The nice thing is, it's your quilt and you can make it however you like, and you have gotten great advice so far. I'd just like to add that if you use flannel it should be pre-washed as it tends to shrink alot. You said you are new to quilting, but if you have some scraps to play with make three small blocks, one without any batting, one with batting and one with flannel.

Lastly....welcome to the quilt board you'll find many friendly and helpful people here! :wave:

If you plan on hand or machine quilting it I think you need some kind of batting as the stitches look better to me.
You've received good advice from the others on batting or flannel.

Welcome to the board, I live in AZ also. send me a PM and let me know where you live.

Thanks for all the advice!
I'll update you on what I end up using and how it works out.

Welcome to this board.

Silk and wool are good choices fir quilts used in hot and/or humid climates. The fibers breathe naturally and while they’ll keep you warm when needed, they don’t make you hot, and both are very lightweight. Stay away from 100% polyester for summer or warm weather quilts as the Poly will lick on you body heat.

Steph
Director of Sales & Marketing, Hobbs Batting