Join Me for the "No Buy '25 Challenge" aka A Year Without Thrifting

[@juliebarrett943]

Ok. I’m in. Too many making supplies = stealing my peace. My stashes (yes, plural) are creating stress, not joy. Thrifting is my go-to dopamine fix. Even typing that is a little creepy. I don’t want to be that person! HERE WE GO. Gulp. Hope. Fabulous challenge. Thank you!!!❤

[@KatieMakesStuff]

That's EXACTLY where I'm at!! My stashes (also plural for me) are creating stress, not happiness and that needs to change. It's comforting to know others are in the same boat as me so I have people to commiserate with.

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

Great idea 😊 I did similar for my 50th bday as I'd accumulated soooo many art supplies, sewing stuff/fabric, books, homewares....By the time my 50th year was done I'd sewn myself 50 items (!), worked my fabric preferences (mostly natural fibres), regained so much space and saved enough $ to buy the pricier art stuff that I really wanted. 5yrs later and 14 days away from my 56th birthday I'm still going and am a lot more focussed with my creative endeavours. Edit: also I made a rule of however many items I bring in I have to take the same number out, that really helped.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

This is EXACTLY what I'm hoping to accomplish this year!! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

@KatieMakesStuff may the odds be ever in your favour 0/

[@robinbrady3030]

Joined as a Maker. And I will be joining you in the challenge but modifying it so I don't buy MORE FABRIC. Thanks for the jumpstart.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Love it!! And welcome to the Maker crew! It's going to be a great year!

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

I thing I found worked, was tackle one part of the room at a time, might be a shelf or set of drawers and I started with the statement ‘How much room do I want to make here !’

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I have done this, but when every room has too much stuff it just becomes a stuff shuffle from one space to another. Hopefully as I use up supplies I can focus more clearly on small sections 🤞

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

@@KatieMakesStuff ah yes the ever moving stuff !!! I had to be ruthless and say it goes! Yes I had paid good money for some of it, but I could not longer be creative as there was no room. Be bold be strong you got this

[@SumoTwinkle]

Ooh, scary… but I think I’m in. I finished a long delayed (because boring) mending job today so that’s a good start, I hope. I have too much yarn and too much fabric and too much EVERYTHING except money, so yeah. I am in. 😅

[@DeborahPerry-i5o]

OMG, this hit home❤, currently I have been transforming my space everyday. Now on day 4, it's addictive 😊 once started. I love watching you, ty❤

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

You go girl……… I did this in 2024. I succeeded until October when I needed a specific fabric so had to thrift but got a little carried away. I have started the clear out and a lot of fabrics I will never use have gone back to charity/thrift shops. I have also started sorting and refilling all the fabrics and found some gems I had forgotten. Liking rule 5 the only glitch will be I go to charity shop to drop off but that gives me an opportunity to to buy 😂 We got this, looking forward to the monthly recaps

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I love that you had success last year! 10 months is nothing to sneeze at!

[@baldevaronajannet]

Im so inspired to do the same. I am exactly like you, getting a complete reset of my mindset. The amount of expensive fabrics that I acquired can actually buy a car! 😢 I need to start working on them rather than buying more stuff to get the excitement. Its difficult to start but I think seeing other people on social media that I follow doing the same, its reassuring that Im not alone. Thank you for this 🙏🏻

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm hoping a nice little group of folks will help inspire each other to get stuff done! Any progress is still progress. I'm here for you, girl!!

[@Leslie-wb8cb]

I wanted to cry when I saw the title! But I understand the feeling & need. I've written down a few of your ideas, and I'm hoping that motivates me to do some things as well. 🙂 I like that you gave yourself a chance of reflection, etc. instead of being mean to yourself. Good on ya!

[@liav4102]

I will 100% be joining for the January mini challenge. I have a Christmas dress and a petticoat that are so close to being finished and have been languishing form months/weeks

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I am going to be doing this in 2025. The thing about buying craft materials without a plan is that you are buying potential, once you use it, the potential is gone. I have successfully gone 3 months without buying anything. The fun part of this is rediscovering things that I forgot that I owned. The monthly donation portion is a great addition. I have some things that I am probably never wearing. I also have things that are not worth donating and I am never going to refashion them, there is nothing wrong with not reading a badly written book or abandoning a failed project.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I have made it one whole day so far! And yes, as I was cleaning up, I rediscovered so many things that I forgot about and now I have so many new ideas for projects!

