You really don't have to purchase templates from Missouri Star as you can get other brands from almost any quilt shop that will work, and where you purchase fabric is up to you. But for the price of $5.99 an issue the magazine is well worth it for the idea's and instructions alone. I've paid up to $8.99 for other quilt magazines filled with ads for maybe one pattern that I "might" make. I'll keep my subscription to Block. Go Jenny!