When Rick and I decided to move in together, I started going through things in the house. I had one whole shelving unit of things that had been gifted to me that people wanted me to use for auction items here on the blog. If you remember, I previously had auctions on the blog to raise money for the postage/batting fund.
When I first started, the auctions were a great idea; they went really well. I would have one sale and bring in $500 to add to the fund. I would use it to send out packages of quilt tops to finishers. I would use it to buy batting for finishers who requested it. It was great.
Then, as postage prices increased, the dollar amount of money raised decreased. On the last sale, after everything was said and done, my time included, I really didn’t make much money at all for the fund…maybe $50. It was no longer worth it. So I privately decided I wasn’t going to do more auctions. So the items sat.
I made the decision to put the items on the garage sale. Whatever is left after the sale will be going to the thrift store. From now on, I’ll sell a few quilts here and there on Marketplace or other platforms to raise money for the fund. I occasionally also have blog readers that send money to the account.
I keep telling myself I need to work smarter, not harder, and I think this will be a good step towards that.
I picked out some quilts that I put on the garage sale to see if they might sell, and I can add that money to the account. If they don’t sell, that’s okay too.
I priced things low…and that’s okay because I’m sure you can guess that I have WAY too many quilts too. HA!!
I always, always, always have money in the account, so if you are a finisher, I don’t want you to be afraid to ask for batting or whatever you need. I still want to be helpful in that way. I have a person who contacted me and said, if there is no money in the fund, to let them know. So far, I’ve rarely had to do that. So don’t be afraid to ask.
So I guess that’s my official request to no longer send items for auction. It was good and fun while it lasted, but postage prices just did the event away. Many, many thanks to the people who donated. It was much appreciated.
I’ll bet you readers would be thrilled to buy your quilts if you offered them for sale on your blog with the buyers paying postage.
YES!!
I agree that you made a smart decision. You did so much work to help so many. That worked when you weren’t dealing with as many health issues and didn’t have a significant other in your life. We know things change. Not only have the postage prices increased but the service isn’t so dependable any more.
Jo,
Meant to tell you this long ago, I am a steady reader of your blog and I so much enjoy hearing about your family and quilts that you so beautifully put together.
I am just thrilled that you found such a wonderful man like Rick. What a catch for both of you. I wish you much happiness in your new life with Rick. He sounds like a keeper for sure. Take care of each other and many years of joy to you both.
I know about postage cost. I have a small group where I share fabric – cutouts and we have partners to trade with. It got very expensive- one small package costing $9 and going to three people. I tried to incorporate the one/2 stamp envelope and one partner to swap with but the cost keeps rising. I send an envelope to each person who signs up- they get a partner and each person completes a heart from their stash and what’s given. I put out about $30 a month – three days of cutting and a day for envelope addressing and partner planning. Buying fabric to share with up to 26 people. I love doing it but it does require more time than I ever realized. But hopefully it’s bringing Joy to others as we give away what we make.
Good evening Jo.
I am very interested in purchasing the last quilt you have displayed. It is gold and cream and a lot smaller quilt then what you usually make.
Can you tell me this price? I remember when you first shared this quilt on your blog. I loved it then and I love it even more now.
Thank you so much for your assistance Jo. It is very much appreciated.
It’s a decision you’ve probably been thinking about for awhile I think. ;-)
Good for you. Your life is so different now plus postage is out of this world.
Good luck with your sale!
Love and prayers
Can I suggest you cover that tv during the sale with big NSF sign on it. Not for sale. ANd cover anything else NSF.
good idea
Jo, what are you asking for the half square triangle quilt? I love it.
Would you email me your answer?
Ditto Love the triangles. I actually made that one after seeing yours. It was a hit! and I’ve got a bunch of random triangles for another one!
I’m sure people would pay for postage to buy them from you.