I prefer to use quality equipment, but that doesn't necessarily mean expensive. I am a frugal shopper and look for bargain prices on name brands. I like my Olfa ergo cutter & mat. I love my portable Brother sewing machine that was very inexpensive and consistently works well. I won't skimp on thread, learned a lesson there. Not a scissors snob, I have a pair of Ginghers that were my sister's but don't like them. I prefer Fiskars because they're lightweight.