Originally Posted by himom122
It is called a limited income.
Let me address this, as for the last three years I have been under the poverty level. My fabric comes from estate sales, thrift stores, sometimes e-bay or Walmart. I combine with the quilt shop fabric I have left from better times, and with affordable fabric on sale. I never buy fat quarters, except for swaps, because I can generally get at least half yard for the same price. I have no problems dyeing fabric that may not be a color I need, but adaptable and inexpensive. One local e-bay seller I picked up from gave me yards of extra when I told him I was a quilter - his mom quilts, too.
If I see a great bargain, it will come out of the grocery money, and I will eat just macaroni or rice for a week. I also noticed an ad on Craigslist where a woman offerred to swap fabrics. It may be a way for me to upgrade. The classified section here is also a great resource.
I do have a large stash from better times, but if I were starting out, I would definately look for options to grow my collection. There are swaps here monthly - maybe if you get a bargain on something, you can trade strips or charms for other colors. I am proof positive you can increase your stash frugally. You just can't increase your stash on an austerity budget AND be a fabric snob!