I limit my specialty rulers to just those that I really plan to use and can't use my regular ones. Also, I won't buy a specialty rulers unless I see at least 2 patterns that show it's use that I'd consider making. that being said, while they are expensive, they do last a long, long time and I've found that the homemade ones I've been given haven't been totally accurate. I've priced having them done by Home Depot, etc, but that isn't that cheap either and I wonder about accuracy. So I'm in the "go ahead and buy"--or look for discounts--or borrow one from a quilter friend!