One of the things that I enjoy about living in the middle of the country is that many people have lived here their whole lives. And, when they are no longer with us, I get to buy their stuff at an estate sale or auction!
That is not the case everywhere. When we lived in the desert, there were no estate sales, or even decent garage sales. With few exceptions, a typical garage sale, often, was 2 card tables in the driveway with old VHS tapes and tired Xmas decor. My theory is that people there just don't accumulate as much stuff over the years because there are no basements to keep stuff in.
At any rate, I have been enjoying shopping several estate sales in any given week. What I usually look for is fabric (of course!) and sewing things, particularly vintage things. And vintage linens. And incomplete projects. And quilt tops. And...well anything that is a fabulous bargain. The non-vintage fabric is not always my taste, but if it is good quality I buy it with charity sewing in mind. (Vintage fabric is always my taste!)
Gradually, seeing other people's fabric stashes for sale at pennies on the dollar, has made me consider my fabric 'habit'. I have enough jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, half yard bundles, fat quarters and just plain yardage to keep me busy for a long time.
And yet.
I barely got through the "black-cyber-shop-a-thon" without buying more!
When I am tempted by a new line by a favorite designer, or a sale of fabulous organic fabric, etc. I force myself to think about what I have already and how I would feel if I saw my stash in an estate sale priced at a dollar (or less!) a yard.
And then I back away from the keyboard!
My resolution for the next year is to sew from my stash. I may have to buy a solid, here or there, to finish out something, but my goal will be to use what I have.
I hate to do it, but I am going to unsubscribe from the Deal of the Day, the Friday Feature and all the other ways that I get sucked into Internet shopping!
I am retired. I think it is time to start withdrawing from my fabric 401k!
4 comments:
What a novel idea! I like the "fabric 401k" analogy...I do believe I could "profit" from that theory!
I totally agree - I've been doing this for about a year and suddenly, I have so much more room in here, lol!
Well...if you have to!! I've been on a binge of my own lately, and I still can't pass up a good vintage sheet or some sale fabric....I can't wait to see what you make from your stash.
We miss you, girlfriend,and love visiting on your blog and in the "games" section. Thank you so much for entering the LVMQG quilt into Quilt Com. You are the bestest! Come visit soon!
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