While DH and I were able to work, buying fabric was not much of a problem, although I bought fabrics only on sale 90% of the time. I had friends who would give me their fabrics when they decided not to sew or quilt any more, my sister passed her fabrics on to me while she was alive and I inherited her fabric when she passed away. While I was recovering from spinal surgery and learning to walk again, a therapist heard that I quilted and gave me nearly 40 yds. of fabric a friend had given her that she wasn't going to use. Ultimately, I could not bring all my fabric with me when we downsized to an apt., but I gave away about half before I told my husband I was not giving away any more fabric. Granted I do still buy fabric when I need something in particular to finish a project, but it's nice to be able to head to my stash and "go shopping". Besides, quilting is cheaper than therapy. LOL