I have put myself on a FABRIC DIET... no new fabric this year as I have toooooo big of a stash... I will need backing and batting but do not plan to buy til I use up what I have.

I ran out of storage area... plus if I stop buying fabric... I might be able to get myself a new machine....

To that end I am just I am no longer buying books or magazines... more things I have to much of.... I am also quiting some of the guilds I belong too.... I only want to maintain memberships in guilds that actually have lectues and learning venues... I am done with the social clubs... nice ladies but I do not have the time.

Anna

It's hitting everyone. We, too, are fortunate but are also being much more careful. I had to make a baby quilt last week-end, and pulled EVERYTHING from my stash, whereas last year I probably would have bought everything new....to support my local quilt shops was the theory. I still make my quilting purchases there, but just not as often. I think it's important to help them all we can because they are always such a good source for products and ideas and information....and we REALLY don't want them to close!!!

cutting hours and letting folks go at the LQS.
I live in an area which the Government is the biggest employer. Our state is now doing furloughs...at a cost saving measure. And several large Federal contracts are not being re-newed or being scaled back even after being awarded the contract for the work.

The biggest sign...the 'Help Wanted' ads in the local newspaper...went from 3 pages down to ONE single column yesterday. This is really not good...especially for college students and unskilled labor. However the paper has 4 pages of foreclosure notices. :shock: I have to say....this makes me very nervous. While we are in better shape, then many of my friends...we are still delaying purchases and un-necessary spending.

I will say...it certainly has given us pause as to where every penny has gone. It has done some positive things: we seem to enjoy eating at home, doing simple pleasures...like board games...and renting a movie now and then. We have been reading more.
I do have a stash to pull from...but I know I have not been able to buy as I would have before.

FW