Hobbies and Budgeting

Even though I save money and am cheap on most things, I love arts and crafts and don't hesitate to fork over money for that.

I had been thinking about making a T-Shirt quilt for a long time. I can't remember where I first even heard about one. In the summer I enter 5k races and almost everyone you get a T-Shirt with registration. I also have a bunch of Hard Rock Cafe shirts. So Last March my mom & I took a class at Country Stitches. It was buy one class bring a friend for free. So that was a good deal. It worked out to be only $14.50 for each of us.

I was making my quilt with all my shirts. My mom decided to make one for my brother with all of his Nascar shirts.

We learned a little bit in class really just how to cut the shirt, iron the interfacing and trim the shirt into the square. So then you can go home and finish up.

Mind you I've never ever made a quilt before, ever. I can sew but that's it.

Of course after I got all my squares done, I had to take another class. This time no deal so another $25. Learn the next 2 steps. Now I've got all the squares into my columns. (well I changed my mind on 3 shirts so I have to do those and I need to measure the blanket I'm using now to see if I need 5 more shirts to add another column)

So now it's time for another class. They are having one in April so I'll be ready.

Keep in mind, all of these classes are the same beginner class, I just attend and say I'm here for the next step. hee.

What does this have to do with money and budgeting? Well, your budget either needs to be a little flexible or have a category for hobbies. Mine right now is this quilt. Other times it's scrapbooking. In the Spring & Summer it's golfing. I'm of course not saying to budget a large percentage towards these things but same as a diet, if you deny yourself them, then you are miserable and it's easier to stop altogether.



$20.00 snow shoveling (owed)
60.00 maid