VC,
I too have been an Army wife living in Germany('81-84 & '93-95). Where are you stationed? Do you ever go to the German stores? My first time there I was totally lost as to how to find or do anything. I was determined to "make lemonade out of the lemons" I had been dealt. I contacted ACS and ITR for any newcomer tours of the area, talked w/ other wives (esp. those who spoke German) and asked if they would mind showing me around or how they learned their way around. I can speak VERY broken German and usually the natives would take pity on me and speak English(as they learn English in school)
You might also check thrift shops for good, clean clothes (i.e. shirts,skirts have alot of yardage for sm. amt. of $)
Do you have family/friends back here that can help you out by sending you "Quilting CARE packages"? What about a quilting supply store where you've lived before? Maybe they would send you small samples (2"X2") of their new shipments, then you could place an order by e-mail.
Here are a couple web sites that might be of some help,too.
www.keepsakequilting.com and www.connectingthreads.com
A quilting friend of mine suggested you might Google in something like this "Where are the nearest fabric shops around__________?" (your German town's name,i.e. Nuernberg,Germany) and see what info it gives you.
Last but certainly not least, have you asked other women/spouses who quilt, where they get supplies? Or do they know of others who might be interested in learning to quilt? You could start a small quilting group (there are always places available (i.e. ACS) that are interested in getting the spouses involved.
If you are near an Army medical facility, they might benefit from some simple lap quilts that the group could make.
I know you asked a simple question and I've gotten carried away with an answer but... My husband spent 24 yrs in the Army and now both of our sons (23 & 24 yrs. old) are active duty Army so I have a VERY special connection w/ the military.
If you would like to "talk" more or if I can be of any further help ,please PM me anytime. I hope I haven't overwhelmed you w/ info.
Sis