bearisgray

Are there items that you try to 'made do' with looooonnnng after it would have been sensible to have replaced/changed/serviced them?

And after you finally do, wonder 'what took me so long?'

My list:

rotary blades - dull or nicked
cutting mats - warped, cracked, or used so much that it is no longer smooth enough to cut properly on
rulers that have been used so much that the edge is curved instead of still straight
sewing machine needles
hand sewing needles - I keep on using one that has developed a curve in it
getting scissors sharpened
putting up with an iron that is not working properly
using an ironing board cover that is pathetic

willferg

Yep. I use everything too long, don't replace it until there's complete failure...unless something reminds me and I change it, but usually not

quiltstringz

Yes I do. I am good about my rotary blades and needles, only because I cut a LOT not just for me but my mom and several of her friends. Needles because I have had that drummed into me by my LQS and yes it does make a big difference. I am terrible about getting my scissors sharpened and have notice my rulers lately - wondering how I could have done that. One other that I am trying to do is to weed out my threads that I don't like or my machine doesn't like as well - why can I not just throw out a spool!

Chasing Hawk

I have one hand sewing needle I use all time. So much so it is developing a slight curve.
As for my cutting mat, a piece of extra fine sandpaper fixes it right up.
I store all my dull cutting blades in a drawer, for what? who knows...........LOL

KalamaQuilts

Pretty much all of the above. And I honestly can't understand why I'm such a miser about the rotary blades.
I replaced the blades in both cutters yesterday in preparation for Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt. I really don't know how long I've been leaving uncut strings, saying mumble curses, and going back and recutting...just how hard is it to walk over and get a new blade.

when I put the new blades in (holy cow, the expense the expense...) I noticed I'd put the date of purchase on the container...2009. And only two blades were gone.

Yet behind all of us probably sits thousands and thousands of dollars worth of fabric there is no hope we can use, and we don't give a thought to running out and buying more. Quilters are funny thinkers

Neesie

I recently bought a new rotary blade and it's no better than the old one.

NanaCsews2

I wait too long to change rotary blades.
This one I hate to admit to, but I might be waiting way too long in between having the technician do a check up to make sure everything is working as good as new on my computerized sewing machine. I keep all my machines covered and clean them myself but of course won't take the whole thing apart. My gut keeps telling me don't fix what isn't broken. I am probably asking for trouble.

BellaBoo

I haven't found a quilting notion that will break the budget to replace so I don't put up with worn out tools. I'm not a very make do type of person.

QuiltnNan

yes, my frugal upbringing causes me to use everything until it is past being worn out. after all, quilters have always taken fabrics from other items to make quilts... so i guess it's in our blood

Jingle

I save on lots of other things, just not my quilting things. I feel the need to draw the line somewhere.