I think there is extremes on both sides. I have been to classes where a sewer hadn't changed needles in her machine in years or will use a rotary blade so dull she would have to use scissors to cut the gaps. And be proud of the fact she didn't waste money buying new all the time. The same sewer won't buy the quilt book for the class or the specialty ruler if any. She will 'borrow' from someone. I am frugal but cheap is not my style or my type of person to be around.