I look at this way. This is the only hobby I have and enjoy it so much! I don't shop for clothes, shoes (until I really need them) and purses so figure I can spend money on my fabric and get what I want. I get emails from online stores and when they have a sale I stock up on batting, thread and backing fabric which is usually muslin. When I want to start a new quilt I go to my favorite online stores and see what they have. Yes...this does get expensive but look at the beautiful quilts you can make and they're something that will be around a long time. Enjoy!!!