Cold turkey on hobby spending

**dcompton** · 01-31-2010, 10:08 PM

When is too much stash just too much?

I'm a firm believer in having amusements and enjoyment in life, but my collection could be exhibit A of Excessive Stash. I have gradually cleared out some, but I still have too much. I've added a line to my signature for no spending on hobbies and things I do to pass time. I spent an astonishing amount on them last year. This year it's time to use what I bought in the Glorious Binge of 2009.

Yarn. I have enough. Enough to crochet an afghan for the state of Louisiana.
Jigsaws. I have enough to keep me busy for a lot longer than I want to work puzzles.
Crossword puzzle books. I have enough.
Pens and ink. I have more than enough.
Computer games. Enough.

The yarn will be hardest to go cold turkey on, because I am so easily suckered in by color. But I really should discipline myself to go a year without buying any more of these things. It's the fun things that it's easiest for me to overspend on.

One exception: books don't count. Gotta have books!

**TigerGirl1226** · 01-31-2010, 10:18 PM

Sounds good. Now go start crocheting an afghan to reach me down here in Baton Rouge! My feet are cold!

**mauimagic** · 01-31-2010, 10:44 PM

Great idea - I'm in the same boat and am resisting purchasing anything unless it's needed to complete a project. Feel the same way about books too!!

**dcompton** · 01-31-2010, 10:45 PM

Tiger Girl - What color do you want? I've got, um, a wide selection.

Mauimagic - I really spend very little on actual books, but I'm allowing myself a substantial expenditure on audio books this year. I want to build up a library of those, to enjoy when I using up all the yarn and working all the puzzles.

**Libby** · 01-31-2010, 11:38 PM

dcompton - good for you for recognizing that you have a good stockpile of hobby items...make a game of it - see how long you can go w/o spending on it track each time you wanted to buy something - you'd be amazed to see how much you could've spent on these items in 2010 lol. Can be quite scary but be proud you didnt give in and buy all each time.

**frugalfranny** · 02-01-2010, 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by dcompton

One exception: books don't count. Gotta have books!

If you sewed and had fabric, I could probably give you a good push on what is too much!

I have been much better the last couple of years. Took some real discipline to do!! I just have to stay out of the fabric stores!!

I have backed off totally (almost) from HOBBY BOOKS though - or should say quilting and sewing books.

I agree ----gotta have books

but I even have too many of those and can't pass up a library sale.......I mean, HEY - 25 cent books???

How can you NOT go???????

I am not 'heavy' into the yarn thing ----yet----but might be working on it!!

**vickilynn** · 02-01-2010, 12:39 PM

I'm on no buy unless it's something I need to finish a project. The fun part of this is looking at what you have and really challenging yourself to use what you have!! Yesterday I found 2 fat quarters that will make perfect backings for the 2 placemats I plan to make. Plus I'm on the no spend.....ugh, so I gotta have it saved to make a purchase...will Friday ever get here so I can get the backing for my string quilt?

**TigerGirl1226** · 02-01-2010, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by dcompton

Tiger Girl - What color do you want? I've got, um, a wide selection.

Either purple and gold or black and gold!! lol

**dcompton** · 02-01-2010, 01:35 PM

TigerGirl - funny, I rather thought that would be your choice. Hmmm. I must be psychic!

Sorry. I just used up the gold in a yellow and gold afghan, and have the black earmarked already for another to use up some bright vareigated blue/green. I do have two skeins of dark purple that I have no idea what to do with. I don't know why it bought it at all, except see above, sucker for color.

**TigerGirl1226** · 02-01-2010, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by dcompton

TigerGirl - funny, I rather thought that would be your choice. Hmmm. I must be psychic!

Sorry. I just used up the gold in a yellow and gold afghan, and have the black earmarked already for another to use up some bright vareigated blue/green. I do have two skeins of dark purple that I have no idea what to do with. I don't know why it bought it at all, except see above, sucker for color.

Girl, I'm just pickin' on ya!! I couldn't decide if it would be better to be an LSU fan or a Saints fan when I typed it. It's hard to be both sometimes!

**dcompton** · 02-01-2010, 04:54 PM

I guess if you want your afghan, you'll just have to change teams. I have a lot of sage and rose.... Now you just need to look around for a football team with a mascot like a nightengale or something!

**lparker** · 02-01-2010, 05:46 PM

I'm in a no-spend state for raw material for my hobby...I have over 1000 lbs of rocks in my basement and outside waiting for me to slice up and polish. Not to say that I won't buy some grinding equipment this year. I NEED an 80 mesh diamond wheel and WANT a vibrating flat-lap. Either one will set me back over $400...expensive darn hobby...

**knitnmom** · 02-17-2010, 08:08 PM

I'm doing the same challenge!! I think I put mine under challenges. Anyways, it's only February and I've had a close call. I had to throw out some yarn catalogs! Darn sales!! But, I was strong and prevailed!

I am challenging myself to go the entire year- with the exception of buying notions or batting to finish projects.

We should start a support group!! LOL

**Debbie-cat** · 02-17-2010, 08:15 PM

I too have cut way back on buying for my stash I just have been picking up fabric to finish projects. The only things I need to buy is some fabric for sleeping pants I want to make for Christmas gifts.

**dcompton** · 02-17-2010, 08:26 PM

I almost succumbed to the lizard quilt pattern I posted in another thread. But I was strong. Besides, it's getting to be summer, and if I plan to hand quilt, that's a winter job. So, so far so good. I may get it in the fall. It's a dilemma. I love the pattern, but don't really want to quilt again. If I still love the lizard by fall, maybe I will.