I think its possible that the cost of printing patterns is offset a little by the electronic patterns sold. I actually prefer electronic patterns because I use EQ7 all the time and also find it easier to resize if I don't have to worry about my copier making a crooked copy.

I agree with raising the price and leaving the trash out!

I know the cost of everything is going up and it makes me concerned that quilting will be going out as the young people cannot afford it and neither can the people on fixed incomes I am glad that at one time I dubscribed to every quilting magazine out there and I kept them all so now I really have all kinds of patterns and find most of them better than the new ones also if I want a new pattern the fabric companies has some free ones I use to really enjoy block of the month when it was 10.00 a month but who can afford them in this day just thankful for my stash both patterns and fabric I only buy what I need to finish a project

I never buy a quilt pattern. In addition to all the free ones available, it is really easy to draft your own version if you see something you really like. Of course it helps that I prefer the traditional patterns to the modern ones - spme I see "jar" my eyes, but others love them. I think it just depends on what you like & how confident you are in your own abilities.

LoriS,
When you download you also have the costs of the paper and ink. Not cheap but this is the way with any download from the net.

The young people don't need to worry about the cost of patterns and fabric. There are plenty of patterns free on the internet and lots of free instruction. Fabric is available in many ways. Lots of it is sold at thrift stores and garage sales. Let your friends know you need fabric and you may be surprised at what happens. Even if they con't sew they may pass the word along to someone who does and you could end up with lots of wonderful fabric. I have a friend who sews a lot but doesn't use up her scraps. She gives me giant shopping bags full of wonderful expensive fabric scraps that I enjoy tremendously. It isn't necessary to spend a fortune to be a quilter!

I am with you BelloBoo I love the magazines too. I subscribe to them and at $3.00 each you cant' go wrong!

Please try to support your LQS in purchasing patterns. No shipping.

Well I browse Ebay for patterns. Most of them cost me .99 plus shipping. Most of them are from magazines, and come in the plastic sleeves that I put in my notebook. This way I get only the ones I am interested in using, and I don't have stacks of magazines to find a place for or throw away. The patterns are complete with the picture and the instructions. I also have a file on my computer full of dl patterns. I think I have enough to last me a long long time. But if I find one I like, well, there is always space for just one more : )

I agree BellaBoo, I too was upset with the clothing catalog stuck in it......I'm seeing that more and more and really don't like it.