hi Jackie, I am aslo on a fixed income but I have 4 adult children and 4 adult gc so i will send them all a wish list all are different I charge them babysitting fees by the yardage this way I can get some of the new fabrics that I just must have I also do Just because u luv me list this one goes to my dh or if it is too many thing on the list I share it with the others I love gadgets so I have aquired many of them this way .
I don't drive so I do my shopping on the internet I have found a place where the fabric is 3.85 a yard I tred it and was thrill to bits that the quailty of the fabric was just great and the service is great AAAQuilters supplies I get my charms from connecting threads I use my stash to mixed the old with the new I shop the sales everyweek I love the ones that will hold the items in your basket because thenm I can go back and look to see if I really want it or not 9 times out of 10 I don't want it or changed my mind .
I live in Az so i don't use that much batting I use the sheets from Marshels dry goods and old bath towels i use them for bath mats and potholders .
I hope some of theses items will help u