For backing, for the most part, muslin is still cheaper than regular fabric. But that will go up, too. Like someone said, we will get more creative. As far as last years, or this years fabric, who cares!! I look at them and occasionaly I buy, but I don't run out and buy this years fabric anymore than I would run out and buy this years fashions. I buy what I need when I need it and look for the best price. I do buy at my lqs, but not exclusively.