[@KJ-wh8fu]

Wow. Thank you very much, Katie! Very inspiring, and I'm on board. Gotta find a healthier, less cluttered way to get my dopamine. (Laughed outloud when you said, "Looking at YOU, Goodwill."😂 Me, too....) Best wishes for a successful 2025!😊

[@ParsnipsMum1]

Last year I set myself the goal of using up my stash but I bought so many fabric remnants from the op shops that I'm not sure I saw a net loss in meterage at all! I am going to try to follow along with your challenge this year, I love the rules you set.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

The thrill of the hunt is what gets me into trouble. I made a lot of things last year but brought in just as much stuff so I ended up with less space than I started the year with. It's definitely a problem!

[@lesleyharris525]

Happy New year, and good luck with the challenge, I have many projects on the go, but some are open ended, so I will endeavour to keep to the rules. ❤

[@siouxzanne7296]

Love this! I'm going through the same thing. I have so much stuff and art supplies that there's no room to make stuff. I also enjoy the collecting and agree with the fact that's different than getting supplies for a specific project. I recently moved and did a major purge. Lol, it didn't seem to make much of a difference. I'm learning you can purge more than once and in stages. I love your ideas on how to approach the problem of stuff.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oof, I couldn't imagine having to move all my stuff right now! And it's amazing how many times I can purge from the same stack of stuff. Does it meet other stacks and have babies?!?

[@michellethompson5755]

Your work room looks kind of like my work room. 😂 I don’t have a leather station, but I do need, which takes up room with all the stash. I’ll be joining most of your challenge and subscribed today. I’m excited about finishing some of those UFOs. I started making rag quilts late in 2024 and I already have some of those projects cut out. Another one is a huge circular blanket. I started knitting it when I had melanoma… 15 years ago. It’s huge and only needs a few hours to finish it. But yes, so many great pieces of fabric and supplies that I have purchased and can’t put my hands on because I’m not exactly sure where they are within craft space. It gives me anxiety just starting to look for things. Like you, I can see potential in so many things at a thrift shop. What helped me in 2024 was setting a 15 minute timer shopping inside the store.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

We are here to help and support each other!! I'm excited to get a lot of those UFOs done as well because boy do they take up a lot of space. Happy new year!!

[@Audri_at_Auds-and-Ends]

I agree with the donate a bag a month. I also believe if I buy a decor item or a piece of clothes, I must donate or toss 2x that amount. No craft supplies except to replace what I use up because I am crafting such as glue, tape ect.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Ooh, I like the 2x back idea when something comes in!

[@GlenysWilliams-wy2hj]

I like it. I collect projects, but don’t make them. But neither will I make something that I have no interest in now, just to use up “stuff”.

[@michellecornum5856]

The Spouse has declared that 2025 is going to be a year of building. I like.that because I'm done with the room and gloom years. I, too, have decided to use my hoard -- er, stash to make things, this year. And I have a plan to make at least one of every skirt pattern I own. I need to clean my sewing room, but I always need to clean my sewing room. But I can at least reach my sewing machine and a large table. I'm here for the finish something challenge. I have a crochet project I started (ahem, 10 ) years ago, and I want it out of my hair. I'm there with you on not giving in to the dopamine fix. I found that I can sneak around myself, so to speak, if I do a thing without thinking about it. I can fold or hang a dryers worth of clothes if I don't think about it. I stop in front of the dryer as I'm passing through, put on a little video I may have been saving, and take care of things right there -- half-assed spontaneously. I grew up on a farm and it didn't matter whether you wanted to do something or not, you can complain, but you're going to be doing the thing while you complain. A couple of months ago, I started to employ that but not so mean. At any rate, let's build some better habits, and let's build a better year. Happy New Year.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

The phrase "but I always need to clean my sewing room" speaks to my soul!!

