It's all in the presentation. When you tell him be sure and point out the money you saved! You bought fabric for $1.99 rather than the $10-$12 per yard at the fabric store. 170 yds at $2 per yard equals $340, at $10 per yard it equals $1700! So, instead of talking about how much you've spent, tell him that you made money. If you take the $340 that you did spend from the $1700 that it COULD have cost you are left with a whopping savings of $660!!!! So, not only did you get the fabric for free, you MADE money!
Saving is when you save less than half of the original cost---if you "save" more than 50% then you've actually MADE MONEY!!!!!! YEA FOR YOU!!!! Now, if you get him to accept this rationalization.................lol