I went a little crazy

Oh, Sunny. I still think we might be soul sisters. I found some lovely batik FQ's at LQS at a good price. I really wanted them. I rationalized that my birthday is a week away, and I *deserved* those FQ's. Can't remember if I mentioned it, but I was in the hospital a while ago. The hospital/doctor/ambulance bills are tricklingin and the LAST thing I needed to do was buy fq's. But I started thinking exactly like you described. My little purchase was a drop inthe bucket compared to what we're going to owe. I'm really glad you shared that. It makes me feel better. Next time you wanna wallow in the muck, I'd like to be invited. Your solution to the stimulus sounds spot-on.

I know there is a market for baby quilts. People ask me all the time. And *most* people aren't concerned about the price. Those are the ones that keep throwing the word "heirloom quilt" around. I've played with the idea of cutting out quilt kits and selling the kit. The drawback is that I suppose you'd either have to provide an original pattern or one that's already in the public domain. This would suit me. I love to cut fabric out. You'd also have to get creative with finding quality fabric at a good price.

Right now I'm working on a youth-bed-sized quilt and plan to make a cute matching pillowcase. It's not for anybody special. But I had fun making it and I bet I could sell it.Another project I thought had possibilities are the "nap mats" people make; they are basically quilts with a built-in pillow that roll up like a bedroll. For taking to preschool.

Anyway, forgive the long post; I am just thinking out loud. I'm really glad you made that purchase. It makes you feel better, and that's not a luxury, that's a necessity. Enjoy. You deserve it.

sherry

If you fancy making doll quilts, and you are thinking of selling something, perhaps you could set out to make some dolls house-sized quilts. I'm sure most people (not just children!) who buy dolls houses can't/won't make such tiny quilts. They are perfectly possible, and irresistible I'm sure once made. I don't know if you have the same scale as over here; but the scale should be standard. Here it is 1:12. There are many simple blocks that can be made at that size, and appliqué is also possible. I would suggest an eighth of an inch binding, or it will look overpowering. Once you set your mind and eyes to the small scale, and get used to working that way, I'm sure you will love it. It will appeal to your artistic soul. You could also make single block cushions (1.5" or less).

You made some inchies didn't you? Well, there you go - cushions! . In message , Sunny writes

Giggle. Yes, their must be A Conspiracy (TM)! ;)

Right now you need that little bit of joy to help you through ot. We don't call it retail THERAPY for nuttin'.

That sounds like fun. I may try to sell off the remains of my craft fair stock that way... I still have a bunch of waistcoats and stuff.

As usual, Sunny, you give very sound advice. I'm going to go look for backing fabric for all these finished quilt tops I have, and batting. There may be a finished quilt or two this year!

When we're going through bad times, it sometimes seems the only thing that will "cure" us is to buy fabric. I know it works for me!

I like your idea of selling on Etsy - you do fabulous work and are so creative, I think your projects will attract buyers.

That is interesting but I am more inclined to do the opposite. I hunker down when things are bad I hit my stash and sort of challenge myself to make do. I grew up in a home with a mom that had no clue how to budget. Rather than doing without she would struggle a lot to get by in some of the rough years. I honestly don't think she knew how to do any different. We never did without but things were tougher than need be. Interesting how eveyone has different coping mechanisms.

It is weird but I haven't been in a fabric store since before Christmas. Not even Joann's. I probably should change that soon though !

Taria

Mostly, for my Next Big Project I'm 'stash shopping'. I have the purple taffeta for the sack back gown, and some brown curtain lining that will probably do to line it, the linen for the caraco, and the glazed cotton (well, I think it's cotton - probaly has some cotton in it!) for the quilted petticoat. I have some sheeting to line that, but didn't have any batting. So today I splurged and bought three whole meters of

I did buy a few other bits:

A couple of 'sewing machine servicing kits' to go with the machines awaiting rehoming A couple of quick unpicks - I've lost a couple recently! Some more type 15 bobbins and a bobbin box

It was refreshing, but they didn't have any curtain fabric I fancied for the living room...

It's called fabric therapy and I think we all indulge now and then. I'd be perfectly happy just to "feel" my good Moda stash because it has such a nice hand to it. I'm so glad you spent that money on something that makes you happy, Sunny. Donna