It can be expensive, that's for sure! Those of us on small sewing/quilting budget get around that by shopping for fabrics at Good Will stores, thrift shops or re-purposing fabric. I shop sales online of 30% off or more and have gotten some beautiful fabrics. My quilt shop has an area for reduced prices which I always visit, another has a remnant shop out back which I go through when I'm there. I get newsletters from a bunch of online stores with reasonable prices, so I'll always know when they're having sales. You can get deals if you need to!! I used to buy corduroy for $1.00 a yard to make pants for my kids! You won't find that any more either! :-) Sometimes I miss it too, but the new fabrics are wonderful with beautiful prints!