transfer addiction....and fabric organization.
 

i've been an on/off quilter for 20 years, and have accumulated quite the stash-y'all would be proud of me! my closet reflects this, as well as no organization at all...

well, also in the last 20 years, i've been obese. and to be very honest, obesity (unless directly caused by health issues...which mine is not) is a type of addiciton--i eat for a variety of reasons, often having little to do with hunger. In the last two years, i have developed numerous health issues. In october, I had lap band surgery. As of this morning, I have lost 71 lbs.

Now, here is where my transfer addiction comes in...quilting! i've rediscovered the joy of it <g>, and also the joy of shopping for it! LOL. so, I bought comic boards, and in my spare time, have been wrapping my fabric. Hubby and I put together two of those 3 unitx 3 unit cubbies that lowes sells and stacked them in the closet (bless the man. he did this while on crutches and the night before his knee surgery..which was yesterday). I am gaining such a sense of satisfaction of wrapping and organizing. and i feel that this, if it's transfer addiciton...ie substituting one vice for another (kinda like someone who quilts smoking and then loves candy...) is far healthier! Don't let me bring any more fabric into the house!!

I think I'm going to need another set of two cubbie units. I'm still trying to figure out how i want to store the fat quarters....and then I need to start on organization of patterns.

Oh my...this is gonna turn me into a better housekeeper HAHAHAHAHA.....

betsey

What you did was very brave and I am so glad it's working for you. At least the fabric addiction won't cause any
physical problems and will give you many hours of joy.

I am proud of you too. The trick is to become addicted to the QUILTING, and not to the SHOPPING. Use up that stash and enjoy your new energy. Save the $$ for shopping for a new wardrobe when your weight loss is complete. You're obviously on the right track.

Congratulations on your weight loss! and more to losed! :thumbup: Stitching can be an addiction of its own ... there are several projects in that closet you just organized. Have fun!

Wow! Congratulations on your new improved attitude. Dunster said it perfectly: save your money for new wardrobe! Keep up the good progress. Little tricks to keep you moving while quilting, set your cutting board, iron and sewing machine far enough away from each other that you HAVE to get up to use them. It takes longer to complete a project but well worth the health benefits.

Again, CONGRATS!!!!

Congrats! You sound like you've already wrapped your head around where you're going and kudo's to you for the great accomplishments!

Wow. Good for you, both for your weight loss and your newly found organizational skills.

Good for you.....recognizing that you have a problem is the first step and you're way beyond that. congratulations on your weight loss. I also eat for everything and am beginning a program designed to help weight loss and prevent diabetes. What I have learned is that when I quilt, I'm normally not eating.....I try to quilt a lot. I took a scrap therapy class about 4 or 5 years ago and at the time kept track of all the quilts I made using my scraps, when I hit 12 and 13, I was so proud of myself. You could do that....give yourself a pat on the back when you complete a quilt made totally out of your stash fabric.

WOW!! 71 pounds! You are great! I change my addictions all the time...quilting is in first place right now! I agree with having to walk from the sewing machine to the ironing board and even the cutting board. I need to lose weight. I have quilter's butt right now from soooo much quilting. It use to be round, really. And I'm proud of you for organizing your fabric. You make me want to go clean my sewing room today. I was going to go to the casino and gamble with my hubby today, but I think I might just clean today. You probably feel 100 times better now that you've lost so much weight. Yipee for you!!!!

You have done great. Keep on loosing those lbs. and turning out beautiful quilts. When I am working on a quilt I forget to eat until DH ask me if I have eaten, that usually means he is ready and can't cook.

My addiction was smoking, so I learned to knit and crochet. It really helps to find a new addiction to replace the old one. I made sweaters, dollies, etc. Then I found quilting, Oh Boy! I love to quilt and everyone benefits from it! Get well and have fun quilting.

First of all, congrats on the weight loss. I have an internet friend that wasn't obese but getting close to it. OMG...you should see her now. She had the lapband surgery almost a year ago and her legs look like toothpicks (not really but compared to how she looked before they do).

