How To Make Financial Room For Fabric

[Lynn K.]

Hey All,
I know I can't be the only one who has to make "space amongst the bills" for fabric. Other things, like mortgages, electricity, food, etc. all seem to get in the way of buying my cherished "FABRIC". SOOOOO, I have a piece of gourd art (or use whatever tickles your fancy) that is my Change Container. (By the way, some friends of mine are Gourd Artists and will make one for you at: http://www.outta-my-gourd.com). EVERY DAY I empty the change out of my wallet, bottom of my purse, pockets, etc. and put it in my Gourd and after awhile it REALLY adds up and I get a fantastic shopping trip at my LQS. I also happen to have an A #1 Hubby, who gives me gift certificates to my LQS for my birthday and Christmas and sometimes other times of the year. It's gotten so he just calls them up and tells them HIS name and they ask him how much he wants to give me THIS time! LOVE that man of Mine. (And my LQS)
Kip

[Lynn K.]

Hey, great idea, Kip! My dh collects all his change through-out the year, which practically pays for our vacation. So, I will use your suggestion for future fabric purchases. At this moment, my mind is so boggled because I just came home from my first quilt show! Talk about a kid in a candy store! :lol: I did pull out the ol' charge card more than I wanted to...couldn't resist some of the vendors. :roll: Next year, I'll be prepared with my collected change... thanks, Kip

[Lynn K.]

This idea is less about money but more about sharing.
Twice a year my quilting group brings fabric, magazines, books and tools to our pot luck dinner. We set them out on tables and anyone who wants these things can take them.
I know that I have bought patterns, books and even fabric with great intentions of making something. I may have lost interest or perhaps over extended my time.
Even in my small group of five gals, we do manage to do this. It is always amazing to see either a piece of fabric or a pattern that I let go find a new home!!
I have to say the financial squeeze is on in our home...between college tuition and gas prices (which affects everything we buy) I am certainly not buying the goods like I did in the past. I am much more selective about the projects I do.

FW

[Lynn K.]

Although this posting is old it is still relevant. I opened my sewing room closet door and things fell off the shelf. There's too much in there. Like many other people I bought impulsively because things were just "too cute" when I saw them and I had good intentions.
I bought quite a few kits for children's quilts with the intentions of making them for the grandchildren. Well, the children are too old for some of them now.
What I'd like to do, is offer them to someone who might make them up for charity. Maybe their guild would like to take it on. I don't know how many I have but it's a lot. Some are from Billy Lauer. Really cute.
I don't want anything for them, just the knowledge that some children would could use them will get them. I don't have a guild nearby that would be interested.
Please email be if you would be interested and I'll pack them up and arrange shipping.
Marsha

[Lynn K.]

My quilt guild has a "Free Table" at each monthly meeting. It's where members can leave unwanted quilt/craft related items, including fabric, patterns, tools, magazines, etc. for other members. I wish you could see some of the beautiful quilts that have been made with fabrics from the "Free Table".

Also, each July, our guild meeting includes a garage sale for members to sell unwanted quilt/craft related items to other members. Last year, I purchased a dress form for only $25.

[Eileen K.]

My guild has a free table too. In addition, every January they have a Chinese auction. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff people bring in.

[Diana U.]

The Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild has a table set up at every meeting. You donate to the table and others buy from it. The money goes the a domestic abuse shelter. But you are encouraged to take material from the table (free) and make it into blocks, top, or finished quilt. Those quilts are donated to the shelter so that every person who comes to stay there has a homemade quilt to use and take away with them. Money from the sale table goes to them too. Great system.