[@eimearlooney523]

Just found your channel today & subscribed after watching this video- very excited to follow along & join you as a maker , and thrifting addict. Currently crocheting away using up granny squares & am on track to actually finish my first piece of 2025 in next day or so. I’m excited about all the projects that will get done but will defo miss browsing the charity shops ! Good luck 💪

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm also really going to miss thrifting, but hopefully making more things will be a good substitute.

[@vickieb657]

I am not a maker, but i am a collector of lots of stuff. Regarding my ‘projects’, I am going to allow buying things to finish said project. I don’t foresee a need for clothes or household items (except for a small lamp), so hopefully I will stick to this. I have been diligently cleaning out but still HAVE SO MUCH. I JUST WANT EVERYTHING BEHIND A DOOR. at least. I may be approaching functional, thanks to Dana K White and her decluttering process. Anyway, good luck! I give it 4 months before you justify and succumb to temptation, ha!

[@whatnow8362]

I have thrifted so much wonderful fabric so I need to start using it all up

[@KatieMakesStuff]

SAME!!!

[@SIC647]

I am in! I am looking forward to be a part of this. I had already decided to do a no-thrift year, so having a community around it, is perfect. I can get a lot of stuff for free or almost free. But I have collected too much and made too little. On to making!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Yay! Welcome to the team!

[@whatnow8362]

I’ll be doing this this year too. I added up all my expenses last week and was shocked at where I wasted too much money. Time to try and save 75% of my income.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I love this goal! I'm afraid to add up what I spent because I'm sure I'll be super disappointed in myself, but I think I need to do it to get a better idea of what I've been doing to myself. 🫣

[@lizjohnson4019]

I'm with you, will do a few modifications I am sure, but I need to cut myself off from dopamine shopping! X

[@KatieMakesStuff]

The mental detox is going to be rough!! But we can do it!

[@Jess38044]

Yesssssss I'm so excited for you, this is gonna be great. I've been doing versions of a low-buy (not literal no-buy but pretty damn low) since June 2023, and I'm still going with it! It's halfway to becoming my default way of life now. I'd say I'm fully there but I find i need to write the rules still, just so i can visualise what I want to do with the next 12 months from a financial vs fun perspective. It feels scary as heck to begin with and it definitely gets tough, but it's so worth it. Something extra I found that helped me was taking note of something that I was tempted by that breaks the rules. if I broke the rule and bought it, i note it in a column, along with the price. If I resisted temptation, I list the same info in a different column. It's very satisfying seeing how much money you save by successfully resisting temptation, and it can be eye-opening to discover some weaknesses in the times when it came home with you anyway :D

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I love the idea of tracking everything I buy out of temptation. I may have to try something like that and see what I learn from it after a year. Thank you for the idea and Happy New Year!

[@Jess38044]

@@KatieMakesStuff you're very welcome! I have my fingers and toes crossed for you :D Happy New Year!

[@suegring5405]

We are also at “Max Capacity” around here. My deal with myself is - 1 thing in, 1 thing (at least) out. So far it’s been working. When you know something will have to go, you’re more thoughtful in the moment.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I've been doing something similar but my ins and outs weren't quite aligning to make any progress 🙃 I'd bring in lots of big beautiful fabric, and take out smaller things that didn't free up a lot of space. So now I'm going to be a bit tougher on myself and reclaim this space!!

[@thewaalers8504]

Maybe a modified version for myself it’s clearly a thing I should do. But no not gonna thinking you trying might be good for me to observe and try to glean lessons. Well done you!

[@geezer.hockey]

Great idea! I'm going to join you (musical equipment).

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Hallelujah!! 😘😘 I'll help any way I can!

[@TheMediterraneanStar]

Happy 2025! I don't think i have the willpower to fully participate to the challenge, but I will definitely keep these rules in mind for my future projects. One of my resolutions is to clear out the closet where I keep all my half-finished projects/cosplays. Let's go! Let's go! 😄😄😄😄

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Sounds like you can join in the monthly challenges, and January is to finish at least one unfinished project! Maybe you can clear out that closet and finish something in there? I like that you don't have to go all in this year to still make positive moves.

