Luv Quilts and Cats

I think about this too. How high can fabric go? I am using my stash right now as I am still looking for a job. It kills me not to be able to buy any fabric right now, but really, I have enough to last for awhile and my friends and I "shop" each other's stash all the time. When I start working again, I don't think I will buy fabric with abandon like I used to. That's just the new reality I guess.

MartiMorga

Ladies, calm down!!! My husband and I have been retired for 16 years and you will always be able to quilt. Between your stash, your savings from not driving to work, buying clothes for work, going out ot lunch everyday or packing your lunch, and of course your management of money, you will be fine. I try to keep my "hobby" spending to $100 or less a month. Of course there are months I don't spend that much and some months I go over. You manage and you will too

willferg

I make lap quilts, so the size can be pretty flexible. I find that fleece, at 60" wof, is very reasonable for backing. I also shop at Ross and other stores like that and look for soft throws on sale to use for backings – they are often under $10 for a 50" x 60".

SouthPStitches

I've been retired just short of a year. We're comfortable but I think twice before just stash building. For years, my BFF and I have gone fabric shopping, looking for bargains to build our stash, or "saving for our retirement". With the prices going so high, I've never been more thankful for all the yards I have tucked away. I try to only buy what's necessary to complete a quilt but try to rely on my stash. It's an entirely different mind set and think there's more warmth and personal depth in my quilts now. Instead of searching for the absolute perfect fabric, my mindset is now "use what you have or close enough". Thank heavens for CT though. When I can buy 4 yards of sale fabric for around $12 to back my quilts or use as sashings, I'm overjoyed.

Like any other commodity, the sky is the limit as to how far prices can go.

peaceandjoy

I try not to overthink, but am not always successful! While a friend needs the "Perfect" fabric for backings, I almost always buy backing fabric when I find good sales. If I can buy 4 - 8 yards at $4 or so a yard, I do it. When I have a smaller quilt, I look at the smaller of my large pieces, and for bigger ones, I check what I've got that's at least 8 yards. For some folks, trips to Goodwill or other thrift stores are what makes it doable.

And yes, I've got that stash... That's my investment for retirement - instead of using it sometimes, as it works, I'll need to use it as much as possible. one way or another, I'm hoping to be able to keep doing quilts that are donated.

LAQUITA

I was told one day recently that we are buying (collecting fabric) NOW so that we will have PLENTY to do once we do retire and have no more $. So about right huh?

mighty

I have thought about this alot, scary!!!

ube quilting

Stock up while you can. Batting, backings, thread. Fabric is rather easy to come by.

deedum

I like the way you think.

GrannieAnnie

remember to hit thrift stores for good used sheets and light weight blankets as well as faBRIC