Okay, I wasn't going to offer my two cents.....but
My mother always told me that:
a) a gift should always come from the heart
b) anyone who belittles someone or says mean things to others do it because they don't feel well about themselves, are jealous, or are trying to cover up their own shortcomings
c) be polite, accept with a smile and genuine thanks (refer to (a) it came from their heart)
We don't have a Hancock's or a Joanne's....lucky some of you girls do. My nearest Walmart that sells fabric is 45 minutes away. I do make trips to Odensburg to Joanne's. I love to feel fabric and if I like the feel, I buy it (I only insist that it's 100% cotton). I don't care if I've paid 3.99 or 21.99 (yes I've bought 21.99 fabric).
I also started going to thirft shops here in town getting plaid shirts and corduroy (only 100% - no spandex) that are well loved and in good shape. Hubby doesn't know it, but he's getting a "Hunt Camp" quilt for father's day. I won't feel bad if it's up at the hunt camp, dragged around, rolled up, etc......By the way, he does have a nice Attic Window Motorcycle quilt for home.
I can't comment on the allergy/asthma conditions. I don't have any, but we have a very loved, old dog, a rescued cat (needs a name) and a hairless skinny pig (daughter keeps picking animals up LOL). I do however appreciate that these conditions can be life threatening. So if and when someone is looking for fabric (be it scraps, or yardage) please let me know in advance about any allergies and I will make sure that I don't participate.
I took up quilting for many reasons, first and foremost, it was for the friendships that could develop, and the fun that could be had. Right now we are four very different women, all in different life situations, who met in a quilt class and the laughs, groans, and "problem solving of the world" keeps us going and sane in this whacky world. We laugh together, cry together, help each other out whether with quilting or life, we always know that we will be there for one another, no matter what.
It seems that this board is the same. I've read about illness, lay-offs, and sound offs, and from the replies posted, everyone seems to support each other. What a great bunch........
There's my two cents (well, maybe 50!!!)