I piece my backings, sometimes using fabric I no longer like. I also use wider unbleached muslin for backings but make sure to get a good quality one. They really show off one's quilting. I don't have a long armer do all my quilting, just the quilts that I feel merit it. Usually I use my walking foot to quilt as free motion is too stressful for me. I make good use of the "free" table at my local guild meeting. You are right, though, quilting is expensive. When I look at what I've spent each month, it's mostly on quilting-related stuff now that I'm retired. No matter - it keeps me sane!