Here is the way I look at it. Yes, it can cost alot of money and congratulations to all of you with those great big stashes to work from. Mine is very small and most wouldn't considerate it a stash at all. Any how, what other gift can you make and give that people appreciate so much, use so much and will still be around (with any luck) way after us and the reciever is gone. For me, I'm the only quilter my family and friends know, they think I'm great and only I know all of the mistakes that are in what I make. I like that. Someone told me I should enter a quilt show, I laughed to myself because I knew I was no way close to that level but it's nice that the people who care do. I'm on such a tight budget right now it isn't funny so everything I get has to be planned but I'm not giving up. I'll be careful about what I buy and try to use what I do have first but I'll keep on going. Thank goodness for the sales at Hancock Fabrics. The 1st and 3rd Wed of the month is senior's day (and I don't have to be 60 like Joann's) and I can get this discount on top of any coupon or sale. Then the 2nd Wed is Military discount and the same rule applies so I have the first 3 weeks of the month to get supplies if I "need" them. I don't like the fact that Joann's doesn't have set days for senior days and then you have to be 60 to get it. I will have to admit, I'll be splurging (just a little) this week at the Hampton Quilt Show but I'll be careful there too. I enjoy sewing and I'm not giving it up. I'll just have to work around the growing economy and fit it in, one way or the other. For the one wanting to know about putting something besides cotton in between your layers; I'd only care if I want them to be around for a really long time. That doesn't mean you still have to use batting because our ancesters didn't and some of those quilts are still around. Enjoy quilting.