WisWis

Like everyone else I also have a large stash which worries me at times.

StitchinJoy

I don't think that's the status of most Americans at all. If you look around this board, there are many quilters wondering how they are going to afford fabric at $10 a yard. There are many people out of work or retired, and more concerned about not being able to afford mortgage or rent, plus their food and their medicine.

I know that many quilters like me are very lucky to have a LOT of fabric, much more than we need for the current or next few projects.

But I don't know anyone personally who has tons and tons of unopened craft items, or clothes with tags still on, or mountains of garbage, or cats or bunny rabbits taking over the house, like we see on the show "Hoarders."

And I agree, it's very sad. Too much or not enough is always sad.

IBQUILTIN

Did you see the post last week from the lady in Michigan? She was handling her mother's estate also, and the stast was fenominal. I've never seen a quilt shop with that much fabric and notions. It was just unreal. And like you, it made me feel sort of sad that someone could focus all of their attention to "Things" that they could not possibly ever use up in a lifetime.

Kathy9052

I saw a statement recently about our stashes. If you go into your work space and there's too much "stuff", your work space has become storage space. Not that I would have an out-of-control stash! About 10 years ago, I did run into a situation where a woman was selling out her shop because she had medical problems. She was selling the fabric for $1 a yard. I walked away with 150 yards of fabric but I have also used or donated every bit of it. I think of my stash as preparation for my upcoming retirement.

anima57

happened to someone I was acquainted with. all the things that had been given to her over the years, crafty thikngs she had gotten, gifts, pretty nightwear. she died unexpectedly and when her things were gone through to sort out, all this things were unused, unworn. she appreciated them I am sure, but would have meant more to us if she had used them then and there. worn them to death, got stains and wear spots all over them. this past two years I have worked from my stash to make, finish, give away or even keep. very hard for me to wear my "nice" clothes to work (home office) because they might get stained, but life is too short.

katiebear1

As I have gotten older ( I am 56) I have actually had "the urge to purge" I have gotten rid of tons of stuff, but I still can't part with my books ( I am an avid reader) or my craft stuff. Since I have started to quilt ( about 1 and 1/2 years) I have not used any of my other craft stuff. I am almost ready to part with the craft stuff but the books are another matter. :)

mac

I'll remember that for when I move. LOL

I know that someone will have to clean up our hobbies when we pass away, but that is just the way it has been forever. At least if you have something to show for it, your family has a choice of selling it or donating it. During his/her lifetime the money was theirs to use the way they wanted to. Our hobbies are what keep us sane during the living years.

I truly believe this. When my doctor weaned me off my depression medicine before I could change to a different kind, it took me 2 weeks. Just before that she weaned me off of my hormones. That took a month. So for 1 1/2 months I suffered from PMS symptoms and then depression. It took two weeks for the new depression medication to kick in all the way. If it hadn't been for my continuous quilting during this time, I don’t know that I could have kept myself from doing grievous harm to my husband. Of course, we both look at it differently: he feels that he deserved a medal for putting up with me and I felt I deserved a metal for not killing him. LOL :lol:

NanaInVirginia

I don't have a very large stash but I have deal with my sister in law. She will come get all my stuff if I die suddenly. Then she can do whatever she wants to with it and my husband won't have to deal with it.

sewingsuz

Lynmccoy, I have a brother like that and he is a hoarder.

pawebdoctor

Shades of things to come...

Friends helped me move about 10 years ago... and could not believe all the "STUFF" that went to my "WORKROOM"... candle making materials, rubber stamping things, all sorts of paint, wood crafting and dollhouse/furniture materials, paper crafting and framing materials, sewing machines (3 at the time), and fabric, fabric and more fabric and books and printouts for everything. I believe there is a use or second use for everything... but they drew the line at the bags of torn panty hose (clean... for stuffing) and shoulder pads (from shirts and jackets galore). Can you believe, they made me leave those behind?!?!?!?!?