Hmmmmmm, touchy subject. It's everyone to what they can afford and preference. I too am on a fixed income and have health problems, so I buy according to what I can afford. I always look for sales and almost always only buy when a good sale comes along. I have been to some LQS and drool over some of the fabrics, but unfortunatley, not in my price range. We all quilt for the love of seeing something beautiful come alive. We are all sisters in that respect. IMHO, do with what you afford.