hdqltr

Cathe, I live in Menomonee Falls, WI, just NW of Milwaukee. I just joined this board today, and saw your message about your yard sale of fabric stash from your friend. First of all, my sincere sympathies on your loss of a friend and sewing buddy -- that must be very difficult for you.

I am unable to get to Burlington today, as I have a wedding, but if you have items left following your yard sale perhaps you would like to donate them to a Guild for its service project. I am the President of Menomonee Falls Quilters and a member of Tosa Quilters (Wauwatosa WI). Both guilds make dozens of quilts each year for local hospitals for at risk babies or children of abuse -- the quilts are hugs from use to help children through difficult times. Several of the local hospitals accept quilts and preemie t-shires (made from flannel that open easily at the shoulders to make room for IV cords and monitors) from these guilds. Our biggest "user" is St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee.

If you'd like to donate any "left-overs" from your sale, I would be happy to come to pick them up next weekend (6/28 or 6/29) on behalf of these guilds. Both groups would be very grateful. If you wish, contact me at [email protected].

Roben

Okie, I did something similar to what you're talking about but had to condense my timeframe. I was working, Mom was here for a time, and the stresses took a toll on me and I ended up not being able to work. I could feel it coming, so I pushed to get my machines, a thread stash, etc. before the day came when I had to quit working.

I have over 400 cones of embroidery thread; I keep it away from direct sunlight and run a humidifier in my sewing area in the winter. So far, so good! I keep my fabric away from sunlight as well, bringing it out when I want to use it and I do keep some on a shelf in my sewing area. I'm not concerned that the fabric will be a problem, as I've been collecting good quality fabric. I have 60 year old antique quilts that are hand pieced and quilted; they are holding up well!

johnette

I have a growing stash that I think I will use in retirement. At least, I hope to use it. I also have quite a stash of counted cross stitch materials-mostly patterns and floss. My eyes (or maybe my patience) have gotten to where I just can't make myself do the x-stitching any more. I keep thinking maybe one day I will pick it up again...
I will keep stash building anyway, especially any batiks that I find. I am 40 miles from JoAnns and 80 miles from Hancocks, so when I get to go to one of them, I usually get something for my stash.
By the way, Okie, how far are you from the Red River?

user3587

Johnette

I'm probably about 80 miles from the Red River. I'm about 1 mi from Highway 81 and I can get on 81 south and go straight to the Okla/Texas border.

thequiltlady08

I posted on another topic that I was collecting for retirement and was only half kidding... my husband can retire in four years, but I am 11.5 years younger than him and don't REALLY want to work much longer after he retires - mainly so we can spend time together. We have planned carefully for retirement and will have enough money to be ok financially when he, as the main breadwinner, is done. HOWEVER, I will still need to be able to sew - thus the need for a way to get material. I will probably work some years after he retires just because I can and it will help our retirement account also...but I still will be buying things for future sewing/quilting. My oldest is just 18 and the youngest is 11 so it will be awhile before grandchildren come along and I will need to be able to make quilts for each of them after all!! :lol:

scrappinmad

I hear ya. My Bernina also does not like old thread. Some will work and the thread that won't I just take to my Mom's and use on her "like 1000" year old singer..... lol Her old singer will sew anything with anything.

On another note I have things that have been passed to me from my Mom which were passed to her from her Mom. My Mom was born in 33 so now you know how old some stuff is. Some thread was shot and broke and some was great. It is all used up now. I went through it pretty quick when the sewing bug bit about 15 years ago. I made Katie all kinds of shorts and dresses with all the fabric, lace, thread, buttons, and other stuff. I say good luck, shop smart, store carefully, and work to get to that retirement you all deserve and enjoy!!

johnette

Okie,
You and I are quite a ways a part then. I live off of 69/75 close to Durant. I hit the Hancocks in Shawnee on my way to Stillwater. Actually, I've only been there once because I just discovered it, but I'll probably be a regular there soon. LOL

user3587

I go to the Hancock's in OKC. I have been to Joann's but it's in north OKC and I try to stay south. I know where Durant is, my DH unloaded peanuts there (when he was trucking). I went with him a few times. I think Oklahoma is well represented on this board. I know one other that is from Enid. I'm waiting to hear from someone that may just live down the road, you never know. I don't have time but tonite or in the morning I had a wonderful exprience at a quilt shop in Midwest City, OK. It does prove there are still people willing to go the extra mile to help someone, I know it means a sell but you can tell it goes further than that. It good to hear from an Okie.

Sara Street

I totally agree with all sides of this issue - buy and enjoy for now AND later! There are no guarantees in life - my mother recently has had to give up driving, sewing, and just about everything but existing due to deteriorating health issues. And, we got word last night that my sister-in-law who is treating with chemo for metatisized breast cancer, now has a blood clot in a deep vein in the groin!

My ex-mother-in-law died with quite the fabric stash, and rarely ever used any of it. For her, the joy was in the shopping experience and the buying up of beautiful fabric that she "might" want to sew someday...

I've been thrilled with estate sale buys that I've come across of someone else's dreams and plans... so it's all good!

Happy stashing to all!
Sara