I would lose.

I am truly not a frugal quilter but I have a friend that is definately a frugal quilter she cuts her pieces with scissors she draws the pattern shape with a pen or pencil on the fabric. the fabric is from dresses and shirts she purchases at the Salvation Army . She does own a sewing machine but she sews her quilts together by hand. She qulits them by hand and boy does she do beautiful work.

I've a;ways thought of myself as a frugal quliter, but I definitely do not meed y our definition. I have 2 sewing machines, both Singers that I've had for years. I use one until it needs cleaning or some other minor repair. Then, I exchange it for the one stored in the bottom of our bedroom closet, and I call the sewing machine repair lady and ask her to drop by when she has time. For fabric, I do cut up gently used clothing purchased at garage sales or rummage sales. I also check thrift stores for fabric sales. Walmart has brought back their fabric department. I recently bought some pretty nice fabric there for 50 cents per yard. I wasn't crazy about the color or pattern, but it'll be perfect for the back of a small quilt. Once people know that I make quilts, people give me boxes of fabric, some scraps and some long lengths. I take any and everything offered. If I can't use something, I pass it on, usually to our local charity thrift store. Due to my trembling hands, scissors are seldom used except to cut thread. I couldn't do without my self healing mat, rotary cutter, and my assortment of rulers.

Don't confuse "frugal" with "luddite". Computers can be a handy weapon in the "Frugalist arsenal". I bundle my telephone/internet services to get the best deal I can. Use my computer to shop online (which here in Australia is often the best way to source interesting/special fabrics and supplies), it is also a research tool and a money saving device....saves me heaps on petrol and wear and tear on my vehicle. I only visit a few forums of interest and game playing is not my thing...and of course theres the QB...my sanity saver (see no therapy bills:))...and a source of beautiful things to look at, a few laughs and heaps of tips and hints. Oh, and we have solar panels to help keep the electricity costs down.....

Ahhh but you can get lots of frugal DIY tips on the internet !

Technically I'm sure I'd lose, but:

I have 9? 10? machines total, most of which I inherited from my dear grandmother. On the ones I bought myself, I researched them like crazy before plunking down the money. I don't generally part with a dime until I know I'm getting my money's worth.

I do buy decent-quality quilting fabrics, but I shop sales and/or use coupons every single time. I'll pay $8 or (ideally) less for good-quality fabric, but no more if I can possibly help it. The way I figure it, I want my quilts to last for years, and if I'm going to take the time to make one, I want to do it to the best of my ability with the best supplies I can get. That said, I'm not at all a fabric snob. If I happen across some decent-quality fabric that's cheap or free, I grab it up! My great-grandmother made quilts with whatever scraps she could find, including clothing, and those quilts are soooo pretty. :)

I also don't buy books or patterns if I can help it. There are too many free patterns out there. :thumbup: When I do buy books, I buy them used. As long as the books are readable, I don't care if someone else read them first. (Exception: Books that come with printable patterns on a CD. I'd rather get those new instead of risking the CD being scratched up or otherwise unusable.)

I'm super-frugal in other ways around the house, so it kind of makes up for the cost of my hobbies. No cable TV, no satellite, basic internet, no credit cards, no vehicle payment, use coupons when grocery shopping, no home phone (cell phones only), etc. I even recycle toilet paper.

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Just kidding on that last one! :D Had you going, didn't I? LOL! :p

our thrift store here had ladies shirts for 3/$1.25 yesterday. I picked out the interesting patterned 100% cotton ones to be cut into strips for scrappy quilts. obviously they need to thin out their supplies so I helped by buying 6 of them! :)

I was so excited!!! I decided to take a detour and hit a thrift store on my way to pick up my son yesterday. I normally don't do this, so I think it was "meant to be". They had a tub of "serger thread" for $.75/cone. I picked up the tub and looked at the label in the cone and it's 3-strand cotton! They aren't 100% full, but there's tons of thread still on them! They are much bigger than cones of serging thread I have. I bought 25 of them and let my mom pick out 4-5 that she wanted. They fit into 2 shopping bags and my total was $20.48!!

I have only one machine and do most of my cutting with scissors. I recylce clothes and linens and I make my own patterns. I did a partial quilt once that I did purchase but ended it with my own ideas. I do have patterns that I got free on the net but have not tried any of them. I do have a rotary cutter and a mat but it is easier for me to do it the old fashioned way. I look at all the beautiful quilts here and know that I do not have enough patience to do them.
I am not bragging because if I could do it I would have it all. lol

I have to agree with MaryStoaks about being frugal for so many years. When my 3 kids were all little..I clipped coupons, watched for all the sales, used lay away when I wanted something.I have all the quilting tools that I need or really want, several vintage machines...my old Kenmore being my old reliable...I am trying to find a newer machine. Over the years I have done alterations (still do) and making little girls dresses to make some $ for myself. Being a stay at home Mom did make for a tighter budget and I always put my needs last...NOT ANYMORE...I got my diamond and I'm searching for my dream car (Benz SLK) and a long arm quilting machine. I do have quite a bit of fabric, but not as much time to use it up.Does that qualify for at least part time frugal ??