Some great answers here. I also believe the addage, "Never never never never pay full price." Wait for a sale, try a different source, shop smart, check out secondhand, but don't buy junk. I love my Ginghers. For me the first thing I thought of is Cottonelle toilet paper. Won't use anything else no matter what. We even bring a couple rolls with us when we stay at DD's house because she is frugal about it and it leaves bits behind. Ugh!

There are always the places where people are selling or trading items. There is a selling board on here, or the SewITsforSale yahoo group, where people list items for sale or are looking for items.

Always try to get the best you can afford, but getting something used or at a discount place like jhittlesewing.com or using coupons at JoAnns works too as long as you know it's a decent quality.

Good quality tools are a must, regardless of the job being done. Price is my second consideration. I have to admit I'm not a shopper. When I need something, I buy it. I prefer to buy it once. If it doesn't do the job, or I have to struggle and fight with it to get the job done, then I trash it. Won't buy it again, and will tell everyone I know my experience with it. Same goes for having the right tool for the job. When it can be counted on to get the job done, with ease and reliability, then I share that information too. This goes for not only my quilting tools, but my boat tools, shop tools, kitchen tools and garden tools. Junk is just plain frustrating and a waste of time and money.

Yes, yes, yes....... I totally agree. I will spend a little more for quality that lasts - scissors and rotary blades are things I will spend more on...and fabric for sure. If I am going to spend a lot of time and effort to make a quilt for someone I love, I want it to be beautiful and last.

irkerating isn't it not finding the things you hear about..like designer fab..oh well don't miss what you don't have.. what did granny use??:)

What is a good brand of basting spray? I am going Back to the states in October and am already starting my list of things to bring back. Suitcase weight is a problem but everything heavy or fragile in my suitcase gets wrapped in batting. I keep clothes in the states at my daughters so I have more room for fabric, thread, notions etc. I always have the best time stocking up on my trips and a couple of the LQS's know me and give me great discounts when I come.

I worked for a company that made computer bds & the quality depended on the standards set by the mfgr. For example IBM has higher stds for their bds than HP does, etc. So although we made the same product (boards) the quality was different. I have retired this year but worked in the quality dept. there for 24 yrs. Also the food industry & that was the same. The label that went on the can was determined by the amt of foreign objects in the sample can. They do all taste the same though. I, also, like others buy the best quality tools for quilting that I can afford & shop as cheaply as possible.

I ordered my blades online from Harbor Freight. I ordered about 2 dozen packages at once. Even with the cost of shipping it is so much less expensive than buying the Olfa blades.

The reason I buy them: because they work the same (for me, anyway) as the pricey Olfa. If they didn't I would have to buy the Olfa blades.

I like having extra packages on hand and due to the low cost I enjoy giving a package or two to new quilters or a swap partner (if they use them).

This Board has the BEST information ever!!!

Have to agree with the basting spray...505 is the only one I will use! I order it from here:
http://www.sewforless.com/item/505_T...OUND_ONLY/7391 this is for the large cans, and the price is amazing! This past order I went with the option to order 6 cans. I have always had great success with the spray, and the customer service from them has always been super.
Kif