I did too until after sewing top ALL by hand gave it away she washed it and it shriveled up I was so embaresed NEVER again to muchand all that work for a cheap blanket!!!!!!!

Nobody ever said hobbies were cheap.

Yup. That's why I concentrate on doing one or two really nice ones with lots of detail and thought rather than 25 throw it together and quick quilt it types. But for me the pleasure is really in designing a new top. If I've spent a hundred hours on a top I like to have the back and thread match the quality. I also buy enough yardage for at least a twin back if I see something versatile and on deep sale and use coupons to stock up on better thread so for my smaller scrap/leftover quilts I can usually find something that will do in stash.

My Mom used sheets for the back of quilts. Heard you shouldn't do that now. Well I have and love the result. I love the 300 plus count sheet. Any feed back on sheets?

I feel the same way fabric is getting real expensive. I was at Joann's last week and I checked Warm and Natural
batting $ 14.99 a yard.(ouch) Even the spools of thread are getting smaller and of course the price isn't. I too have
a lot of stasch etc and I am going to do scrappy quilts but I still need backing and batting. Oh Well it is like another lady said if we smoked it would probably cost a lot moe.

I feel like my quilting hobby is secondary to my fabric collecting hobby. My husband is so thrilled that I have found something that I am this happy with where I can express myself in a form of art he has not complained so far. (He and our grown daughter are both very artistic where I could not draw a stick figure without messing it up) He did find my stash about a month ago and told me not to buy any more until I have used up a lot of what I have as I could start my own fabric store. Really, letting go of fabric unless it is in a quilt! Not going to happen unless it is in a swap with one of your lovely people.
Of course I am putting some kits together for this summer so that will move some out of the stash. We go "camping" (in a trailer with a generator in case there is no electricity at the camp site) and I sew while he goes off fishing. For us it is the perfect summer weekend. He even bought me a screened dome so I can be outside while I sew.
Yes the fabric is very expensive but I watch sales in town and online and there is always ebay.

That is what I said when I stopped smoking 10 years ago, paid for my hobby and more to, I was up to 3 packs a day. Lord was with me on cold trukey stopping, haven't had one since. I do love my quilting but decided to use up my scraps before making more purchases of fabric, it's sure hard when the sales fliers come around,but have to stick with the scraps.

Quilting isn't an inexpensive hobby. With the price of fabric going higher and higher, I use plain muslin for my backings, taking advantage of the width and Joann's 40% off coupons. Have never run into any problems and have been doing this for years. I wait for sales on battings too. Makes me thankful for my stash, however, never is there a time I don't need to purchase just a little fabric to finish a project. Is it psychological or just Murphy's Law?

I keep telling my husband it is still way cheaper than medicating myself with illicit drugs! and the quilts serve a valuable purpose too--besides keeping me sane, which as mastercard says, is priceless!

I am a slow quilter....I usually design my own and work very slowly due to old age, so the price for me is probably less than most, but so is the quantity, which is fine.....always shop "on sale", that helps a lot!!

I also simple piece the backs of some of mine, helping me use more stash. I don't make big quilt gifts either. Lap quilts are probably the biggest size I make. Just can't afford to give away big bed quilts, & also, not knowing how much they will be appreciated, or used even...

With everything going up i'm sticking with quilting but really if you think of what is cheaper??? There isn't anything cheaper because even things that are supposed to save us money cost right now. Everything has a price it just depends on where are you what is up and what is down.

I agree with Debra K. It is about the only money I spend on myself (except for clothes) and I am good with it too. You have to have something in your life that brings you pleasure and makes you feel good about yourself. I call it therapy! And my husband thoroughly approves!!

I agree with DebraK. It also helps me with my sanity!

I figure if I didn't spend my extra money on this I would spend it on something stupid like candy and sweet, and items I will use once and collect dust. it makes me happy so who cares how much it cost as long as bills get paid and my kid has everything she needs

I use simple, cheap broadcloth for most of my backs. It's $2.99/yd at Hobby Lobby, and with a 40% coupon, it's under $2/yd, even with tax.

If I want something just a little special for my backs, I buy 108" either at fabric.com or Thousands of Bolts. I don't go over $12 or $13/yd on the 108" backing.

