And (shhh... don't tell the quilt police), you can go to Good Will or Value Village (or whatever equivalent you have in your town) and buy used flat sheets to use as backing. Try to find 100% cotton ones. The kicker is the batting-- it's not cheap, but look for it on sale. I've heard some people use old blankets for batting, but I'm not so sure I'd do that. And get on Joann's email list for coupons. Best to you.

Instead of quiting go to GoodWill, Salvation Army and other thrift and used clothing stores; find 100% cotton fabric in men and women's shirts, dresses, skirts, slacks, children's clothes, cut them apart and use for quilting fabric you will find wonderful colors and paterns. You can use top sheets of 100% cotton for backing.

I learned to quilt over 60 years ago, grew up very, very poor; we made quilts out of anything we could find, scraps from dresses and shirts sewn by us and if someone gave us used clothing we quilted that also. Some of it you had to wash before you used it, but was well worth it. We also bought chicken, hog feed and flour and meal in cloth sacks for the fabric in them. I had flour sack (the white ones) for underwear and thought everyone had panties that had ink on them that said SteamBoat Mills. The pretty feed sacks (they were larger than flour sack) was made into clothes.

As for gadgets, I have several I wish I had saved my money on; they are put away so I won't fuss about buying them. I would try to get the best scissors I could afford as they are an important part of your tools. You can also shop Walmart for fabric, since they have put back their fabric dept they have some good fabric.

Enjoy this wonderful addiction that a lot of us share.

delma

Oh, wait for Joann's 1/2 off sale to buy batting.

I want to say you need to keep quilting. As for batting. Joann's has it on sale quite often and next weekend they have an additional 25% off total purchase. Check their web site. You may be able to find the coupons.

I've just started in the forum today and found your post. I really don't think you should quit at all! Quilting really does not need to be expensive. There are so many gadgets out there and honestly, some of them are handy and others are just gadgets! I always keep in mind the women of old who quilted with poor lighting, very little fabrics on hand and turned out some beautiful quilts with very little. Keep things simple for now and keep finding those great deals you are so good at. You can find fabrics from old clothes in thrift shops and use those for quilting. There are also good deals out there on fabrics from some online fabric companies.
Good luck to you and keep on quilting!

I understand what it is like being disabled. I haven't been able to work in over a year, and since my problem is progressive, it looks like I never will be back to work. Quilting has saved my life...there have been times that I was so down, and it gave me a reasonm to get out of bed. I realize it can get expensive, but watch the coupons, and check the thrift shops..You wouldn't believe the fabric finds there--or clothes that can get cut up cheaply for the fabric (garage sales too) I save a bit too by using sheets for backings...and sometimes in the tops. You seem to have enough to get started. I don't buy anything unless I have a direct immediate need for it. Keep us up to date as you progress--you are one of us now!! LOL

P.S.--I have used cheap fleece blankets for batting that I bought in thrift shops for about a dollar...Worked great ans was warm...Sometimes I get as much of a thrill by finding the great deals as I do quilting!!

I like the 'quilting' part of quilting more than piecing. My guild always has TONS of quilt tops that need to be quilted, so I try to do 3-4 a month. That means free materials, and lots of quilting time.

Have you joined a quild yet? My last guild supplied kits to members for making charity quilts. All the fabric and often the batting was provided and I just had to piece, quilt & bind and then return to the quild for distribution to the charity. I was gonna suggest Quilts for Kids but I see they aren't shipping kits right now as they've exceeded their shipping budget.

If you love it, don't give it up!! Quilting is my therapy and I would never want to give it up. I am in the process of doing some cleaning in my sewing room (again). I would love to send you some fabric to help you continue your love of quilting. Please send me a PM with your address.