I rarely, rarely pay for than $7 per yard for cotton. NEVER buy at full price. I often buy fabric on etsy and ebay (usually my focus fabric). Then I watch for a sale price for the coordinating fabrics. If you are selling your products, you can not buy at retail prices and make any profit. I price notions at the store and take into account what the coupon price would be. Then I check online. I almost always buy rotary blades online. Please remember that anything sharp or mechanical bought at Harbor Freight is the reason they have the rep as the 'one time tool store'. But they are a great resource for things like organizers, magnetic boards and bowls, rulers etc. People have said that this takes too much time, but, like any other thing, if approached like a business, you will succeed. Making a profit on my product allows me to not worry about the money spent on gift quilts or quilts for charity. One feeds the other! Also, back in the 70's, gas also cost less than 40 per gallon and movies were $1!!