I do try to buy fabrics on sale, but I don't really have a budget that I keep to. The last comforter I made, however, I call my $5 quilt. I got a pack of 5" squares of flannel in Amish country for $5, and only used about 1/4th of them, then I found a sheet that I used of my aunt's for the backing (I never have used a sheet before), and the batting I pieced together with interfacing strips and zigzag stitches. Plus, the borders are from an nightgown that I used to wear. I finished it envelope style, so there's no binding. Then I tied it at intervals with yarn I had received as a gift. I know this sounds worse than it looks, but it's just one of those quilts to throw in the back of a car in cold weather. It will keep people warm and toasty, and that's what matters most. And my daughter says she just loves it! Who knew?!