sahm4605

well ladies (and gents) I just went to another quilt show here in the KCMO area. It was cool. It was a sewing and quilting expo so there was also lots of other fabric besides your typical cottons for quilting. which was pretty cool. The quilts were also really cool. they were mostly from the kaufman challenge (not sure if they meant the fabric line kaufman).
The best part for me was the tons of fabric on bolts and in random cuts that were about 1/2 off. it was really awesome. I could have spent almsot 2000. But I was really good and didn't spend a dime. They had a Martelli booth there and OMG!!! I almost spent another 1500 on a cutting table that lifts and lowers and a really cool cutting mat, rotary cutter and enough blades for 15 years!! and a cone holder to put behind your sewing machine that can go on any machine including long arms, and 3 or 4 other round mats spiner for the mat and a round ironing board. I think that the easy binding system was also going to be included. It was really hard to walk away from this, but we don't have the money to spend like that.
I also got to play with two longarms that were on display. It was really cool. I wanted to try the huskvarna one but it was in the middle of having a bobbin change and the kids were getting restless. Those of you who own a long or mid arm you guys are way beyond lucky and blessed for that. My hubby said that I shouldn't even get my hopes up I will never have one. What a spoil sport. I already know that it wont happen ultil I hit probably 80, but one can dream right? Anyhoo. just had to gush about the quilt show. I would have taken picks but the quilt had signs posted that pics were not allowed. never been to a show where you couldn't take a pic. it was strange.

feline fanatic

Never say never. I too thought I would never own my own home; the mortgage is now almost paid off! I thought I would never own a HD motorcycle, I am on my second. Finally I thought I would never own a longarm. Took delivery this July. It is amazing what you can do once you set your mind to it and save for those things you really want. You may be able to put away a few thousand dollars and find a great used Long or midarm on Craig's list.

raptureready

I'm a firm believer that anyone can have anything they want---if they want it badly enough. It all depends on what you are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your dreams. You just have to make sure that your dreams and priorities are in order. People can't save for a long arm if their kids are going hungry HOWEVER, they can buy shoes at Payless rather than the Nike store to help save for one. Little things add up. I entirely paid for a big nice Christmas one year just by never spending my change from a dollar. Not only did I purchase Christmas for DH, DD, and several nephews but also had enough in my change rolls to donate $150 for a family in need. A friend took 11 yrs to get his bachelors degree because his dad was sick and he kept having to quit college and get a job to help support his younger brothers and sisters. He eventually became an attorney. So, decide how badly you want it and plan out a strategy. Good luck.

sahm4605

oh its not so much about the saving the money, but getting my hubby talked into getting one, and then having the room to have one. with two small kids and a small house there is little space for quilting. but I keep praying that one day I will be blessed enough like many of you that I will get to have one and have the space for one.

amma

You have just made me even more excited about attending the Quilt Expo here next month :D:D:D

np3

Sounds like you had a great time even if you didn't spend much. I am surprised at the no pictures rule. Never had that happen. No touching I understand!

scowlkat

They are right about taking your time and keeping your pennies put back. I have finally got my ultimate sewing/embroidery machine and am even making a few dollars with it. Never never never give up on your dreams! Or let anyone else stomp on them!