No, I don't lend and I don't borrow. I let a neighbor borrow a mat, rotary cutter and ruler once. She said she was going to cut fabric into squares a charity quilts. Ok, the fabric was fleece, she cut it into one big square and fringed the ends. She made 6 of them. So I got a fuzzy mat back and a dull rotary blade. If I go to a class and forget something I buy it or make do without. I too was put in the position of loaning out my ginger scissors, I had to wait to use my own stuff.

I don't loan or borrow to avoid the problems of breaking and so on. I also hate it when folks in the guild want copies of quilt patterns or to borrow books. There is the whole copyright issue as well as the fact that I haven't gotten books back. It is so awkward when they ask in front of others, but I still say I'm using it now and never seem to finish using it! LOL

I have let book go out of the house, but not supplies. In classes I have let others borrow my rulers, cutters, thread, scissors etc. I have always gotten them back and have not had any problems. I too have had to borrow thread colors from others. For the most part the classes that I take are with the same people and we have gotten to know each other over time. The teacher also brings her supplies and loans them out. When my friends come to my house to sew, I let them use my supplies because it is easier than them carrying over their things. Of course they bring their own scissors, thread, fabric, cutter, and anything of the smaller supplies. No big deal for us.
I do not think I would be so generous if I did not know the person.

I wouldn't let my tools leave my house, but I would share them in my home with someone I was teaching. I'm big on supervision, especially on things I've invested my own hard-earned cash in. I would also share tools in my home with someone I already knew was well acquainted with the proper use of those tools, and who could be counted on to repair/replace any damage done, like personal friends or relatives, but even then they would have to use them here. Too many of them have kids and pets running amok, and it's safer if I can put everything back where it belongs after it has been used. On my machines, they are allowed use of my "backup" machines, (again, using them here) never my primary machines... still good machines, but not the one that I know I can't afford to replace. So, to sum it up, I feel like I'm generous, but not stupid. LOL!

Same here, I am in the habit of not asking to borrow something from someone. My neighbor sent over her canning cookbook last week. I wanted her salsa recipes for myself......lol I found the book on Amazon for 5 bucks + shipping and gave her book back. I was so nervous about having it in the house. I didn't want anything to get spilled on it or lost.

As many of you mentioned, lending my tools and even my machines is okay as long as its at my house. Over a period of years I have found my favorite tools, any extras I give away but am kind of possessive about the ones I use all the time.
I don't borrow because I usually am able to buy what I need but I also feel that if anything at all went wrong while I was using it I would feel compelled to replace the item. Not borrowing prevents any hard feelings.

Only share if we are in the same place. I put little return address labels on everything so I can see at a glance what is mine.

Lent a "ruler" once and never got it back. So it stays in my sight or doesn't get lent.

NO NO NO I agree ! My sister was here one Christmas and borrowed "just" some scissors and tape. Later I found the scissors standing on the pointed end thru the scotch tape that was laying flat on the table. I picked up the scissors and laid them flat on the table. My sister was irritated and said that they did that "at home" all the time. I said that I treat all scissors as "good" scissors as you never know when they might be elevated and you don't want the tips broken off. She left in a huff but I treasure ALL my scissors:D

Why is it that some people do not! Know the difference between loan and give? I loan and they keep so no more!!