I understand where you're coming from. I too plan to do just as you have. There is so much out there that is useable and cheap, and works out to be beautiful as your quilt proves. The other advantage too is that I would feel less inhibited about trying new patterns and techniques on thrift store fabrics. Purchasing the shirts/dresses/ tweed items means money also goes to worthy causes too. Positives all round. Pluses all round. Happy quilting.