I believe you get what you pay for. The $5 isnt bad. The $1.50 fabric reminds me of sheets that are old, worn and ready for garbage. If you are taking time to make something, then you want it to last at least the years end. I myself like to support our local fabric shop. The quality is there. Yes, sometimes you pay a higher price. But to me, my time and effort is worth something. If I can't afford fabric this week or month, then I'll just wait a little longer until I can. I'd rather have the quality.