I used to be that frugal quilter from necessity, not by choice. I still prefer to up-cycle clothing and shop yard sales and thrift stores for material because it's fun to "make do." I have two machines that were given to me and my two purchased golden oldies @ $ 60 complete with cabinet and a Singer 301A to drag around so I'm totally disqualified.
Discovering rotary cutters and mats was just as liberating as finding out what an equalizer a rechargeable screwdriver and drill could be and the day I got to dump the wringer washer.