Welcome from another from East Tennessee close to Oneida area. You will get addicted very easily. You can find material everywhere once you have this addiction in your heart. hehe.... I am also on a limited income, and I have so much fun first checking out the Goodwill, and other second hand stores. I have found a lot of sewing treasures this way. At Wal-Mart I then look for some pieces or something I need that works ok. I also am not close to the good stores. When I started, my mother and sister gave me material. I made my first tote bag (a Bow Tuck ) from some of the material my sister gave me. I just felt blessed. Have fun on your new journey of sewing.