We visited my daughter this past weekend. We planned on going into Reno to do some shopping and my daughter wanted to go to Joanne's since everything was on clearance due to them closing down. Of course I was on board with that plan. But with the three little girls and long days, my husband and I ended up taking off with the girls to have fun.
When we got back to their house my daughter, who had hit up Joanne's, was showing me her treasures. I loved the fact that a lot of the treasures were things to do with her girls. Basically starting them young on learning the skills she has.
 |
| my daughter's gift to me |
One of her finds was for me though. She bought me 3 jelly rolls. She knows I love them (I really do). They were batik fabrics in rainbow colors. Do I need more jelly rolls? No, but I want them. Plus I love that my daughter knows me so well. And I appreciate that she didn't want me to miss out.
Last night, my husband and I went to the Joanne's here in Bakersfield, CA. My husband asked if I wanted him to come in with me. I said he could come with me or stay in the car and take a nap. He chose to come in. I should have just told him to stay in the car. Taking him into Joanne's was a mistake.
Why was it a mistake? It is not for the reasons you might imagine. My husband is an enabler. I will spend two to three times more money if I take my husband into a quilt or craft store.
When walking in, I stated that we want to focus on supplies and tools for crafts I already do. My husband, on the other hand, "heard let's fill the cart." He found 2 different fleece fabrics that go together for a quilt. He found 6 different flannel fabrics that would either make great quilts or pajamas. He put the bolts in the cart and said just buy all of it. (Which I did end up doing.)
 |
| Some of my treasures |
I picked up some Yo-Yo makers at 50% off. I need them for an RS activity I have coming up. Then I was able to find Alcohol Inks for 50% off. Since we will be doing alcohol ink art in RS this month, I needed that as well.
While shopping my husband made comments like; "Oh, look beads!" I have way too many beads already. "And Honey, letter stamps." They were for stamping metal which I haven't delved into as of yet. I told him that we should really not be looking for another craft for me to start. (Okay, I am kind of sorry I didn't get them but it would have required buying the blanks to use them on as well. Trying to be responsible here)
My trip to Joanne's ended costing us almost $500 dollars. Sixty percent were his picks. But I love his enthusiasm for my hobbies and happiness. He really does encourage me in all of my hobbies. He always has.
The thing is he is not my only enabler. I have 8 children and for the most part all of them (and their spouses) are enablers for me. Those who don't live nearby are happy to send links to patterns and ideas. Which are not always for things I do, hence starting new crafts.
 |
| Two of my granddaughters learning to sew |
I was impressed with how 2 teenage boys got so interested in the quilts and how they were made. They even spent several minutes talking to the featured quilter about her work. All of the grandkids were very focused on the quilts and the quilters.
They then accompanied me to a quilt store and helped me pick out fabric for quilts. My son also had me teach the girls to sew on their mother's sewing machine. It hadn't gotten much use.
While in Hawaii, my youngest daughter went into the quilt shop with me. (She is always willing to go to quit shops with me.) She helped me pick out patterns and fabric. When I joked about bringing my enabler in the store with me, she pointed out it was better her than my husband. Which is true, I would have spent a whole lot more. I spent plenty without his help.
My #3 son, will just randomly bring me home fabric that he likes. He also is one that will accompany me into quilt and craft stores. When visiting a quilt store, he will buy fabric if I don't. So yeah, he's a big time enabler. But he told me once that I am at my happiest when I am quilting, sewing, or crafting. He also swears that it gets better if I am teaching it as well.
Another daughter brings her kids over to craft with grandma. She is not a crafter per-se but wants her children to learn.
And still another will have me come to help her with sewing projects. Mostly, I think it's so we can do it together. It was always something we shared.
All my children will give me fabric or tools for gifts. Or they give things that represent my hobbies. Such as a vinyl clock in the shape of a sewing machine for my studio.
While I know of women who hide their fabric purchases from their husbands. I have mine proudly on display all throughout my studio. (Okay it's just laying out because I haven't put it up yet.) I never catch grief about how much I spend. In fact, my family wants me to do the things I love and they make sure I have what I need to do the things I love.
I am truly blessed. Still, I need to figure out how to get all of this stuff I just bought home. I think I will be doing some creative packing. We already bought 2 small suit cases at Goodwill.
