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.

Quilts from the Etowah Valley Quilt Show in Cartersville, GA:

Today was fun. Sadie and I stopped in to see Charlotte’s booth at the Smyrna Mini Handmade Market and took a leisurely stroll around the nearby lake. After dropping Sadie off at home, I braved I-75 on a Saturday and drove an hour north to see the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild’s biennial quilt show. It was a small show, but decorated very well with sewing themed vignettes and fall decor throughout the exhibit hall. There was a vendor mall offering vintage machines, handmade sewing accessories, quilt kits, FQ bundles and some sewing books. I picked up a weighted 7′ square tailor’s clapper made by a local woodworker for $20.00. This will be so handy when pressing blocks!

I took the backroads home to avoid traffic and stop by Kohl’s to look at jeans. I found one pair that fit me perfectly! That made an already great Saturday even more awesome!