New material...what did I buy this for?
#13
I’m also on the “OMG I have to have it” club, thus the overwhelming amount of fabric I have, but I also agree, life is too short to not indulge when we can. Though this year my goal is to be on the “Honestly, do I really want/or need it club?” We all need little pleasures in life.
#14
I am no longer buying fabric just because I can, on most occasions, I normally buy for what I need and even that is narrowed down because I am doing my very best to use from my stash. The moratorium here has been a big help. I have one quilt coming up in June for a workshop that I must buy at least 2 more pieces that I do not have. I am taking my time and being very careful and not over spending or buying extra things with it just to get free shipping. I have purchased so many pieces that I could not recall what I purchased them for over the years. I only wish I had been writing down the projects. Maybe I would have completed a few other quilts along the way.
#15
I absolutely understand the thrill of the purchase and I love getting a package in my mailbox. It most certainly gives one an emotional rush. I have been trying to watch my quilting budget and have gone very radical. I have not purchased any fabric online since last fall. The last purchase in a shop was backing and borders for a specific quilt. Much like any other passion or what some call an addiction, it hurts at first but now it is a point of pride to dive into my own stash and to watch it slowly diminish. I had an epiphany when I looked in my cupboard of pre-cuts and found a jelly roll that I just had to have because I loved the fabric that is nearly 10 years old. Time to revisit the fabric that I loved and purchased and put it to use rather than to purchase more.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,740
I don't really buy fabric with a specific pattern in mind. I buy what I like. Sometimes it gets made up immediately and sometimes it "ages" for, well, ages before I use it. I just used some fabric I bought a few years ago. I know that I did have a specific pattern in mind, but I used it for something different. It doesn't really matter to me. Just so it gets put to good use.
#17
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 11
I have a Jo Morton/Lynne Hagmier collection waiting for a pattern, I bought a jelly roll and a layer cake and have no idea what for. I usually have something in mind but these I just fell in love with. Now what? I, too, an trying to use what I have already and just buying backing or something to fill in and complete a project.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 932
I quite understand. There are times when I have gone through my stash and wondered as to why I purchased some of the fabric. By the same token, fabric is more often than not purchased with a project in mind or that it may be a very useful fabric in the future. I have quite a stash and I think that I am very fortunate as now as retirement draws near I will not have the luxury of being able to buy lots of fabric, and it is ever increasing in price, so maybe we have quite an investment in our stashes. I am sure that I will have more than enough to see me through. My justification is that I love sewing and that I don't drink or smoke although my husband once commented that it may be cheaper if I did, but maybe I wouldn't be as healthy either. So everything is a trade off.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 551
Several years ago I bought fabric because I liked it. Recently I made a wallet and two pouches from the fabric. Love the three completed projects. Still have some of the fabric unused and will make a coin purse next.