Hanging on to the hope that someone will acknowledge our birthday, making it special for us, gives others such power over our emotions! Take the power back. Instead of shopping for fabric as a "have to do something" action, why not plan ahead? Save a dollar a day in a cookie jar and go shopping on your birthday! You might be surprised at the reacton you get from others when they realize you're not depending on them for a good day.
That said, I'm really glad you salvaged your birthday! Here's hoping for a better one next year -- one that you've planned for yourself!