The lady was a Home Ec. teacher for almost thirty yrs. she passed away after a three month battle w/cancer, so sad. I battled w/myself whether to go or not, but she would have wanted quilters to have her stuff, none of the children were interested in any of it. I had never seen her room , but had heard about it, when I walked into the room,my knees almost went out from under me,Quilter Heaven came to mind, machines :quilting and embroidery, sewing tables , cabinets loaded with containers and baskets, built in bookshelf full of quilting books. It looked like your LQS instead of someone home. I didn't know where to begin, so I hit the material first, there where twenty something bins full of sorted by color material, I wanted them all, but just got 5,purple,yellow,white, green and brown(most of them had at least 5yd,some like the brown had more.The containers are 10.96 at walmart!And the white folding sewing table in the corner.The one that got away! A Janome 6500 xp and a Grace quilting system w/stylus and stitch control, 1600$they paid about 2250 for it, was desperatley trying to reach DH on cell when a lady wallked in w/cash in hand, what could I do. Oh well I'm happy with the rest that I got for 90$. Sniff, sniff. I called store where machine was bought, it would be 2500 out the door if I wanted it. I wanted way more but budget didn't allow. wail!I figure I could have spent 2 to 3 thousand and still would not have gotton all I wanted.Sorry so long just had to get it out.

While it is sad that a fellow quilter has passed, I think most would be pleased that the things they left behind were put to good use, and not dumped in a landfill somewhere. Looks like you got a great deal. I'd love that table myself.

What a great deal for you!!! I am sure that this quilter was looking down and smiling watching other quilters enjoying her stash and machines :wink: anticipating what they may create with it all :D :D

So glad her stuff went to a person who appreciates it. Too bad the kids didn't share the love - those would be special fabrics to make really sentimental quilts with...

Wow! Didn't her family know or ask where it could be donated?

My sewing buddy passed away and her children were not interested in her sewing/quilting item either. I told them that I would help them with an estate or yard sale but no, the estate person didn't want to be bothered with "all the small stuff." So--I took it all in the name of the sewing guild. We packed it and packed it; it went in three different garages until we could sort it out. Then it went to our AQS community relations person to distribute to local schools with sewing programs. I sold the thread at a guild meeting, then stabilizers and interfacing. Now we have a buttons night to do. The money all goes to the guild Nothing, and I mean nothing, was sold
The estate set the prices on her sewing machines and I bought her Bernina 440, a lovely cutting table and a cabinet. Later I bought her purple sewing chair for $15.00 I guess no wanted purple but now I have reminders, especially the purple chair, of my sewing friend.
Later another AQG member passed away and the family asked her sewing friend what to do with it. She took it all in the name of the guild.
We sent thank you letters and tax donation receipts.
Community Relations makes charity quilts, pillowcases, etc, so everything goes to a needed home. : :

That's a great find for you. It's nice to know that most of her stuff went to a quilter!

you did alright for yourself! I agree, this lady would have been very pleased to know that her things, went to those that would continue to love them.
I can only imagine, how much the other lady got. I'd sure love that table too :P

WOW! you did good!

Oh...sorry for the loss of a fellow quilter, but that is some haul! I'm sure the quilter is smiling and watching to see what you make with it!

She is smiling down and waiting to see what everone is going to do with her stuff :lol:

Enjoy :mrgreen:

What a wonderful find for you. I'm sure she is happy to know her fabrics and such will be loved by other quilters.

Such a shame that her family didn't want her fabrics and such, but what a tremendous deal for you.

I'm glad to see you got it and appreciate it.

I went to a similar sale just a few weeks ago. One of our LQSs sent out an e-mail that one of thier former employees had died. Her husband was having a sale of her stash etc. He was selling the fabric for $4 a lb. THe shop said that amounted to about $1 a yard. I spent $39. You do the math. The sale started at 8:00a.m. My friend and I got there at 9:00am Things were already starting to be picked over. There were also some beautiful finished quilts. We ran into at least 4 or 5 other quilters that we know from various guilds.
At the senior center where I quilt with the ladies they are always getting material etc. when someone passes away. We have a 10 by10 store room with floor to ceiling shelves full of fabric, yarn and other soft craft supplies. We have used some of the material to make several raffle quilts to benefit the center. We are getting ready to baste one that we put together from some embroidered blocks that came from that stash. This will be the 5th one I have helped make.

Sooooooo sad that other family members don't always share our love of quilting. I am so happy that my DGD loves quilting as much as I. Her mother has an appreciation for the things that the two of us create and sometimes makes some very good suggestions. At least she has a good designer eye. I am sure that the lady who passed away would have much rather have her sewing/quilting things in the hands of other quilters other than family members who had no idea of the joy the lady had in this room.

Our fellow quilters who have gone on to the true 'Quilting Heaven', would be pleased and happy you love your new finds and purchases so much. Better to be in the hands of someone who really needs it than someone who doesn't.

Funny thing you should bring this subject up. My DH asked me the other day what to do with my quilting 'stuff' should I pass away before he does. :roll: :?
I first asked him if he new something I didn't? He laughed and said no! Next I thought how thoughtful that was as he has never asked me about other 'stuff' in the house and I have a few collectibles and heirlooms. :?
Anyway, with a smile he asked if he was to burn it along with the rest of the 'stuff'. Needless to say the fight was on. :x :evil: :twisted: :?
I said if DD didn't want it and would'nt do anything with it, sell what he could as that would give him money in his pocket :wink: , and give the rest to a quilt guild. Guess we should write down who gets which quilt, tools, machines, etc. Food for thought anyway.

I purchased a table like that at Joannes on sale for $60.00. They don't
carry them all the time, just every now and then. My DH put it together
for me.