When I first started I was an ebay nut I ran across a lady doing ironing board covers and I took a chance and messaged her and asked what she did with her scraps...she replied nothing. I paid the shipping and she sent them all to me, Was wonderful!!! You'll find you can shop clearances and there is nothing like Joanns coupons!!! As for rotary cutters look at the reviews on OLFA and use a coupon at joanns you'll be happy. Use a coupon again for an OLFA mat. You will not struggle with those! Look at the reviews. Fabric is one of those things that if you look you can find sales just feel it and you'll know if it worth even the clearance price. I only buy from trusted manufacturers online. Moda, Robert Kaufman, Henry Glass. When you see something you like buy it because like fashion some fabric is seasonal and when it's gone you can't find it anymore. Happy quilting!!