Get rid of or keep?

[Jeanna]

Ok here is my situation. In the past I have almost a compulsion to by large quantities of things. I mean I decided to learn to knit. I now have so much yard that I could start today and knit for about 3 or 4 years. I also used to quilt and sew a lot. I still do but not near as much. I have bin after bin of cloth that I have bought. Now I have to say in my defense that I have not bought either in quite some time.
Now for the question. Would you sell/trade/give away the excess and only keep enough to do x number of projects or would you keep it with the thought that at least you will not have to buy more for? I am really torn so I need some good advice.
PS. It is not just craft supplies that are like this.

[frugal is fun]

can you find a happy medium...get rid of half, keep half?

[Libby]

Keep a limited quantity that will suffice for your hobby for a while so you won't have an excuse to go out and buy more and donate or sell the rest. IE: keep only what you need

[Contrary Housewife]

I have found myself in a similar situation. I used to sew a lot and was constantly buying things for the "next project". I have so much fabric it won't fit in the closets and is piled on chairs and tables in my sewing room, and just piled on the floor in the bedroom.

I am looking at it every day and have started thinking maybe I can get rid of some of the fabric I like least. Things I bought with no specific project in mind. Fabrics I know I don't need 3 bolts of. I'm trying to declutter and I am thinking of going through and putting some of it on ebay, to make room and recoup some of my money.

So I would suggest the same to you. Look at the yarn and if you have regrets over any of it, maybe the color no longer appeals or you're not sure what you bought it for, put it on ebay or etsy for sale.

[frugalwarrior2]

Maybe find a place that uses either (or both) and donate for charity. But explore the thought of why you buy so much? Hospice groups would prb. love to have it. Call your local center or hosp.??

[monkeywrangler71]

Plan your next 3 projects (or whatever number has a reasonable completion time for you) and select what you will need for those. Then sell the rest.

You need to work on stopping this cycle though. I would take the money from selling yarn & fabric (and whatever else this applies to) and put it into a "hobby" account. Then whatever you take up next, you are limited by what is in that account, no additional funds allowed - when you lose interest, again sell what you can and put the proceeds into the next area of interest. This limits you to buying only what you've really thought through and will use, makes you keep recycling the money you've already invested, and gives you good motivation to let go of items that are not being used.

Be careful of just doing a mass donation of everything, as you may find yourself immediately out shopping for something else to take their place.

[frugalfranny]

My first choice would be to try to sell it.

Then --contact some of the senior centers in your area --many of them make things ---either for 'preemies'......or homeless..or hospice.

[Jeanna]

Plan your next 3 projects (or whatever number has a reasonable completion time for you) and select what you will need for those. Then sell the rest.

You need to work on stopping this cycle though. I would take the money from selling yarn & fabric (and whatever else this applies to) and put it into a "hobby" account. Then whatever you take up next, you are limited by what is in that account, no additional funds allowed - when you lose interest, again sell what you can and put the proceeds into the next area of interest. This limits you to buying only what you've really thought through and will use, makes you keep recycling the money you've already invested, and gives you good motivation to let go of items that are not being used.

Be careful of just doing a mass donation of everything, as you may find yourself immediately out shopping for something else to take their place.

Thanks this is a good idea. But I have to say I have pretty much broke the cycle. I just have all of this from before. I have to say my dd and I sat down earlier and went through most of it and she took part of it to use on her nifty knitters and I keep just the yarn I can use to make dish cloths, socks, and enough for about 2 other projects. I would say I have gotten rid of over half.

I really want to simplify my life and get to what is truly real in life. You know what I mean.

[craftypam]

I am so much in the same situation as you are. My problem is that I do too many different crafts and always buying on sale so I don't have to pay full price. I don't want to get rid of most of it because then when I need something I'll have to pay for it again. I need to get off this computer and start sewing/crafting. Right now I'm supposed to be sewing a dress for sons wedding. It's on the table waiting to be cut out. I would love to simplify, but I guess in the craft department, I'm just not ready yet.