I have used quilting magazines for years as a learning tool. There are so many articles that teach you how to do this or that while making a quilt more efficiently. I don't belong to a guild, so I interact with other quilter's in this way. by reading what they have to say about this or that pertaining to quilting and fabrics.
The inspiration and colors of quilts in the magazines make them worth the cost of the publication alone to me. All that being said, I don't have a subscription to any of them right now. I have made the most quilts from McCall's and Better Homes and Gardens magazines. Their style seems to suit me to a T.
I donate my unwanted fabric, magazines and patterns to the thrift shop when I am done with them. I figure that there are many ladies that will enjoy a good deal and support out local food bank.