I, too do alot of my shopping online. Sometimes the deals are too good to pass up>

As many others on the board, I am making a goal this year to finish 12 UFOs and I have over 30. I will not buy any new material and will make many scrappy quilts from all my leftovers.if cost is an important factor in your hobby it is wise to only work on one project at a time and most shops will let you buy fabric on lay-a-way so if you must do a project with that material you absolutly must have it is a good way to do it. I have selected a pattern, gotten the material, backing and batting and put it on this payment plan and several months later I have a complete quilt paid for and to enjoy making. It can be a very expensive hobby. Also if you like scrap quilts most people are willing to give scraps way and all you have to buy is the backing and batting.
peace

If you shop on-line you can find some great deals. Quilting gives you something to show for your money not like boating or sky diving what do those people have to show??? If quilting makes you happy do it!!

I try and use up my stash first. I shop on line especially at fabric.com. They have good deals and free shipping on orders over $35. Customer service is fantastic. I have also met some fantastic ladies - gone on quilt retreats attended workshops and lectures. I actually have a social life. Love my quilts and my quilting peeps. I look for fabric quality. And this keeps me sane as well.

Quilting /sewing is my relaxation. I can afford what I do, I just am pretty frugal and don't like to pay some of the prices I have seen. I have enough stash that I could quilt/sew for a couple of years I think. It is just that I have been making quite a lot lately and it adds up quickly if you got to buy certain backing and such. It is all good though. I am not planning on giving it up anytime soon. I look for bargains everywhere I go. I shop sales, used coupons,I hope to go to some garage sales this year and find some treasures there. Bottom line-I LOVE A BARGAIN ON MATERIAL! Who doesn't!

I don't smoke, drink, buy fancy cars or clothes...I deserve to spend money on my creations...at least that's the way I feel ! LOL !

I try not to buy anyting unless its on sale. Warm and Natural batts are 78.00 for a queen here. They are going on sale the 27th for 30.00, that's when I plan on picking a couple up. I go straight for the reduced tables everytime. It pays to be cheap lol.

Here is the way I look at it. Yes, it can cost alot of money and congratulations to all of you with those great big stashes to work from. Mine is very small and most wouldn't considerate it a stash at all. Any how, what other gift can you make and give that people appreciate so much, use so much and will still be around (with any luck) way after us and the reciever is gone. For me, I'm the only quilter my family and friends know, they think I'm great and only I know all of the mistakes that are in what I make. I like that. Someone told me I should enter a quilt show, I laughed to myself because I knew I was no way close to that level but it's nice that the people who care do. I'm on such a tight budget right now it isn't funny so everything I get has to be planned but I'm not giving up. I'll be careful about what I buy and try to use what I do have first but I'll keep on going. Thank goodness for the sales at Hancock Fabrics. The 1st and 3rd Wed of the month is senior's day (and I don't have to be 60 like Joann's) and I can get this discount on top of any coupon or sale. Then the 2nd Wed is Military discount and the same rule applies so I have the first 3 weeks of the month to get supplies if I "need" them. I don't like the fact that Joann's doesn't have set days for senior days and then you have to be 60 to get it. I will have to admit, I'll be splurging (just a little) this week at the Hampton Quilt Show but I'll be careful there too. I enjoy sewing and I'm not giving it up. I'll just have to work around the growing economy and fit it in, one way or the other. For the one wanting to know about putting something besides cotton in between your layers; I'd only care if I want them to be around for a really long time. That doesn't mean you still have to use batting because our ancesters didn't and some of those quilts are still around. Enjoy quilting.

Seems the backer is always so expensive. I have started piecing my backer like Bonnie on Quiltville! Helps cut down on the stash too Lol THen you don't feel so guilty about buying more fabric lots of charms jellyrolls etc!
Shelvy in Ga

Yes, u have picked an expensive hobby. Look for bargains ie. Garage sales thrift stores. But what expensive fun. When people ask me to show them how to quilt. The first thing I tell them. Is that it is expensive.

