So much of your expense depends on how much you have. If you really have nothing and yet want to quilt, just pretend you don't have any fabric stores around. Get creative. Cut up clothes, cut up sheets, curtains, etc. Spread the word at the thrift stores that you will take stained and unsaleable cottons that they get in so that you can salvage the usable material.

However, if your standards are such that you NEED new everything and MUST HAVE cotton batting at high prices, and you MUST send your quilt out to be long arm quilted each time, after buying real quilt backing fabric at a LQS or on line, then it will be very expensive.

Most can actually do it for a bit less, however, if you lower your standards a bit. If you can't do that, then maybe quilting isn't the hobby for you unless you do "have money" or can barter with people for what you need.

OTOH, when we visit the states, while at the same time people are complaining about the crisis, restaurants like Outback continue to be crowded (where 2-$25 gift certificates was about right for my DH and I), and very often "poor" Americans are VERY overweight (in Poland, here, the truly poor are THIN--they walk around hungry--not eating even enough of the 'cheap carbs' you can buy in every country).

So, my advice to people who want to quilt, but don't have the money--reexamine your budget and see if you can cut out other things like expensive foods or going out to eat once in a while. You might actually "find" money in the budget.

Try it and compare the difference and see if you are satisfied.

You can spend a lot, or you can spend a little. It's up to you. Quilts have been made from scraps since quilts started being made. Return to that and it really doesn't cost a lot. You gather from family and friends, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. It's great fun to see how creative you can get with these things. If you can/want to spend a little more, get yardage from Walmart, JoAnn, etc, when things are on sale and/or you have coupons. If you want excellent quality/LQS, new line, all coordinating, etc., fabric, and all the "best" of everything else, yes, it's expensive. Really, it's all up to the individual.

Quilting is expensive but it is my only hobby/pasttime. I find that I am finishing up a lot of ufo's rather then start new projects I see in mags. or at quilt store. I use to want to make it all but now I am very selective. I have an Amish community about 50 miles from home. It is worth the trip to go and stock up on batting and backing for my quilts. Today I a going to Joanns sale. We just have to be creative and selective in our purchases.

My DH has a Harley and a Corvette. Crazy expensive, so I have a little leeway with my quilting hobby! Even so, I try to buy everything on sale, and complete projects in my queue before buying more fabric.

I to have been using alot of scraps up and trying to at least reduce what I have and only buy if needed. I do buy alot from sales and I have bought alot from craigslist so I can justifiy my hobby. But it can be expensive....but so is everything else.

Last summer I just mentioned to a couple of ladies that I was learning how to quilt and that I did not mind having "leftover" cotton fabrics that they will not use, instead of them throwing it away.. I could make tote bag, shoe bags, lap quilt or include it in larger quilted items. I was amazed to see how many pieces of fabric I got from what they were ready to throw away.... That made me thinking of how quilts used to be made from, years ago and that's what I intend to do... of course I will buy new fabric to "complete" but I want to create with the little I have before I think of buying more.... we'll see

I agree with it being a costly hobby, but I am haing fun.. I can afford fabric, but I find I'm enjoying recycling, and the hunt for quality scraps.. I've haunted thrift stores for shirts, and fabric. I've gone to estate sales, and I keep my eyes open..... I lucked out, and found very nice quality flannel at a thrift store.. I use it for backing..

Barri

I'm glad I built up quite a stash and invested in the quilting frame while I was still working :) I had bought a roll of batting years ago and it is lasting a lot longer than I imagined. I rue the day when the batting runs out. I've gotten so many great ideas for substitute batting on here. So I'll save the good batting for the good quilts and get creative for utility or charity quilts :)

Your observation on cost is accurate. Yard sales, estate sales, tag sales are a great place to consider. If you live "in the city" somewhere consider putting an add in the throw away paper about wanting cottons, etc. Never know who has a "stash" and thinks it's just some ol' fabric that' sitting around. Check Craig's list in your area, too.