don't know about where you live but we have a local quilt store that will rent the machine and 3 dies for 3 days for $30. You could do a marathon cut and have some "kits" at a price where you don't have to invest in or store the stuff. We are lucky really. Within 30-45 minutes of my house there are 4 LQS's, Joann's, Hancock's, Hobby Lobby x 2, and a walmart with fabric.