I wish I could say I had your problem!
I simply cannot afford to buy fabric any time I please, so I don't have to worry about someone keeping me in check.
I will say, it's good that you took some action on your own! Good luck!

Thats funny! I definitely have the same urges, but just can't afford it....I just go to the fabric shop and drool!
~Bj~

Today my DD told me not to buy any more fabric until I've used up some of what I have (she had found a bag with fabric and a pattern from 1989 :mrgreen: ...heck, I'll still use it!) Anyway, I'm doing pretty well at not buying any, because I'll be recovering from a total hip replacement, and since most of my stash is upstairs, I won't be able to get at it very readily. I DO plan on getting a few things lined up, at least for hand quilting...

wow, so are you buying any fabrics now?

No, because I've promised myself that I need to get a couple of bigger projects finished first...like a Turning Twenty quilt for my nephew, and one for my DH from the 'Just Can't Cut It' pattern. I do have my fabric on had for those...

Uh, me too! Talk about "Getting my Irish up"!!! :mrgreen: :lol: :lol: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Ladies and gents;
I originally started this thread b/c frankly my buying was out of control and no progress was being made on projects. I watched "Hoarding: Buried Alive" last nite and the single lady on the later episode was buying stuff for the feeling it gave her. That resonated with me about my fabric stash. I do not know if I'm trying to fill some void or it's the feeling that I get when I buy fabric (usually only fabric) but realized I need to figure that out PLUS get projects done before I buy anything else. I asked my friend to help me with this so I would have to tell on myself if I bought fabric without first talking to her. I realize this is not a diet for everyone but I needed something in order to help me out and this is my plan. I do enjoy buying fabric but how much is enough and why am I buying more when I have plenty already. IS it for some feeling that I can't even recognize, let alone name?
Chris

I respect your decision. I think we all have to listen to our gut when it comes to things that seem to signal that things are not right in some way. (Hope that makes sense, I am tired).
If it doesn't feel good, it is time for a change. That could be applied to many things in our lives (like when you finally decide to get more exercise or change a bad habit).
I think it's wise to figure out what the fabric shopping might be in place of. You have found a solution that will work for you.
Good luck!
lots2do

good luck on your hip surgery. I will say a prayer for you, that everything goes well. God bless. Penny

Hang in there Chris, and be strong. and please do find out if you have a void you are trying to feel. we are taking you seriously. I can not buy fabric at all do to no money. and I would love to go in to Joann's and buy some, heck I even dream about it. but that does not mean I do not totally 100% respect you. God bless. Penny

Well, I have read through all the posts, and have come to page 6, and Chris, I have to say, I feel exactly the same way you do. I will NEVER use all the fabric I have in my sewing room..WHY??? Because I love looking at it, and find it hard to cut it up. I too have said the same as you, NO MORE! But I went out and purchased some fabric on line..for the third time, to make my wonderful sister a quilt. I just didn't like the other fabrics I purchased, so there they sit, and the new is waiting in the wings. Would she have been happy with the other fabric, undoubtedly...just a quilt from me would have made her estatic. BUT..YES, there IS an underlying reason. I have finally figured out what mine is, sad to say, it took me a good 15 years, but to finally recognize what the issue is, is a wonderful feeling. I am staying out of stores. I ONLY go in for something I truly need, which is nothing. I am a very good none shopper...to the dismay of the lqs. I never thought about a partner, but I am there with you, holding your hand, as long as you hold on to mine. Joanie

Joanie;
I will hold your hand also. It took me about the same amount of time but I will make quilts from my stash without buying any m ore fabric. Batting and thread is another issue. However, I can take DDs or DH with me when I go for them so that is all I buy. DH sometimes is an enabler but I've begun to explain my diet to him and he does seem to understand. Thanks for understanding and holding my hand. I will not only hold your hand but pray for you if you would like that.
Chris

Thank you, Penny! I have a good feeling about it, because it will be so nice to walk without my hip hurting! My family and coworkers are all very supportive, and Iknwo my quilting friends are, as well.

You are very welcome. I am glad you have someone there for you. God bless. Penny

The big thing is:

If one ASKS for "help" in controlling ones spending, the help is welcome.

If someone jumps in without "permission" - it feels judgmental and/or controlling.

