I just found some things I thought at the time I just had to have. I forgot about them and some have never been used. I will be giving them to DD and my DGD who have just started sewing.

I do love notions, tools, rulers. And yes, I did have a plan when I bought it. I just might not remember said plan or have changed my "like" by the time I pull it out again...

I have been quilting for 35 years...and I have every gadget known to a sewing salesman. Some of them were costly..and they are collecting dust. The most valuable tools are a rotary cutter with a good blade, a good pair of scissors, and an Omnigrip 4 X 13 inch ruler, and the irreplaceable seam ripper and a good cutting mat. Hubby and I went to a show in Lancaster PA a few weeks ago and I bypassed the notions stand. I could see his smirk on his face. He knows those gadgets are collecting dust. It is fun to open the draw where I have them stashed and giggle at the idea why I NEEDED that gadget.
Peace and Blessings,
Janet Thomas

I like trying new things so I often will buy something if it looks useful and doesn't cost too much. If it doesn't suit me, I'll eventually get rid of it - either pass it along to a sewing friend or I'll donate it to the guild for their annual sale.

So far I haven't accidentally bought duplicates of anything, but I DO buy multiples of some things on purpose. Like my 6-1/2x24" rulers - my cutting technique needs two rulers, so I use both of those rulers ALL the time.

I love the Shape cut ruler -- have too many purple thangs. Since I moved, I discovered I had more notions and more doubles than I remembered. Now I am trying to keep things together and then weed out what I don't need.

Okay, new quilter here. What is a purple thang?

This thread has me concerned, I just love buying stuff for my chosen craft. You would not believe how many shuttles I have for weaving:-)

Yep-done that. I see a notion used at a quilt show or lqs and think it looks so easy. Then when I get around to trying it I am so confused the notion just gets put away and I feel so frustrated.

Oh dear new quilter...please do NOT be concerned!! Just think of the joy of buying that new little toy and then rediscovering it years later!! We love our quilty things...well, I do.... I have plenty of rulers, clips, pins, cushions, you-name-it... and a lot of it collects dust... but it's still fun!! I'm going to try to use my Purple Thang more... my mom always swore by it!

A purple thang is (IMO) a wonderful tool, similar to a stiletto. http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...urple+thang.do

Don't worry about buying things for crafting; as long as you can still buy food, I figure it's okay :)