I try to use free pattern off the internet whenever possible or borrow from friends. Even for clothing and such I wait until JoAnn's is having a sale to get it for $.99 or $1.99. I remember when I was little and patterns had gone up to $.75 and mom complaining about that. "They used to be $.25 and $.35 so I'm not buying any more patterns." She would probably roll over in her grave if she knew the prices of patterns today.