Muslin comes in wide widths and it is great for practice FMQ since the color of thread will show up well on muslin. This way you can examine how you are progressing with FMQ.

Do not underestimate the power of "muscle memory" and simply teaching yourself not to "quilt yourself into a corner". I did 99.99% of my practicing on a giant pad of newsprint (18" x 24" size) You can pick them up at any art supply shop. If you have a local newspaper they will often give you the ends of rolls. I used pencils, highlighter markers, crayons, Sharpies. I drew the design over and over again in all directions. By the time I got to my LA I could easily duplicate the design with pretty much the same amount of effort and thought it takes to sign my name. You don't always have to practice on the real thing. An erasable white board or huge pads of paper and pencil will work wonders in your LAing ability. I am proof!

I love all the suggestions.
Thank you!

Rather than think cheaper and practice ... think charity quilts. The people who receive them aren't quilting judges. they are just glad to get them!

LQS's and guilds all have sources for charity quilts that need quilting.

I go to estate sales and buy old sheets and blankets for almost nothing to practice on. You could still donate to the animal shelters with those.