deedum

Quilting /sewing is my relaxation. I can afford what I do, I just am pretty frugal and don't like to pay some of the prices I have seen. I have enough stash that I could quilt/sew for a couple of years I think. It is just that I have been making quite a lot lately and it adds up quickly if you got to buy certain backing and such. It is all good though. I am not planning on giving it up anytime soon. I look for bargains everywhere I go. I shop sales, used coupons,I hope to go to some garage sales this year and find some treasures there. Bottom line-I LOVE A BARGAIN ON MATERIAL! Who doesn't!

rosemarie34

I don't smoke, drink, buy fancy cars or clothes...I deserve to spend money on my creations...at least that's the way I feel ! LOL !

bunniequilter

I try not to buy anyting unless its on sale. Warm and Natural batts are 78.00 for a queen here. They are going on sale the 27th for 30.00, that's when I plan on picking a couple up. I go straight for the reduced tables everytime. It pays to be cheap lol.

romanojg

Here is the way I look at it. Yes, it can cost alot of money and congratulations to all of you with those great big stashes to work from. Mine is very small and most wouldn't considerate it a stash at all. Any how, what other gift can you make and give that people appreciate so much, use so much and will still be around (with any luck) way after us and the reciever is gone. For me, I'm the only quilter my family and friends know, they think I'm great and only I know all of the mistakes that are in what I make. I like that. Someone told me I should enter a quilt show, I laughed to myself because I knew I was no way close to that level but it's nice that the people who care do. I'm on such a tight budget right now it isn't funny so everything I get has to be planned but I'm not giving up. I'll be careful about what I buy and try to use what I do have first but I'll keep on going. Thank goodness for the sales at Hancock Fabrics. The 1st and 3rd Wed of the month is senior's day (and I don't have to be 60 like Joann's) and I can get this discount on top of any coupon or sale. Then the 2nd Wed is Military discount and the same rule applies so I have the first 3 weeks of the month to get supplies if I "need" them. I don't like the fact that Joann's doesn't have set days for senior days and then you have to be 60 to get it. I will have to admit, I'll be splurging (just a little) this week at the Hampton Quilt Show but I'll be careful there too. I enjoy sewing and I'm not giving it up. I'll just have to work around the growing economy and fit it in, one way or the other. For the one wanting to know about putting something besides cotton in between your layers; I'd only care if I want them to be around for a really long time. That doesn't mean you still have to use batting because our ancesters didn't and some of those quilts are still around. Enjoy quilting.

gagranny

Seems the backer is always so expensive. I have started piecing my backer like Bonnie on Quiltville! Helps cut down on the stash too Lol THen you don't feel so guilty about buying more fabric lots of charms jellyrolls etc!
Shelvy in Ga

leamelon

Yes, u have picked an expensive hobby. Look for bargains ie. Garage sales thrift stores. But what expensive fun. When people ask me to show them how to quilt. The first thing I tell them. Is that it is expensive.

Elaine433

I am spoiled when it comes to quality fabric. I have been sewing for over 40 years and learned that if you want to make something that is going to look good wash after wash, you need to start with a fabric that is of good quality. The prices are getting way out of hand for most of us. I only shop in my LQS in an emergency. I purchase my fabrics online. I know the brands that I can trust and stick with them. Right now I am into Civil War and 1930's fabrics. When I see something I fall in love with, I purchase some fabric. I usually do not buy all the fabrics that I need for one project all at one time. When I find a good deal for something I can use for backing, I try to get enough of that. It works for me. At least I know that when I put all those hours into making a quilt, it will hold up for years of use.

Whigrose

I agree and I have to wonder if this isn't part of the reason pieced backings are taking off?

Best,
d
[QUOTE=deedum;4989929]Just bought the backing and thread fortune...

GABBYABBY

This is what I mostly use!!! I have had very good results with these items.

judi wess

Ok fellow quilters, here's the thing. Pscho therapy can cost a lot more than our beloved hobby and when the Doc releases you he will still tell you to get a hobby for your ongoing therapy. So, you have spent enough on therapy to buy that dream machine or high end fabric, notions or quilt shows or camp. Hmmmmmm.
My outrageous stash is now paying off, am actually able to cut into beloved fabric to satisfy my creative urges.