I applaud you on your courage to control your spending addiction. Going for recovery is difficult. And when friends take the step "lightly" or as a joke it only makes it harder.
Good for you for getting an accountability partner. Having supportive people around you is important for success.
I wish you well.

FUNNY! Have you set-up a 12 step program yet?

I'm guilty as well, I have more stash than I need, I don't have near enough time to do the projects done I need to. But, low and behold where do I go first while shopping material shop at whatever store I am in at the time. And when not there I am on this site or facebook, working full time,taking care of things for my dad and his mom when she needs me to so who has time not me, There is always tomorrow Have a Happy Holiday everyone.

so let me get this straight - you are talking to US, fellow stashaholics about how you need someone to keep your stash in check, and we're supposed to understand?

This coming from someone who refers to Joann's as 'the crack house'!!!!!

and I just discovered the term "stashbuster" yesterday, can't wait to make a stashbuster quilt! First I need to do a scrapbuster quilt tho. I can't stand to waste, but thankfully am FAR from being a hoarder......thus the need for the scrapbusting! Perhaps after the holidays.....

An update to situation: Am still buying some fabric but mostly only as needed and what's needed. Partner still helping although hubby has become more of an enabler. Latest goody I love is the YLI variegated threads. Am buying those as I find combos I like at prices I like! :) Will continue conttrolling fabric spending as I need more storage space for fabric - again.

Now see I understand perfectly the "need" to purchase fabric. I have been in huge pain for a week now, just found out today that I had a twisted ovary that apparently twisted itself back last night after a long night of fever and sweating. Today I'm like a new person (does happy dance). I want to go shopping and buy something and Thursday is awesome because my two favorite quilt stores are open late on Thursdays.

Somebody stop me please.........don't!

Have fun!! You deserve a reward for putting up with the pain. Be good to yourself.

Thank you for reminding us to be good stewards with both our money and the items/fabric we already own. No need to be gluttons. Best wishes on your journey.

Good luck to you all! But I need professional help.LOL

So I bought myself a nice representative sampling of the new Moda fabric line of William Morris prints by Barbara Brackman. I feel much better now.

I also got a placemat, napkin and tablecloth pattern. That's kind of like a quilt as you go.

I took stock of my life and my fabric stash in December 2010. I left my 2000 sqft + basement home due to losing my job and ending aN unhealthy 10 year relationship. I used to have 1/2 a basement for my sewing room so I had tons of fabrics. I just gritted my teeth and dove in and was realistic about what I wanted, what I needed, what I would use and what needed to go somewhere else. I whittled down my stash greatly. At that point, I couldn't even consider the cost of the fabric I was giving away. I now have a 10x13 sewing room in a safe and happy home. I have shelves along one of the walls and they are packed with my fabrics. i still have a couple of tubs in the garage full of fabric. I have lots of projects planned and in progress. And most importantly, I am HAPPY!!!!

Ruth, Glad you are safe and happy in your new home and obviously you are a strong person to have done what you did. I have become a lot more giving when it comes to my fabric - if someone needs it and asks me I will give some away. Can't hold onto it forever and can't take it with me. Now I need to do that with some of the vintage machines I currently own. :) FYI: LOVE the dogs in your avatar. Are they all shepherds? Mine has me well-trained - swear she must be part cat with the training she has been able to accomplish with me.

I recently pulled from stash and found fabrics I hadn't seen in years so realized I needed intervention, thus confessed to my quilting buddies. So what do we do but hit the LQS. Good friends, good times, and beautiful fabrics--there are worse things to spend $ on. Now to get busy and sew.

The tan and black and the white one are both shepherds. The red and black on the right is a shepherd - akita mix. She's the biggest but she is also the biggest baby! She's my worrier! This picture was taken during their first stay at a new kennel. Now she loves it there. She is also the one that I know would protect me at all times. The white one is 13 years old and very lame in her hind quarters. Last year she was attacked in our driveway by a neighbor's pitbull. My shepherd-akita took care of the situation! I love them all!!

Ruth; Sorry to hear about the attack. Maya, my shepherd would also protect me and probably Buddy, the boxer, would join in. They can be a pack of two. Love my dogs and my kitties. Maya is 3 yrs old and Buddy is 11.5 yrs old but still going strong. Both are babies but very protective.

I do something similar. I try to take a friend and I make myself justify my purchases. Even if they go "you don't have to account for it" I go Yes I do because I'll spend too much other wise.