I am spoiled when it comes to quality fabric. I have been sewing for over 40 years and learned that if you want to make something that is going to look good wash after wash, you need to start with a fabric that is of good quality. The prices are getting way out of hand for most of us. I only shop in my LQS in an emergency. I purchase my fabrics online. I know the brands that I can trust and stick with them. Right now I am into Civil War and 1930's fabrics. When I see something I fall in love with, I purchase some fabric. I usually do not buy all the fabrics that I need for one project all at one time. When I find a good deal for something I can use for backing, I try to get enough of that. It works for me. At least I know that when I put all those hours into making a quilt, it will hold up for years of use.

I agree and I have to wonder if this isn't part of the reason pieced backings are taking off?

Best,
d
[QUOTE=deedum;4989929]Just bought the backing and thread fortune...

This is what I mostly use!!! I have had very good results with these items.

Ok fellow quilters, here's the thing. Pscho therapy can cost a lot more than our beloved hobby and when the Doc releases you he will still tell you to get a hobby for your ongoing therapy. So, you have spent enough on therapy to buy that dream machine or high end fabric, notions or quilt shows or camp. Hmmmmmm.
My outrageous stash is now paying off, am actually able to cut into beloved fabric to satisfy my creative urges.

Thousands of Bolts is having a special shipping rate until the 24th. Flat rate of $3.95 regardless of the amount you purchase. I buy most of my "basics" through them. Their prices are good and so is the quality.

This is the second time have tried to post this reply. This new format is sometimes nonresponsive. Here goes....
Quilters, here's the thing...quilting is a lot less expensive than therapy. When the doc figures out that you need more to your life than housework etc. he or she will tell you to get a hobby to satisfy your creative urges. You will have spent enough at the sessions to buy that dream machine or high end fabric. My outrageous stash is now paying off and those fabrics I couldn't bring myself to cut have been there long enough to let go of.

I guess I think of the satification when I complete a quilt. When it is a gift to a love one, and I made it how wonderful. Just remember, somepeople spend money and have nothing to show for it, we have our quilts. I have used materials from old clothing, fabric from yard sales and fabric that was given to me. It all goes into my scrap quilts and they are used and loved by my loved one. Thank goodness you do not smoke, it would cost a lot more than your quilting.

I know the price of fabric has escalated, but over here in UK, our prices are astronomical compared to US. I wanted a particular fabric for a quilt I am making, and it was £12 (app $18).I found the same fabric online from a store in Oregon, and with shipping to UK, it cost me £8 (app $12) The only problem with buying from US sometimes you get stung for import tax, but as this was not a big order, I had non to pay.If I visit US, I always comw home with some fabric in my suitcase.

I agree 100%. Having a creative outlet such as gardening or sewing/quilting alleviates a lot of stress that the typical woman feels from doing things that must be done over and over and over and over and over and...

I do ALL of my quilt shopping online. There are so many wonderful online quilt shops that sell top quality fabric for less. If you join a virtual shop-hop, you can find hundreds of resources for your quilting needs.

Figure out a monthly budget and put aside an amount for your quilting then put the cash in an envelope marked "quilting" then when you shop use that money only to shop with. One month you may not use it all. Keep it in the envelope and add to it each month. Example: January $20- spent $15, Feb. add $20-spent $10, March add $20 you now have $35 in the envelope to spend. Your not going over your monthly budget but you have a little bit put aside for a bigger expense when it comes along. Just don't spend more than is in the envelope. If you shop on line put that amount of cash back into your checking account.
Another thing to remember is the tradition in quilting was: Use what you have available.

Yes, it is becoming more expensive but this is my main charity so I continue while always looking for sales.

I scrimp on everything. I am on such a tight budget I cant even afford to pay attention. ha ha . Having said that, I sew when I find a good deal, and the rest of the time I hit the resale shops, and any place else I can find to get a good deal. I truely share your pain. This economy is the worst!! Dont give up your hobby, just keep looking because the deals are out there somewhere.

I am getting near retirement age and purchase here and there to build my stash, templates and books. I love shopping here first - the bargains never get old. My BF is an enabler and loves going to Joann's and LQS and stocks up on FQ's just because he likes the prints. Now the challenge - find a pattern to make them work!