As to the quality of fabrics..Walmart and Joanne's are at the bottom of the scale, then Hobby Lobby and then quilt shop material. It depends what a person is making. If it is a baby quilt for charity (something that won't be used much by the recipient, then Walmart or Joanne's would probably be sufficient). If it is for a gift and the quilter does alot of machine quilting or pays for longarm quilting, then I wouldn't use anything other than quilt shop material.
Walmart and Joanne's fabric would be ok for placemats, table runners..etc. Eiltq.