Retiring - "what would you stock up on?"
01-15-2013, 01:05 PM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sunny AZ
Posts: 570
Fabric choices change over time, but needles, blades, a set of good rulers, or even a better quality machine will be things you know you will use. Maybe it's a good time to invest in some new cabinets or redo your sewing room. That's a big expense that you won't want to have later, but well worth the investment.
01-15-2013, 01:30 PM
#54
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: So Plymouth, NY
Posts: 2,502
Chocolate and wine! Just jump head first into your stash and enjoy. You're going to love retirement but it does take adjustment. I just retired this past March. Perhaps just enjoy and work with what you have at first, then you'll know for sure.
01-15-2013, 01:59 PM
#55
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 52
I would buy all the thread and batting I could store. I wonder if thread would last longer if vacuum sealed like with a food saver??? I would buy the best machine I could and a long arm set up. Then I would fill a room with fabric
brenda in MI
brenda in MI
01-15-2013, 02:37 PM
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
I would love to go on a quilt cruise too! I never heard of them, but I will be looking online.
Lots of good suggestions have been given already - here is my list.
Do you know how to use a longarm? If not, take a class (at a local store, if possible). Do NOT allow the dealer to talk you into buying - better to wait for a set-up available used by someone who is upgrading. Also, there is quite a range in price for longarm machines and frames. Do you intend to quilt for yourself? Or are you thinking of going into business? If you find that longarm quilting is not "your thing". then the sit-down Sweet Sixteen might be a good fit. These are both options that you can try at a lot of different quilt shows - not just the big ones. Better if you live within reasonable distance of a dealer. As far as fabric goes, if you already have a stash, you likely don't need anything beyond the already suggested Kona neutrals. If your taste changes from what you have on hand, you can always use that for the backs so don't worry about that one. Machine-wise depends on what you already have. If you are happy with your current machine, put $$$ into a replacement fund for somewhere down the road. I bought two machines second-hand from guild members who were upgrading and I'm happy with both of them - one is an Elna 7200 Quilter's Dream and the other is a Bernina Artista 170 with the embroidery unit (which I have yet to use) - $500 and $900, respectively. I don't have to have the latest - it just needs to have the features I want. Needle up/needle down is essential! Had these not become available, I was saving for a Janome with a large harp. Others have mentioned traveling to a big quilt show and taking classes. How about a quilt cruise? I'll even volunteer to go with you! That's on my bucket list. Finally, if you live alone, have your sewing room wherever you want to spend your day. Good lighting, adequate space for cutting, sewing and quilting are necessities. And, if you share your home with a partner, it's time to discuss a possible new allocation of the space.
Do you know how to use a longarm? If not, take a class (at a local store, if possible). Do NOT allow the dealer to talk you into buying - better to wait for a set-up available used by someone who is upgrading. Also, there is quite a range in price for longarm machines and frames. Do you intend to quilt for yourself? Or are you thinking of going into business? If you find that longarm quilting is not "your thing". then the sit-down Sweet Sixteen might be a good fit. These are both options that you can try at a lot of different quilt shows - not just the big ones. Better if you live within reasonable distance of a dealer. As far as fabric goes, if you already have a stash, you likely don't need anything beyond the already suggested Kona neutrals. If your taste changes from what you have on hand, you can always use that for the backs so don't worry about that one. Machine-wise depends on what you already have. If you are happy with your current machine, put $$$ into a replacement fund for somewhere down the road. I bought two machines second-hand from guild members who were upgrading and I'm happy with both of them - one is an Elna 7200 Quilter's Dream and the other is a Bernina Artista 170 with the embroidery unit (which I have yet to use) - $500 and $900, respectively. I don't have to have the latest - it just needs to have the features I want. Needle up/needle down is essential! Had these not become available, I was saving for a Janome with a large harp. Others have mentioned traveling to a big quilt show and taking classes. How about a quilt cruise? I'll even volunteer to go with you! That's on my bucket list. Finally, if you live alone, have your sewing room wherever you want to spend your day. Good lighting, adequate space for cutting, sewing and quilting are necessities. And, if you share your home with a partner, it's time to discuss a possible new allocation of the space.
01-15-2013, 04:14 PM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 3,560
I would save the $$$ , and buy when you have time to enjoy the purchasing process. What is the difference if you save 50 and spend $50 later. My point is save the money and use it when you determine what projects you want to work on.
It would be money poorly spent if what you purchase does not get used, as your tastes, and projects change.
It would be money poorly spent if what you purchase does not get used, as your tastes, and projects change.
01-15-2013, 05:43 PM
#58
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: AZ
Posts: 19
I am getting close to retiring as well. I had this same conversation with myself. I decided that now is the time to do the big things as little things will be easier after I retire. I have finished setting up my sewing room. All of my machines are serviced and I have a new Pfaff Performance with the embroidery unit (I love machine embroidery). I have purchased more rotary blades as i think they are a bit expensive and have at least a years worth of them. I have new lights in my sewing room so it is easy to see in every corner. I have started being more active in the forums and I love reading what everyone has to say and I get fab ideas. Next I am going to inventory my thread and make sure I have a good supply of the ones I use heavily for piecing and quilting. My stash is sufficient and I am not going to purchase any fabric for a year (one of this forums challenges for 2013). I have replenished my batting supply. Now I feel free to sew and create without any of the stress of shopping or not having what I need at my fingertips. I am really looking forward to 2013 and the years to come. I hope to only purchase embroidery designs if I cannot digitize something myself (I am learning how to digitize!). I may take a few classes, but I think first I want to use that time to make all of the things I have dreamed of doing but did not have the time. I hope you really enjoy your retirement. I hope it gives you many years of fun creative uplifting experiences. I hope you will post pics of your projects and I look forward to reading your posts.
01-15-2013, 06:12 PM
#59
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 258
Sounds like everyone has given you the same advice I would give. I just want to congratulate you on your retirement and I know you will love every minute of it, and when people ask you, "what do you do know that you are retired" you can say, "anything I want!"
01-15-2013, 08:48 PM
#60
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,118
Get yourself an inexpensive (but cute enough to keep out on your dresser) piggy bank for your change. Whenever I buy something with cash, as soon as I get home I toss the change in the piggy bank. Make it a habit to toss your change into the bank every day! It's amazing how quickly it adds up!
This money is NEVER spent for household stuff, mind you, it's for hobbies and for when the 'Grands' come to visit. I always have enough to take the 'Grands' to the movies, the book store, etc. and it doesn't break the bank.
My piggy bank also came in handy right after hurricane Sandy. No electricity meant no access to ATM or credit cards. We had $45+ in the money jar...and it came in very handy!
This money is NEVER spent for household stuff, mind you, it's for hobbies and for when the 'Grands' come to visit. I always have enough to take the 'Grands' to the movies, the book store, etc. and it doesn't break the bank.
My piggy bank also came in handy right after hurricane Sandy. No electricity meant no access to ATM or credit cards. We had $45+ in the money jar...and it came in very handy!
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