Frugal or Extravagant?
07-30-2012, 03:52 PM
#71
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vermont, USA
Posts: 1,346
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!
07-30-2012, 05:44 PM
#72
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nevada
Posts: 6,958
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.
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.
07-30-2012, 06:16 PM
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: League City, Texas, USA
Posts: 625
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.
07-30-2012, 06:42 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Spokane, Washington
Posts: 344
I've spent way more than what Ginghers cost for scissors. In my scissor collection Ginghers are actually midrange in price. I pay for Gingher rotary blades. I get them when Jo-Ann's has them half price.
I would say I shop smart. There's no point in just buying the cheapest thing there is when you can have the best there is for the same price or a little more if you're willing to buy things on sale. I have bought LQS fabric for $1 to $3 a yard. Almost every LQS I've been in has a sale rack.
You're sitting in front of the world's biggest research and shopping tool, use it.
I would say I shop smart. There's no point in just buying the cheapest thing there is when you can have the best there is for the same price or a little more if you're willing to buy things on sale. I have bought LQS fabric for $1 to $3 a yard. Almost every LQS I've been in has a sale rack.
You're sitting in front of the world's biggest research and shopping tool, use it.
07-31-2012, 05:17 AM
#76
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 24
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.
07-31-2012, 08:47 AM
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: North country Wisc.
Posts: 328
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.
07-31-2012, 09:55 AM
#78
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 7,741
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).
07-31-2012, 10:11 AM
#80
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,667
There are certain fabric designers that I can say when I see their fabric .. I never look at the price on the bolt, as I just have to have it. Peggy Toole has some of the most irresistable fabrics I have ever seen.
As for tools and supplies...
1. spray basting ... having used some off brands that either left me cleaning my needle ever 2 minutes, or didn't adhere, or smelled bad..
2. Invisable thread .. just not worth the frusration to go "off brand".
3. Specialty presser feet... I stick with the manufactures .
And yes .. I am a scissor snob!
As for tools and supplies...
1. spray basting ... having used some off brands that either left me cleaning my needle ever 2 minutes, or didn't adhere, or smelled bad..
2. Invisable thread .. just not worth the frusration to go "off brand".
3. Specialty presser feet... I stick with the manufactures .
And yes .. I am a scissor snob!
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
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