fabric for every quilt, each one would cost me several hundred dollars. By watching the quality of the fabric, I can buy very good fabric at Wal-Mart and spend maybe $200 instead of $500!
I think you have to buy what makes you happy and what you can afford. No quilt police allowed! Seriously, get what you want and can afford, count your blessings and be happy with the quilts you make!
Jeanette Frantz