Whistle Stop Quilt Shop closed this past week. Since it wasy located way out on 1010 (where it intersects with Kildaire Farm) I only went there when I needed a fabric I knew my two favorite stores wouldn't carry. They had the most impressive selection of antique-replica fabrics (which were already gone when I found out they were closing) and a lot of country/antique style decorations throughout the store. It was a calming place to shop, with plenty of room to move around and think. I'm sad they're gone, and it was even sadder watching the store owner struggle to keep back tears as her regular customers came in to say good-bye.
Meanwhile, a new quilt shop is opening in downtown Cary (where ETC crafts used to be). Rumor has it they'll be carrying new, modern fabrics. I may have to pay them a visit. :)
My machine is now back and in working order, and I'm really struggling with what is the wise and practical thing to do as far as machines and money go. My machine works well for the very basics. But after sewing on true quilting machines, I'm afraid I have a little green-eyed growth inside of me. I have decided against one of the more popular models. I just can't justify the cost. But there's another that is half that price with all the accessories, AND same quilting space that will be on sale this weekend. And then of course today I get an e-mail from another store that has the long-arm machines that any quilter dreams of owning, and they have a 2 year old model someone is wanting to sell. It's twice the price of a sewing machine that quilts, would take up over half of my sewing room and require me to get rid of 95% of my art/design supplies, but just the thought of getting the machine with frame for 25% off, which almost never happens, makes me hesitate and think, hmmm....oh the possibilities!
But then reality kicks in and I start thinking about how often I would use it, how many quilts I would, could make in a year, and it really gives me pause. Especially when I stop and think about the fact we're about to see a drop in income as Bobby retires, at least for the first 6 months, I feel like now is not the time to be spending money on things that are not absolute necessities.
And while I ponder, I have a seam to rip out. Maybe one day I'll have a sewing day where I get everything right the first time. A girl can always dream! :)
Meanwhile, a new quilt shop is opening in downtown Cary (where ETC crafts used to be). Rumor has it they'll be carrying new, modern fabrics. I may have to pay them a visit. :)
My machine is now back and in working order, and I'm really struggling with what is the wise and practical thing to do as far as machines and money go. My machine works well for the very basics. But after sewing on true quilting machines, I'm afraid I have a little green-eyed growth inside of me. I have decided against one of the more popular models. I just can't justify the cost. But there's another that is half that price with all the accessories, AND same quilting space that will be on sale this weekend. And then of course today I get an e-mail from another store that has the long-arm machines that any quilter dreams of owning, and they have a 2 year old model someone is wanting to sell. It's twice the price of a sewing machine that quilts, would take up over half of my sewing room and require me to get rid of 95% of my art/design supplies, but just the thought of getting the machine with frame for 25% off, which almost never happens, makes me hesitate and think, hmmm....oh the possibilities!
But then reality kicks in and I start thinking about how often I would use it, how many quilts I would, could make in a year, and it really gives me pause. Especially when I stop and think about the fact we're about to see a drop in income as Bobby retires, at least for the first 6 months, I feel like now is not the time to be spending money on things that are not absolute necessities.
And while I ponder, I have a seam to rip out. Maybe one day I'll have a sewing day where I get everything right the first time. A girl can always dream! :)
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