It all started innocently enough (doesn't it always). My first purchase in February was to get some more of the fabric I needed to sash my Wee Wander quilts. I had originally ordered only 1/2 yard of each, and I think I needed 1 & 1/3 yards total to sash and use for the binding. So I ordered just what I needed and left it at that. No harm done, right? I NEEDED the fabric to finish.
Next up came a totally spontaneous purchase. I BLAME Katie! Yeah, I'm pointing a finger! (I think they call that "transference of guilt" or something like that.) As if posting about all her marvelous finds during the Instagram destash wasn't enough, she alerted me to Missouri Star Quilt Co.'s daily deal one day on Carolyn Friedlander's Botanics charm pack. It was just a little charm pack. That barely counts as breaking a diet right? I mean it is like popping one little chocolate chip in your mouth when you are staring down a huge bowl of cookie dough. Totally doesn't count.
Turns out, that was just a pin hole leak in the Hoover Dam. I don't remember when exactly it happened, but getting those packages in the mail was pure bliss. Now, I have admitted in the past that my ordering is emotionally based and normally occurs when I am stressed or lonely. I don't know if subconsciously I was feeling lonely not getting squishy mail from all the bees I didn't participate in this quarter or what, but I got those packages and went a little crazy.
I started with fabrics I "needed" to finish my 4th of July quilt (reds and white/black). Then I remember how I totally lacked "light" fabrics when I made that block using the Scrapitude instructions, so I added some low volume and some white on white and cream on creams - you know for future use. Then I browsed through some of the other colors that my stash is low on. I'm sure you've heard similar stories before, right?
It doesn't look so bad when it is all folded and organized, or does it?
To make matters worse, I got a little excited when I hit a few "Jackpots", where Fabric.com gives you the end of the bolt. I have no idea how they decide who gets it and how much. Usually I just get a few extra inches, but with this black & white polka dot fabric it ended up being just shy of a 1/2 yard extra???
I hit 5 jackpots with my order, and I was so hyped that I started thinking about all the backing I forgot to order. I made a list and ordered away. Terrible. Hopefully the arrival of that package will not cause another lapse.
So bottom line - EPIC FAIL on the diet.
I'm just not perfect. I will try again next month.
Jen
Every single time I try to do a fabric diet, it ends this way. Oh well...forgive yourself and I guess just try hard next time?
ReplyDeleteEh, there is always March! Good for you though...5 end of bolt jackpots? Jealous!
ReplyDeleteI can't ever stick to any diet of any kind, but fabric diets are the worst! I had to laugh when I read this. Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteWell I didn't even bother trying to abstain from fabric buying!
ReplyDeleteOh dear Jen, on the bright side if you are going to fall of the fabric diet wagon you might as well do it in style :)
ReplyDeleteOh so funny! I just did the same thing. Except I ordered a fq bundle of a line just because I love it. I couldn't even justify it like you did with the low volume! Haha! Your fabrics are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteahhh, your fabric is beautiful. I haven't cheated yet, but boy have I been tempted. Your post reminds me that I am a fabric curator and it's ok to indulge every now and then. One of my quilting buddies ordered from fabric.com and got 6 extra yards of a Valorie Wells print. 6 yards! She shared it with us, so fun!
ReplyDeleteAre you actually me? Because I think I had a pretty similar story this month :) But next month will be better, right?
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel better about my excesses! Lol.
ReplyDeleteBut, it feels so good to be so bad! LOL!
ReplyDeleteAllow yourself a get out of jail free card, and think there is always March :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you fall off the wagon, you really fall off the wagon! I think the wagon may have even run over you a bit.
ReplyDeleteNo biggie. You bombed this month but there is still plenty of time to make up for it.
(and I had no idea fabric.com did the jackpot end of the bolt thing--I love that!)
I am nearly in tears laughing at your transference of blame onto little ole me on the other side of the country. You did get some great stuff -- if your gonna go big you might as well go all in. I on the other hand have already used my little 2 yards I purchased this month but had at least 20 yards dropped off by my other quilt buddies so I'm nearly back to where I started as far as the volume of fabric and our guild meets tonight so there may be more coming my way. Think of it this way --at least it's not fattening like a full bowl of cookie dough. much <3
ReplyDeleteI don't usually shop online but I have been venturing to fabric sites and putting things in the cart and been very tempted -- I however didn't know about this jackpot system fabric.com has, that makes things more tempting.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me laugh! Epic fail but pretty fabric.....seems like a good deal. You will make it in the month of March or at least give it a good chance. Enjoy your pretty fabric!
ReplyDeleteOh Jen I totally empathise- last week I found some utter fabric bargains but destashed them within 24 hours as I knew I had made this promise. I need some solids now but I also don't need them immediately so I'm holding off, not easy when I normally treat myself on payday!
ReplyDeleteI know that No Buy will not work for me... I'm trying out Low Buy instead. No Buy would send me clicking away at all my favorite sights ASAP! At least you broke it in style with gorgeous fabrics. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI quite understand, such a high when it arrives! At least you chose some fab fabrics !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am watching what I buy this year, but I refuse to call it a fast. Every month last year that I said "I'm not going to buy fabric" was terrible; I completely obliterated my crafting budget those months. This year I have a theory that I can do better by not saying that one little phrase. So I'm trying to live vicariously through others and I'd like to thank you for helping a girl out in such a pretty way. It's a public service, really! ;)
ReplyDeleteI need to go out and BUY now!!! You have inspired the yummy new fabric on the way feeling!!
ReplyDelete