Same stash story, too much, and I'm old.
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,163
In our area, quilting fabric and patterns often show up at estate sales. If not weekly then certainly every other week. Some gets cherry picked the first day, but I've not seen a lot of it sell, even on the 50% off days.
For machines, unless you're in a metro area, there's a good chance you'd have to be willing to ship a machine to a buyer. FB Marketplace can give you an idea of pricing and how long machines take to sell (look at the age of the ad). A couple of months ago I purchased a barely used Bernina 790 Pro with extras for 1/4 of what it sold for new. I'd tried to sell a Bernina 830 Record a couple of years ago and had absolutely no local interest in it.
For machines, unless you're in a metro area, there's a good chance you'd have to be willing to ship a machine to a buyer. FB Marketplace can give you an idea of pricing and how long machines take to sell (look at the age of the ad). A couple of months ago I purchased a barely used Bernina 790 Pro with extras for 1/4 of what it sold for new. I'd tried to sell a Bernina 830 Record a couple of years ago and had absolutely no local interest in it.
Last edited by mkc; 05-01-2026 at 12:50 PM.
#32
One way to downsize your stash is to have a garage sale. The LQS in my hometown sponsored a garage sale where quilters could sell their extra stuff. It was a huge hit, and I even bought some things even though I didn't need anything. Ladies rented a table and sold their stuff and set their own prices. The sale was from 9 to 3 and was full of quilters the whole time.
#33
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,889
Lucky if the sewing machines even get trade in value, unless a Featherweight. Sewing supplies do not increase in value. Maybe some OOP popular designer fabric will sell over cost. Craft supplies are not considered collectibles but a good bargain when they are sold.
#34
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,613
I think there is quite a bit of donation that goes on, even with large items like cars. Personally, I don't have the energy to sell stuff, I'm just glad I have someone to give it to who I know will appreciate it. We did donate my Mom's stamp collection to the local small town club she'd been a member of.

