I was raised with 2 DBs and 2 DSs, my family had a modest income. Dad worked Mom was at home. We got hand me downs and my DGM made our "special occasion clothes". I learned to sew as a teen and started to make my own clothes and babysat my butt off for other things I wanted. We never had a lot of extras. I guess that has carried on to adulthood for me. Still I believe in buying a quality that will last within my means. I shop sales and use coupons. I will compare prices and figure in shipping vs sales tax and gas to go buy things locally. I watch which shops adjust shipping and which charge their full shipping. If it's something I simply must have there is always an extra shift I can work.
So I guess color me fugal. I buy quality especially for my quilting tools but I do shop around. It's a little extra time to do so but in the end I am generally happy with my purchase. I find what works best for some people don't always work best for me so I go with what I like. I have a pair of Gingher scissors because my first quilting instructor said they were a must. I bought the lightweight version, cheaper with a coupon and easier on my hand. I have used them rarely. LOL If I get something I hate I won't buy that brand again.
If I have trouble with skipping when rotary cutting (I also use Olfa rotary cutter and mats) and the blade is new or almost new I soak my mat. Someone at a quilting class I took told me about self healing mats needing to be soaked. I found this discussion of care and fixing mats to be really helpful.
http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...tting-mat.html I am still using my original mat which is now 12 years old!