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8 sewing machines, 8 irons and 4 ironing boards? You are blessed to have the space for all this stuff!
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I heard once that if price is the best thing about something you want to buy, you should walk away.
Originally Posted by laalaaquilter
Get help in letting go of the thrill of acquisition and get practice in the joy of giving. I learned the hard way too and still battle the acquisition drug ('but it's such a bargain' :-( )but I know it is for the best. Unburden yourself and let go of the blame game too.
HUGS!!! |
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
Originally Posted by Kitsie
I hope you never recover!!!
first off...unsub from ALL of the fabric shop emails...it isn't really that hard..took me about an hour...yes, a FULL hour to go through all the emails I filed away and just unsubscribe from that shop! Then I did the same thing on facebook! Then I deleted the upteen yahoogroups, I never really participated in, but just READ the links to more FREE patterns. I am 50...I have very little time to sew/quilt/craft at all any more. I have over 1,000 patterns, 300+ books, 38 UFO's that are all queen size quilts, another 50+ PIGS and about 3,000 yards of fabric. ADD to that my inking, painting, dyeing, stamping, discharging, foiling, threads, notions, rulers, die cutters, dies, machines, irons, you name it...and that one tiny 10' room contains nearly $100,000.00 in merchandise! I have two children, both boys. Both not on their own in this economy. Both with NO inclination of making a family yet, since they are still NOT on their own. Should I ever get grands, those quilts are already made. NO need to keep the baby fabrics! The boys both have 6 quilts now and each has a UFO that will be a wedding gift(should that ever happen)! My entire family is quilted out..as in they do not want/need any more quilts from me! SO...why do I keep all of this stuff? This is NOT my only passion in life...I no longer have my store, I no longer teach classes...it no longer brings me joy when I see it, it just STUFF that is weighing me down....so...it is all going... I will never recoup 1/2 of what I have spent on all this stuff...nobody wants to inherit it..so I came to the realization that it just needs to go. Hopefully it will bring someone else some joy/happiness. |
Mary 9and I am also a Mary)
I have a similar problem but not quite as large -- onthe other hand, I am nearing 70 so you may have more time than I to solve the 'problem.' I think finding a group that NEEDS quilts or needs to quilt, might be an answer. If you felt that your work was appreciated, it might be esier to let go of fome quilts. If you find a group of folk that might need lessons (homeless shelter, migrant workers), you could start by teaching a class, giving lessons and the fabric to work with and the irons, etc to binding, there you are. 'teach a man to fish ..." When someone gets to the binding part -- there you are, someone to do the binding. Good luck on this and please report on your progress. |
The thing that really brought home the "definitely don't need more fabric" for me was when I pulled 30 fat quarters out of the drawer in just three colors and all it really did was loosen up the drawer. You really couldn't tell I'd taken that much out and it'll make a queen size quilt.
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Mary, start with binding all those quilts. I bet if you would sit down and get started you would enjoy the accomplishment of seeing them finished. Binding is one of my favorite parts.....it means another one is DONE. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Well, Mary, you have taken two big steps today. You've admitted something has to be done and you got off all the mailings. Does that include the email notices from stores? Joann's? That stuff is poision. If you didn't know you needed it before you got the mail/flyer, then you still don't need it. You have gotten some wonderful suggestions here. If you go to the top of the page and type in fabric moritorium (I hope that is spelled correctly), you will find a group that started in January, I think. I found them the next month. I didn't realize how much I was "collecting just in case". I never dreamed of just working out of my stash! What concepts! Last month is the first month I didn't buy anything. There are some wonderful ideas there,too. Maybe just don't bring anything into the house until something similar has left. Baby steps. Believe me I was the worst in that group. But if you just take one step at a time, you will get there. Good luck. Let us know how you are doing. Pat
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ah just go buy some more fabric- it'llmake you feel better-Hah
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I'm almost as bad as Arizona1 about a fabric addiction. I want a piece of every fabric I think I can use in the future, or just because I like it's cuteness, or beauty, etc.
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My "fix" for a horrific marriage was fabric. I didn't realize how unhappy I was. I found peace and solace in my fabric, things I never received from my worthless husband. God had to show me the way out or I would never have had the courage of strength to move him out so I could move on. Looking at all the things associated with sewing serve as a reminder of what was missing. I am now complete by the grace of God and no longer feel compelled to buy, buy, buy. I analyze what is a want and what is a need. Even needs sometimes are not purchased. I have 12 sewing machines. I'm not bragging, I am ashamed of myself. How could I let it go this far? I once lived with the idea, and I know most of you have thought the same thing, she who dies with the most fabric wins. Well.....guess what.....you are still dead!! Pray with me that there is quilting in heaven....it may be choir robes, but it's still quilting. Have a blessed day.