I've done a LOT of sewing and crafts etc. over many years. I have to say I enjoyed doing just about everything I tried but...when you REALLY find what you love doing then it becomes habit forming. I spent thousands of $$$ on rubber stamping and making cards...it lasted a couple of years and now I have hundreds of rubber stamps in storage boxes. I began pouring candles and making soap and bath and body items in 2001 and I loved it. Would spend days and nights doing nothing but my hobby turned into a small business. I still love doing it but...put it on the back burner when I got back to sewing and quilting. I like having 2 things that I love to do...that way if I get a little bored with one I can go to the other and vice versa.

I didn't have much of a stash at all. But...after making a few purses/bags and picking up just a few yards of other fabric...my June Sun Bonnet Sue is sandwiched and I am slowly working on the machine applique. Sue in June is on a quilting cruise. Of course I couldn't find the exact fabrics from the book but I'm very pleased with what I could find and myself and others think it looks great. So what if the rotary cutter is yellow with small white and orange dots.

Again...congratulations and keep up the good work!

Again, great job on the weight loss issue. I am one of those yo-yo people. Lost almost 55 lbs 8 years ago and swore I would never be heavy again. Moved to Montana (which I LOVE) and gained it almost all back. In the last year I have lost 20 back off and I credit quilting as part of my weight loss program. I cannot eat and handle my wonderful fabric at the same time although I do keep something sugar free to drink on my desk near where I am working.

Another thought about the organization. I also have acquired quite a stash over the last couple of years. What I have started doing with part is to get one of those BIG (2 1/2 gallon) zip lock bags and make up kits. I put in the pattern or magizine that I want to copy, and all of the fabic I need already cut up with a note that I still need the border or whatever (because I do not have it in my stash at this time or want to pick it out after the center of the fabric is done) I include the backing if I have it and a note of who I wanted to make it for if I have decided. These then take up less room and are ready to grab if I want to take a project on a trip with me.

I am a very lucky lady indeed as I have a great husband who is very supportive. He goes as far as planning quilt stores into our trips even though he has found out the extent of my stash. He built me a custom table for my sewing machine I use for peicing that is able to be folded down to take on trips.

that is exactly what i plan to do! I need to say this, i am just in awe of how much healthier i feel, and while i have always been a positive person, im amazed at how much MORE positive i am. I am enjoying the whole organization process, and seeing what i have. couple of works in progress that ARE going to get finished...soon!

i will also say this, lap band surgery, or any kind of weight loss surgery, is not for everyone. what works for one person, won't for the next. I feel great of the weight i have lost...and i'm now shopping in the normal size dept as opposed to the plus size. at times, it's a little intimidating. i've got about 30-40 more lbs to lose. but this so far is working, as well as walking 3-4 miles/day.

and, my horse loves me for it <grin>.

CONGRATULATIONS! It has taken me close to ten years to loose over a hundred pounds; like you quilting has been a wonderful addiction in place of eating. All of the responses are fabulous and so encouraging. I wish you the best of luck and many, many wonderful hours of happy organizing and creating. Just reading and feeling your enthusiasm has made my day happier and more complete! Thanks for sharing.

Good for you! One of these days I will get organized.

Thank you everyone for your kind replies! I appreciate the support so much! Brenda--congrats on your weight loss....that is amazing and wonderful!

I'm busy trying to get that closet and room organized, and enjoying the process. of course, things called work, kids, hubby, horse nad rest of life must take priority (though not in that order). I'm visualizing all of the neat quilts i will be making.

Congratulations!! Happy quilting!!!

congrats on the turn around life style and enjoy

71 pounds gone and organized on top of it - you are an inspiration - keep it up. I will be watching for your updates.

twoxovr, I can see the half hour infomercial on this already, you will be in some very tastefully quilted leotards with your husband wearing matching ones. Will open with both of you standing behind a couple of Featherweights, smiling, healthy and happy with piles of material behind you. THen you will start "organizing" the stash, wrapping it and setting out neatly in the cupboards. Yep, sounds like a diet and exercise program I could get into. All to the tunes of the 60's and 70's or maybe some old time gospel tunes. And congratulations on your success.

That's funny. I thought my hubby was the only one who did that. He comes in my sewing room and says "are you hungry?" In other words, "I want my dinner (or lunch)." Then I know it's time for me to stop sewing and cook.

