When I started collecting, I went through the Quilter's Bookclubs and bought a lot of books at full price. I would look for books at thrift shops and yard sales. I also bought on sale at Joann's. I had to have everything printed for awhile.
Now, I buy online through Amazon or other auctions (not Ebay) and only at a great price. I buy very few now because I can get so many great patterns and things online. I also go to the library and see what they have there.
Guess it is because I have so many books and magazines from my previous life. Now I want to sell them and make up my own designs using EQ....