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Wow! I usually don't read all the "pages" of each post, but found myself fascinated by all the ideas, confessions,humor, and sadness of this thread. I suffer from an addictive personality and if I'm interested in something, it's all or nothing at all! Arizona1, my heart goes out to you...fortunately, for me, I could never afford to drink, smoke or do drugs, but crafting was affordable until I discovered quilting. I had so much "stuff", and was so overwhelmed, it was easier for me to do nothing than dig in and finish something I had started. I prayed about it, and the Holy Spirit said to me..."You can do one thing, and do it well." So, the next day I gave away all my crafting supplies...brushes, surfaces, paints, and anything else associated with crafts, and didn't look back. Now, I'm overwhelmed by all the quilting UFO"s, etc...so I've started shopping from my stash...no 3 B's for me...I'll use what I have. I've got enough "kits" to last a while, and I did buy them because I wanted to make the project. The UFO's have priority...I love scrap quilts, and that is the majority so I can practice my FMQ on them and not worry. Love to bind so no prob there. Look upon your blessings as a way to help others less fortunate, and you will be blessed back. Hugs and prayers to you...emlee51
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I don't dislike doing bindings. I will be happy to help. Maybe this would help to get you started on your downsizing journey...
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I went thru a whole month without buyying anything related to quilting. When I got e-mails, I deleted them right away. It was very hard but I made it thru. Start one step at a time. If you have that many unfinished quilts donate some to a womens group. They might be able to finish them and make use of them. Limit yourself to maybe just 2 irons.
You need to let go. Keep your head up high. You can do it!!! |
Originally Posted by merchjag
ah just go buy some more fabric- it'llmake you feel better-Hah
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actually, now that I have had time to think about it, I don't care if I am out of control some. I don't want to get too far out of control but a little is soooooo much fun! I am going to enjoy the ride as long as I can, that includes quilting/sewing :)
So I guess, my suggestion is "just enjoy" |
Originally Posted by ArizonaQuilts1
Hi Quilters,
After reading some of the recent posts about fabric addiction, I've come to realize I've hit rock bottom. Everywhere I look there are either quilts, PIGS (Projects in Grocery Sacks) or fabrics of all persuasions. There are 7 sewing machines, multitudes of storage bins, cutters, threads, rulers, patterns, books and every notion ever concocted. I have scraps out the wazoo, there are bolts of backings, battings of all weights, interfactings, 8 irons and 4 ironing boards. There are piles of quilts carefully covered with white sheets in 2 bedrooms. There are quilts rolled up behind the sofas and under the beds. Most of these quilts are unbound because I hate binding. The stacks amount to anywhere from 300-400 quilts, runners, placemats, table toppers, treeskirts and wall hangings. There is a huge bookshelf full of totes, small bags, checkbook covers and zipper pouches. The massive cabinets my DH built a few years ago are so overstuffed, I can't pull anything out without creating a fabric tsunami. My computer contains links to hundreds of fabric e-stores, quilting blogs and pattern sites. I've signed up for newsletters and fabric ads to the point where I can't keep up with my mail. Every mail sent to me is a temptation. The mail carriers, UPS and Fed-X delivery people know me by name. The bank no longer calls and asks "is this your purchase from ______ (fill in the name of the fabric store) or did somebody get their hands on your credit card?" I can't go on like this so I have decided to check myself into fabric rehab. I need to come up with a plan to regain my sanity. So fellow quilters, I am going to count on your support as I go thru this journey. Any tips and/or advice is greatly appreciated. Finally, I hear you get fabric withdrawal symptoms that are very unflattering to otherwise mild-mannered quilters, so please bear with me. Mary, proclaimed fabric addict.....July 16, 2011 |
Hi Mary,
Here's a suggestion for you...find someone to place the finished projects on EBay for a percentage of the profit. Perhaps you can also approach some gift shops in your area and see if they will sell on consignment for you. I did not read through all the replys so I don't know if anyone near you volunteered to help bind some of those quilts. You are on your way to finding solutions, whether they come from suggestions on this site or from within yourself. You will succeed! Stay the course. Is there a quilting saint you can call upon? Hmmmm, I'll have to check with some of my knowledgeable friends and I'll be sending you energy to stay on your path. |
I love to do binding as much as I like making the quilt tops. My problem is that I don't like the quilting part. It was getting too expensive to send out every top I make so now I make tops, pass them off to another person in my group at the quilt shop to do the quilting, she then retuns them to me for binding, then off they go to one of the cancer clinics in town for the kemo patients. I love this idea. So find a friend or fellow quilter to do your bindings and know when you get them back they are ready to give to someone special
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Well that sure is one addiction, I think maybe it is time to finish some of those quilts (bind them) and then offer them for sale. As they are all in piles around your home, what ever you get for them is more than you have now as sitting in piles around your home they are not producing anything but dust.
Failing that then I would suggest you start on step 1 - sort into piles for removal from home, charity/gift giving/sale? and go from there, or you could go cold turkey :D Good luck Maybe1day |
I think we are all in the same boat, and can use a great retreat to stimulate our finishing tools. I'm ready when you are.
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A bit of an aside here, can you tell me the year of the sewing machine in your avatar?
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I'm there too . my hubby thinks I'm crazy. lol But I'm sure he's right. HA HA
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I think you are talking about me. Everywhere I look there is
fabric or projects to be completed, etc. I only have 4 irons and 2 ironing boards. Hang in there. |
did you come into my house and I didn't see you????? My cousin told me to clean out my junk before I die, and I told her I like my junk and that is my daughter's job.