Doing the happy dance for you. Congratulations!! I only have about 40 to 50 pounds to lose and am struggling as I don't like to exercise. Keep up the good work.

Yeah when I am working DH asks when are we eating. I know it is because he doesn't want to cook for himself it is up to me to cook or we go to the restaurant. Need to quit doing that as it is not helping me to be eating so late at nite.
I am going to check out a lapband info meeting this month in Minot. I have 150 to go and can not walk to get rid of it as I have knees that are bone on bone. I also am trying to get appt with ortho dr in Bismarck as my kids tell me not to do in Minot as the ones in Minot have a #'s deal going to get so many done in a day regardless of what is being done.
I forgot to tell you CONGRATULATIONS on both your achievements and keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to the rest of us to get going and get er done.

Congrats to you on conquering your weight. Surgery is not easy so kudos to you & good luck with your renewed passion for quilting.

Great job on both efforts, losing weight and organizing. The not shopping is a hard one. Just last week I went to the fabric store to buy a piece for my next quilt, I have all but the border and back. Well, they didn't have what I wanted, soooooooooooo I bought a couple of yards of lavender that I MIGHT use for a quilt that needs 6 colors. What an addiction, I have to learn to walk in a fabric shop and walk out without buying if they don't have what I went in for. Anyway, Please keep us posted on how you are doing on the weight and organization. God Bless

Congratulations on your loss! And on the gain of energy! I'm still trying the hard way. You may find that show cubbies are the solution for your fat quarters - a lot of quilters use them. Now get busy SEWING!

oh my gosh.....Guess what...I too am banded! Since Sept '09!
Good for you.....it is not an easy journey...it is a very hard lifestyle to maintain, but it is SOOOOOO worth it!

WELCOME HOME!

You are awesome - taking charge of your health and re-found your love of crafting. I too carry too many pounds for comfort but find when I am quilting I eat less and drink more water. Just recently I had a dental emergency I gave up soda - okay I have had a few sips - for the most part just don't want it. Best wishes and you go girl!

You Go Girl!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work on all fronts. Can't help you on the fabric shopping, I have no will power when it comes to fabric, although the higher prices have slowed me down. Hope hubby is doing well after his surgery, and will soon be able to help with the organization. Rah, Rah, Rah (3 cheers for you) sharon

You go girl!!!!!! I have a SIL who had your surgery, but she didn't follow thru with what her Dr. told. You have the right to crow out loud. Good Luck and all good blessings for you

Congrats on your change of life habits. Now if I could only do the same! I need to lose 50#. I, too, find that when I am quilting, I don't snack.

oh my, you just made me laugh! too funny!

amyjo--if there is ANYTHING i can do to help you, please let me know! you should never take on any surgery without thoroughly investigating it. I'm more than happy to share my experience (so far) with you. just send me an email!

betsey

Awesome. 71 pounds, that is very impressive. And I understand your unorganization. I have fabric all over my room. I must take some time and just do it. You are an inspiration. Tell your husband we wish him a speedy recovery, too.

shirley-

with all due respect (and smiles and hugs!) doing weight loss surgery is not the easy way. it's a lifetime committment of having to change your eating habits for the rest of your life and giving up some things you may not really want too.

i still mourn diet coke.....

betsey

Jacquie! how cool!!!! am so glad you shared that with us!! and yes, i got the organizer thing...just what i wanted-thank you!!!!

betsey

Betsey, so proud of you. And while you are disappearing, you can make yourself new clothing from some of your stash, as you go. That's what I did, and it's great. Keep it up, girl!
Judy

Congratulations on the weight loss. What I am doing to control the fabric cravings right now, I have taken out all the hidden stashes of fabric (I think I have found them all), put all the fat quarters on boards and put them into small sterilite bins. My goal now is to arrange them by type (civil war, kid, baby, 1930's, tone on tone), I find that just touching the fabric takes away the urge to fabric shop. We moved 6 years ago, and I haven't found all the hidden boxes yet. I have filled bins with all the scraps and bits and pieces (3 bins full), and have made crumb squares when the mood strikes. I have to remind myself that goal in having this stash is to quilt.