Originally Posted by
char634w
I don't have a budget, I have a full time job and I buy what I want. Occasionally I feel a little guilty about my fabric stash, or my machines and tools but I have learned to live with the guilt (haha) and enjoy it. Life is so short and quilting makes me so happy and my husband appreciates beautiful quilts and good quality tools so he never says anything. He has always said that it is better to buy the best quality that you can afford so that is what I do. I do shop the sales for the better stuff and that always makes me feel good too. Sometimes I rationalize my purchases and say that I am buying for retirement because I won't have as much money then but I wonder if I am trying to fool myself - doesn't matter because I love everything about it. I could be spending $ on worse vises so I honestly don't feel that guilty. Quilts are beautiful and functional so I think it is all $ well spent regardless of how much.
I don't think you are fooling yourself at all. This is what I did with crocheting and needlework kits and supplies (before I learned how to quilt). I worked full time and would buy whatever I wanted (almost) so when I retired last year I had a lot of UFOs and am having a wonderful time finishing those projects and now I am in the process of buying quilting tools, fabric, etc. This year I put on my Christmas Wish List some quilting supplies that I wanted and got several really nice tools. Life is short and I believe if you do what makes you happy the way will be provided as long as you are making good decisions and look how many people have enjoyed the wonderful quilts you are making. Go forth and quilt.