Originally Posted by Jim's Gem
I have a stash simply because I love buying, touching and gazing at beautiful fabrics!! I just can't resist. I don't spend my $$ on booze, cigs, clothes, jewelry or "going out" I pretty much only buy fabrics and quilting supplies
It is wonderful, however, to be able to go into my room, open my cabinets and just pull fabrics that strike my fancy that day and whip up a quilt. I have done this dozens of times!!! Especially if you are tired and can't get out shopping but you just want to create and sew.
I'm with you, Jim's Gem. Also, when my husband was sick several years ago and then when he went home to the Lord, fabric and quilting and sewing and planning quilts was my drug of choice!! Honestly, it was. I didn't drink or carouse, or smoke or any of those other expensive habits, but I did and do buy fabric. I have some that I remember EXACTLY where I was and what was going on with him at that time, and it's almost soothing to me now to pull it off the shelf and hold it and remember. I finished a quilt that was for our bed, and he had watched me plan it, cut it out, and start it before he passed away. It's on my bed and EVERY time I look at it I remember him sitting in the chair in my sewing room while I sewed and encouraging me and just being with me.
I try not to be stupid with my purchases, and do feel like I'm accomplishing something beautiful in my life. I LIKE the color, the feel, the calculations, planning, cutting, sewing, etc etc of it all. I do missionary work about 1/2 of each year and can't sew then, so I REALLY enjoy it when I get home and back to my quilting.
Not everyone has the inclination to accumulate fabric. I don't collect salt and pepper shakers either, but I know some people who do. I don't eat out very often, but some people do, I don't do Starbucks every day, but some people do. We all do what's important to us, with what we've been given. Life is short, do what's right, love God and love others and then enjoy what's been given to you.