I too am a retired person, I have learned to save a little bit each month, that affords me over a 2 or 3 month time, to purchase more fabric or whatever I may need. I found a few shops online that have reasonable fabric, and over the last 2 years, I have been buying fabric, that would suit the person who's quilt I have pending. I have enough fabric right now to do 3 quilts, so I can't complain. I have enough to keep me busy, and will just have to go with the flow