Sometimes being cheap ends up being costly!
 

Much as I dislike buying a pattern or a specialty ruler -

There are times it ends up costing a lot less to just part with the money and buy the pattern/instructions and the tool(s) needed to make the item.

It can also save quite a bit of time - and - possibly - quite a bit of aggravation and frustration.

I agree but some of the patterns, they was so much money for just a simple pattern that even a 10 year old could sketch it out.

That's definitely true when fabrics run over $10 a yard. I love a good ruler - specially if there are multiple uses or applications. Or even for single use but high volume where consistent output is going to be key.

Patterns -- not so much, but on occasion I do find it's worth it to have someone else figure out the details for me. I have pretty high expectations for a pattern, however, and I really don't want to pay for a general idea and vague directions. If I pay, I expect accuracy, multiple size options (usually), fabric requirements clearly and accurately listed, step by step illustrated directions, tips for problematic piecing or pressing, and it's always nice to see multiple color/placement options and some quilting suggestions.

I am talking about the very complex ones - I'm fairly good at replicating/creating fairly complex patterns - but there are some that are beyond me. I'm also fairly good at drafting templates.

I might fall into the "frugal/cheap" category - I haven't been willing to buy EQ yet. I'm still using graph paper and pencils for "thinking".

Preaching to the choir here. Some wear the 'I'm cheap' like a badge of honor. I am beyond the age I have to make do or try do it for cheap. I buy the special ruler, tool, and pattern and never think twice.

there are a lot of ways to cut corners in everything, but having quality tools is not one.

I sometimes will purchase a pattern, because at the check out I start to question my math calculations and over buy the fabric.... if I had purchased the pattern with the yardage requirements it would have been cheaper in the long run. Yes some patterns do have errors, but for the most part when I do the math.... I over buy "just in case". Even one extra yard of fabric at $11-13 adds up. So I am a confident sewer quiter but not so confident in my own math . One bad math calculation left a permanent imprint.

Right! After years of making do I'm at the point where I've decided I'm worth it. Just bought an HQ Sweet Sixteen. I figured it was now or never. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

It seems like the more rulers I buy...somehow I never have the "one" I need!

When you calculate the time it takes to re-create a pattern is it more than the cost of a pattern? Lori is right too, if we guesstimate what we need in fabric we over buy..or worse under buy then not be able match the fabric later!

If I don't buy a pattern I try to use a fabric calculator or free design sites to get my estimates.
http://search.quiltshops.com/calculator/calculator.htm
http://mywebquilter.com/index.aspx