Take for instance this morning. I was happily avoiding work and my web browser accidentally went to The Fat Quarter Shop (I just hate when that accidentally happens!). That's when I saw these...
They spoke to me, and then I did some speaking to my wallet. We had a disagreement, but I won. It's too easy to make purchases like that online, so I try not to make a habit out of it. A few weeks ago, I made a trip to S.R. Harris, a great fabric outlet that sells all their quilting cottons at 50% off retail, and midway through the trip my cart was already starting to fill up.
There were sixteen bolts in there when I took this photograph. By the time I made it to the cutting table, there were twenty-five! The most ridiculous part of that trip? Most of those fabrics on the right are from a great Riley Blake collection called Happy Harvest. It is a collection I already own, as a fat quarter bundle and some additional yardage. "Why then were they in your cart?" you might ask. Because I was afraid I would run out...before I even used them! And because issues. Madness. Luckily, I came to my senses and left with only 7 pieces of fabric.
I do take some amount of comfort in knowing that I'm not alone in this affliction. About a year ago, a well-written and researched article was making the rounds in quilting circles, Quiltanomics: The Real Cost of Quilts. There was a ton of good information in it, but the number that blew my mind was this one:
[Quilters'] buying power each year is $3.76 billion – with “dedicated quilters” spending over $3,200. What I found jaw-dropping was the statistic that dedicated quilters typically own $13,000 in tools and supplies, and their fabric stash is worth close to $6,000.
SIX. THOUSAND.DOLLARS. That's just fabric! That doesn't include the sewing machine, the tools, the furniture or the time (one of the biggest expenses). I keep that number in the back of my mind to make me feel like I'm in control. Some call that denial; I call it...well, that's probably what I would call it, too.
It's time for me to put a moratorium on fabric purchases. I'll take a few months off and give my finances a big break. Except for maybe a bundle of Halloween fabric. And maybe Lori Holt's Cozy Christmas bundle when it's released next month. Oh, and I need a few solids, too. Dammit!
Know who's sensible? Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts. Give her blog a visit, would you?
Oh dear! Yes, it seams oops, I mean seems!) that most of us can relate to this madness. Does anyone even know where that line is drawn? When does building your stash become having a problem? I think it is when your gut is telling you what your wallet said so many times before. But they are cute!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah. My wallet needs to get a little more sassy when I try to open it.
DeleteI know Lorna ^^^ she is incredible. and YES very sensible.
ReplyDeleteVERY sensible. VERY very sensible.
Is there a special place in Heaven for her? Yes, there is.
I took inventory of my fabric last week. Technically I don't stash, but buy fabric for a specific project. Clearly that isn't working, because there's 14 large quilt projects, and I didn't get to counting the smaller ones. Being on Instagram doesn't help. This year was supposed to be limited to purchasing only two specific releases. Sigh. I empathize.
ReplyDeleteRight there with you, Dan! I truly overspent this year. Always a dedicated scrap quilter, building a stash is a new venture for me. Luckily, I'm now back in Canada for the summer where brick and mortar shopping possibilities are limited and postage is outrageous, so my wallet will get a little break!
ReplyDeleteHey Dan! Thanks for the Insta like - I checked out your profile and found your blog and now I am here. I am TOTALLY with you on the fabric. My addiction is real. I have no doubt that I spend about $5K a year on quilting between fabric purchases, quilting costs and classes. Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, & Missouri Star get all my money. I rationalize it by the fact that I am drinking and going out less and it's cheaper than therapy. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Dan! Thanks for the Insta like - I checked out your profile and found your blog and now I am here. I am TOTALLY with you on the fabric. My addiction is real. I have no doubt that I spend about $5K a year on quilting between fabric purchases, quilting costs and classes. Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, & Missouri Star get all my money. I rationalize it by the fact that I am drinking and going out less and it's cheaper than therapy. :)
ReplyDeletePerfectly sound rationalization! Iwould use "drinking and going out less" as a valid reason to do both at home more. Glug glug! :)
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