I am a fabricholic, I buy it each week and have no intentions of stopping. So you're not alone, |
My first inclination was to chuckle, but I feel your pain, and I share your addiction. I've been purchase-free for the last six weeks (yea!) and now automatically delete all tempting emails unopened. It's a good feeling. I've given all my things away as gifts or charity, but for you maybe it would be a good idea to rent a booth at a fall or Christmas market and sell some of your handiwork. Someone will appreciate it, you can be sure. Some churches that have markets don't charge their members for booth space. Good luck!
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When I worked at Joanns, strangely I began buying remnants of fleece. I am a dyer so I guess that that was my reason. I just spent 5 hours total today cleaning my quilting room and dyeing area in the basement. I have decided to go through the pile of fleece, measure and sell on Craig' list as a lot. I also bought some knitting stuff when I was recovering from surgery. Now that I am mostly better, every knitting thing is going out ala Craig's List as well. Having "free space" is so refreshing.
SUGGESTIONS. 1. Your finished quilt tops - pay to have the ones you want to keep quilted by a long arm quilter - edge to edge design is the most economical usually. 2. See if there is a trade school or classes for women to learn skills and better themselves. You can donate machines or items for a tax discount. 3. I decide how much per year I am going to spend TOTAL on quilting. I go to the bank on the 1st of the month and get my "allotment." We don't use credit cards and my husband has the only debit card. I have cash only for the week for ALL expenses. You would be surprised how much you pass up if you can only use what you have on hand. 4. If you haven't touched it for a year, get rid of it. Maybe someone would barter with you for a finished top etc. 5. Make a list of the UFO's. Stick it next to where you sew. DO NOT do the grocery bag thing. If it is put away, you will never finish it. 5. If you have moved from one style of quilting to another, or some of your color choices have changed etc, have a sale, list stuff on line...most of all, try to be organized. I try to spend an hour or two each week, usually after dinner per week to try and clean. GOOD LUCK. |
I wish I could come over to your house and bind your quilts for you. I love this step, it means it's done!
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well to start, let me tell you there no cure for us as im still going throught buying withdrawals it just comes and goes fast throught out my hands and i click to buy ,quilt shops love me as they send me extra little thank you gifts and the delivery guys all know me by name and they come in all the way to my driveway and knock on door to hand it to me in person of couse i give them all treats and we talk for awhile about family and things yes i also know them all by name too, and yes they try to make it before my husband gets home from work so i won,t get in trouble and explain my buying more stuff again im out of control , so if you find a good rehab please please let know to sign myself inn, my family well thank you so much
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Hey don't panic....me goes back to the US twice & year.....& gues what...yes - ENID, Oklahoma is a place I do go to.
So now I am wondering....do you have any civil war reproduction fabrics or any Japanese reproduction prints .....as thats my passion of making quilts with those fabrics......if so - you could email me pics & if they are suitable for what I make etc - then I will glady pay for cost of shipping to Australia...or if you like whenst I get there later on this year (approx Christmas - yippee) I could catch up with you then & purchase those specified fabrics. How's about it....reckon you want to give it a try? Warm regards, Jane |
Help us !!!! WHYAT MEDICINE ?????
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I have never recovered.
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Isn't it fun to be an addict....lol.
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I did not read all your posts from everyone but perhaps I should. I hav set some goals I fi d attainable that allow for an occasional treat as well as a target to finish certIn projects. I am trying to be more careful about starting new projects. I have made a friend of mine an a countability part er that I I share my goals, slips and Progress with. At 56 I have faced the fact that I can never use up all my fabric in my life. I am teaching some new quilters and we started from the very beginning. I am putting together fabric packets for them from my closet and sell them to them at half price. Lots of them are having a hard time financially so it helps them and I am stashing a bit of money too. They don't pay me for teaching but they have bought over $1200.00 in fabrics since I started in February. I am hoping it helps. I also keep a log that I make myself record what I sell, buy amd use in hopes I see a gradual decrease.
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You make me hide my head in shame. My tiny house is getting so overwhelmed with never started and UFO's that I am having a contracter draw up plans to close in my carport to organize it all in. My thought is that it is time to hide the hoarding.
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Originally Posted by Rann
You make me hide my head in shame. My tiny house is getting so overwhelmed with never started and UFO's that I am having a contracter draw up plans to close in my carport to organize it all in. My thought is that it is time to hide the hoarding.
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I'm with you on this. So just where do we go for the meetings? lol
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Hi Mary, - my favorite part of quilting is hand sewing the binding - weird, huh? I live in the San Fernando Valley but might be in Arizona next month on vacation. Maybe we can work something out together - Karon
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Mary, I'm driving to Los Angeles on Friday and will head back on the 1st. PM me and I will stop on my way back and finish some of the quilts for you. I'll return them to you when I'm in Az about 6-8 weeks later. Let me know how I can help.
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What a nice bunch of ladies. I live toooo far away to join your group. Enjoy your time together.
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I am not there yet, but do have a problem
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