I would check yard sales, estate sales, 2nd hand stores. Sometimes you can find really good things at very cheap prices! When I decided to start quilting last year I was lucky enough to find a quilters garage sale. She was trying to reduce some of her huge stash. I bought two boxes of assorted scraps, a beautiful bag of batiks, quilt magazines and books! I was in heaven! I've been using a lot of those scraps and if I need more yardage to add to it I check the stores and try to buy on sale. Your stash will grow as you go along. If you have friends or family that sew you might ask if you can have the scraps. Have fun and enjoy your new hobby!....................Just thought of another idea. If you go to yard sales check the clothing...I noticed quite a few cute prints in children's & girls clothes at yard sales lately. They could be cut up for quilt projects. Clothes are usually cheap at those sales!