Thank you all for your replies. There are myriad reasons I now see.
If I may I'd like to add a couple of things friends and I have done to keep costs down. I know batting can be very expensive so we formed like a co-op and bought a whole bolt between us. One of our group found a site here in Australia where we could get 45metres of batting for the price of 30 metres. We were able to buy 3 rolls and try 3 different types:- 100% cotton
50/50 cotton & Polyester
100% polyester.
Unfortunately I was about the only one who liked them.
We have also banded together to buy fabric,( usually from America )
On a site called Shoppers Rule they are selling bulk machine needles today for next to nothing. This site is free to join. I've made several purchases from them even dies for my Accuquilt. Co-op buying is great for saving.
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