Years ago, when I’d step foot in a sewing store, I’d fill my basket with hopes and dreams in the form of sale fabrics and cheap cutoffs. While I had no plans for them, the inspiration would come to me as I combed through displays.
The colours, the patterns, the possibilities!
Then, as my newfound treasures began to collect dust on the shelf, there’d be this sense of guilt or pressure telling me I needed to use them. I’d had all these ideas—but did I really? Or were they expectations?
While I didn’t spend much on these sale items, it cost me more than the sticker price.
All the should-be, supposed-to-be statements resurfaced each time I caught a glimpse.
That feeling in the pit of my stomach was all the inspiration I needed to create a set of rules for myself. Not just with sewing, but all of my purchases.
I choose which sewing project I want to work on and buy the necessary supplies accordingly.
I figure out what meals I want to make and list missing ingredients before heading to the store.
I know which problem the things in my cart are going to solve before I check out.
No extras.
But if something catches my eye along the way, I wait and subsequently forget about it, or make a plan to go back for it later if I decide it’s useful.
By taking a pause and following these simple rules, I’m more intentional about what I bring in—saving myself both money and stress.