It's not really sad if she enjoyed purchasing these items and I'm sure she was happy knowing it was there when she wanted it. Hopefully she could enjoy that! It is hard for the family though, when they see no value in the items. That is the sad part. :(

It is sad. I know buying fabric is fun, much easier than buying clothes as you don't have to worry if it fits!

My sewing room is also a guest bedroom. Since I'm expecting family to visit this weekend I was putting my quilting projects into the closet when I realized I have so many tote bags of incomplete quilts projects as well as plastic totes of special fabrics, like orientals, kids, flannels, scraps to keep my busy all year. Also have a big standing cabinet will fabric yardage so being on the No Buy List for 2011 really is a must for me. May in Jersey

Yes, it is sad, but put yourself in that place, you are gone, and your children don't sew or do crafts, just like mine, I would want all my stuff to go somewhere to be used up, and not just tossed. Why not make someone else happy with it and a little bit of "you" along with it.

I have told my two daughters, sell it, give it away to my friends or someone who really needs or wants it. Let it live on!!!!!

the words that are sad, to me, are "had never been opened" and "covered with dust". She just had the stuff and didn't know what was there. Each year I vow to use my stash and each year I add more. My daughter will love it - eventually.
This thread is an eye opener, though. I'm 70 and better get busy making quilts to give away and even give away some of the fabric I have. Thanks for sharing.

I thought that this was the status of half of all Americans...

It is very sad because her family, if like most families, would have no idea of the value or the why of her purchases. I, too, had many things that I cherished, that had good memories for me and that I wanted to do "sometime." But, when I had to move here, I gave away, literally, ten pick up loads of goods, not all crafts, to a relief agency and then two more loads to a garage sale being held to support the local cemetery. And, now, I am still condensing, selling off, giving away because I need to fit into one room by the end of the year. It is sad to me because I miss those things, will not buy more, and can now only work on what I have supplies for.

Please, folks, take the time to understand your family and why they do the things they do. Cherish the gifts they make, even if you think you don't like them. There is love behind it. That is the message I would like to pass on ... but not to this board .... you all know that already!

Thank you for being so supportive to each other! Have a Blessed Day!

I have told the quilt group that when I go to my "great reward" they are to buy a large bottle of champagne and come and toast me and say nice things and then take it all home and love/use/donate the stash and tools. My daughter is included in the process of sharing. She has her own stash and we think a party is the way to go.

I couldn't agree more! Before my DH passed last summer, he gave instructions that we weren't to mope around feeling sad, or spend a lot of money on a funeral. "Give (my stuff, or the $$ you would have spent) to (or do something nice for) a friend, a stranger, a kid down the street....just don't let it go to waste, and don't just keep it around for sentimental reasons unless you are going to really enjoy it or use it." Still have some of his 'stash' (tools, hunting equipment, etc) around but most has been given away to friends with the same interests, or donated. We will have the party this spring, outside where he loved to be.

that is so sad...and the family should be ashamed !!!!

Awe, bless her heart.