Use cheap stuff only to make practice models. I firmly believe in using the highest quality fabrics for the finished product. You put enough hours, sweat, tears, and even (if you stick your finger with the needle, which I occasionally do) blood into making the finished product that it seems stupid to make it of cheap fabrics that won't last!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey