There is no reason to be hard-nosed here. Sometimes learning some basics about a hobby can make the hobby more enjoyable. At least that's my experience. Tried and true methods can be very helpful to know even if you then venture off to your own method. There are usually multiple ways to accomplish different things in quilting.
The internet has lots of information about everything! If you go searching you will find some blogs of people who make things from fabric scraps or recycled clothing. I know there is a feeling of satisfaction to be able to reuse fabric and not have to go buy new. I do a little of both.
You said you are going to use this as a summer bed covering, are you going to use batting or just layer with a sheet or something ?