Author: Teresa

Quilts, good books and dogs. Plus a cup of tea. Life is good.

Frugal Quilting?

November 30, 2024

This seems like an oxymoron doesn’t it? Quilting is one of those hobbies reported to have a higher cost of entry than most. A sewing machine is usually listed as the biggest expense. That’s true, however…

The funny thing is many new quilters I’ve met already have a sewing machine because they made garments, bags or home decor items before getting into quilting. Assuming they already have a sewing machine, they can buy the basic tools to start quilting for less than $100.00 (rotary cutter, mat and a couple of rulers).

However, once they really get into quilting, they often want to purchase a smaller take along machine (weighs 12-16 pounds) for classes and sew with friends days. A good take along machine can be had for $200-$350. For example, the classroom machines at the SQTM are the Brother CP100X, which comes with the quilting feet and a wide table for about $225.00 at the big box store (enabler alert: there is an online Black Friday doorbuster at Joann offered @ $175). This type of Brother machine, plus the Janome/Elna machines in the $350-$400 price range are very popular as take along machines. If you need/want a sewing machine, visit a dealer and try-out the various machines.

Here’s the thing: spending a little more on good quality tools in the beginning will actually save you money in the long run. Not succumbing to every shiny, bright new quilty gizmo you see on your social media feed will also help keep your quilting endeavors on the frugal side.

Quilting is something that brings me joy. It’s also an activity in which I can participate regardless of season of life or personal circumstances. Quilty spending just seems to automatically adjust to our budget at the time. I add to the stash/travel more when times are good and sew more from the stash/stick to local events when we need to be a little more frugal. The first two years of early retirement meant I had to really flex my frugality muscles (and shop my stash) until I became “officially” retired this fall. Things have eased up since official retirement, yet I’m still shopping my stash first. Today, I realized I need to replenish blue fabrics because I’m almost out.

Quilting provides a lot of quality, inexpensive entertainment for me. Quilting with friends at the library is free. Participating in an open sew day at a local quilt shop runs $5-$10 per session. My monthly bee group meetings are free (unless I’m hosting). Our guild meetings are included in the modest annual dues. The cost to participate in these events is minimal – some gas, my time and a Diet Coke on the way. Occasionally, we go out for lunch. I have plenty of opportunities to socialize and learn new things. Sometimes we trade fabrics and notions we no longer want.

At home, I can sew with Sewlebrities on YouTube. I can read current quilting magazines with the Libby app. I can access free patterns online. I make pillowcases, placemats and quilts for charity. Right now, I’m working on the Bonnie Hunter 2024 Mystery Quilt (for me). I’m up to my ears in this week’s Flying Geese blocks. Her quilts are great stash buster projects and a little more challenging. I decided to tackle one of my retirement goals of doing a Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt. This week I was able to use up some of my random 5″ squares and big hunks of white/cream/beige leftovers from previous projects. Given the color way I chose of blue, green, aqua/teal, I should find enough fabric in the stash.

My point is – quilting can be as expensive as you want it to be – or not. After you’ve made the initial investment in whatever tools you decide you need for quilting, your costs are for consumables are nominal. So yes, quilting can be frugal.

Good things coming in 2025

November 23, 2024

There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes since late summer. The past week has been a flurry of activity with finalizing class samples and taking inventory of our therapy dog gear. I’m happy to finally be able to share!

Starting in January 2025:

(1) Sadie and I will have two standing weekly therapy dog visits (one R.E.A.D. and one regular/R.E.A.D. lite). We’re also keeping our current monthly R.E.A.D. session at the public library.

(2) I’ll be teaching teen & adult sewing classes at local venues, with classes already booked through Fall 2025. A couple of area guilds have also inquired about my sewing machine maintenance class, as well.

To make room for these new opportunities, I did have to let go of or cut back on some current activities. The biggest change is that I will not be teaching K-5 literacy enrichment classes spring semester at the hybrid homeschool where I’ve worked part-time the past year and a half. The next change will be limiting our involvement in therapy dog activities to those within a 30 minute drive. Additionally, these new therapy dog visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays may also impact my ability to participate in guild events outside of bee group and monthly guild meetings.

The sewing teacher opportunity came about as some of the long-time area instructors have either moved away or decided to stop teaching. The school-based R.E.A.D. program I envisioned myself doing in retirement finally became a reality. Perhaps the sewing teacher thing will follow suit. We’ll see how it develops.

When I initially wrote everything on my calendar, I was booked 5-6 days per week. Nope. Felt too much like a full-time job. Teaching 2-3 sewing classes per month and making 1-2 therapy dog visits per week is ideal for me. This leaves time to spend time with hubby, hang out with friends, sew for pleasure or simply enjoy being retired.

In case you’re wondering, we won’t have two therapy dog school visits every week during spring semester. The schools are in different systems and have very different schedules for holiday breaks. Our weekly visits will also be impacted by testing, field trips and other special events. I do take my volunteer commitments seriously, but they are just that – volunteer. If there’s something extra special I want to do, I’ll book it and let the school know we won’t be there that week. For instance, I’m attending a quilt retreat in April. It falls during one school’s spring break and I’ll simply let the other school know I’ll be out-of-town that week. Easy peasy. My guild is bringing in a national teacher I want to take a class with in March. This could also impact one of the school visits; however, this will be the only other time a visit will be cancelled or rescheduled by me the entire semester.

Weary from car shopping

November 20, 2024

Finding a new vehicle should not be this difficult. We bought our current vehicles in 2014 and 2016. COVID and inflation sure have changed car shopping. Reports of $50k as the price for the average new car are spot on. You definitely don’t get as much for your money and quality doesn’t seem to be the same. All one has to do is look at the recalls on 2020-2023 models.

I found models from Toyota, Honda and Subaru that meet my criteria. Availability in the trim levels and colors I prefer is a concern as many units sell as soon as they reach the dealer’s lot. Considering a used car? Previously owned models (2022-2024) aren’t priced that much less than a 2025 model either.

Basically, I need a smallish SUV that is nimble enough to get in and around Atlanta for therapy dog visits, plus have enough cargo room to carry my sewing gear to different events. I drive a lot, so AWD, good gas mileage and a comfortable ride are important to me. Enough legroom for hubby, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats are also must-haves. The desire for leather interior puts the Honda and Subaru products at the top of my list.

Then there’s one additional constraint. Due to the way our garage is configured, one parking spot is a bit shorter than the other side to accommodate stairs leading from the garage into the kitchen. Vehicle length is something I have to take into consideration. Anything over 190″ in length is out. After seeing the Honda Passport next to my current vehicle at the quilt show on Saturday, I’m questioning if it might be too big, even though comes in at 189″ in length.

My current ride is starting to act a little flighty again. Given all that is coming in 2025 with teaching bi-weekly classes at the SQTM and weekly therapy dog visits, I’d like to get the new vehicle purchase finalized before Christmas.

Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com