[@TheMediterraneanStar]

​@@KatieMakesStuff You're right. This weekend I might do that. I feel like I've been taking it a little too easy lately, and I've put a lot of projects on hold because I had no deadline to meet.

[@ThePovertyPear]

Ok, I’m in! I am going to get my rules to be done before midnight. But this year I am going to achieve my “minimalist” vision of my life. And I guess that I need to start this project now!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I hope you were able to make your deadline and are ready to get started. I finished two UFOs today and I'm pretty proud of that so far. 1 day down without buying new supplies...364 left to go!

[@kalka1l]

11:40 That looks like a great spot for an overhead camera mount pivot.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

That's exactly what I was thinking!! I'd like to get a little more FANCY with my camera shots and an overhead mount is definitely on the list of things to incorporate at some point this year. Maybe I can buy one with all the money I'll save from not thrifting!

[@kalka1l]

@ That sounds like a great ‘season goal’ for you!

[@cathleenhaines3084]

Good luck Katie! I can relate and am giving it a go with you!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Awesome! It's going to be a great year!

[@cathleenhaines3084]

@ I’m a 65 year old with adhd also. The struggle is real. So many great ideas, which is a wonderful part of it. That also muddies up sticking to one task. Have to enjoy the ride. There’s worse things I reckon. Hearing you and saying, “hey! that’s me!” I sincerely wish you all good things for 2025!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

@cathleenhaines3084 I need to keep track of all my great ideas so I can actually follow through with them and use up what I've got. But that usually leaves me with 100 abandoned notebooks scattered around my house, workshop, car, and they all have two ideas then nothing else (and often those two ideas are repeated in multiple notebooks 🤣)! It's time I get myself in check!!

[@dianemontavon5670]

Good luck. I'm going to try and do this. I have way too much.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Welcome to the team! I'm excited to see what everyone accomplishes this year!

[@talitasmit9337]

I am with you ❤

[@KatieMakesStuff]

YEEESSSS!!

[@helganeufeld230]

Ouch. I will challenge myself too, but with a few caveats 😅

[@KatieMakesStuff]

100% yes!

[@carolehart1714]

It might be a good idea, I'll give it a try.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Yay!!

[@mitzisimpson6262]

Love this idea. I just bought all of my supplies for 2025 so this challenge will work for me 😂😂😂

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I did too! I knew I was planning this so I've stocked up on things like hardware, thread, etc. hopefully I won't need to buy anything for a LONG time!

[@mitzisimpson6262]

@ I always take a percentage of what I made at craft fairs and reinvest in restocking my craft room and adding things I need for ideas for next year. I TRY not to buy !!

[@carolehart1714]

I've finished one project already today.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Me too!! And got halfway through another UFO. I also cleaned out half of my closet!!

[@twinnish]

I like the challenge and and so far as buying new stuff is concerned I am going to do my best to follow that part. I don’t make all my own clothes, but I don’t buy very many either. I’m not ashamed of my over conception in anything but sewing supplies. That being said they’re kind of an effort to come by where I live so it’s a challenge. I can make work because I do have enough supplies for several projects, including the new grandbaby quilt that I didn’t buy anything for specifically, but I just happen to have a few fat quarters of pink fabric .😊 I had good instincts before the gender reveal. Actually is about three days after she got pregnant that I got the fabric, so yeah, I’m good. 😊. I could definitely do with some organization, but , eh. What I really need to do is just make the stuff I’ve got.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Like you, I generally am not a big consumer of anything except crafting supplies. But boy do those supplies take up a lot of my money and workspace. It's definitely time to do something positive about it!

[@mandeliongardens]

My intention for 2025 is similar. I have way too many clothes, and too much yarn, so I’m not allowing myself to buy any clothes or yarn this year. Full stop. Also going to cull my wardrobe drastically. I wear the same few things over and over, so I guess I’ll just create a capsule wardrobe this year! Cheers 🥂 to us for streamlining in 2025!!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oh culling my wardrobe is HIGH on my list of this year. I'm thinking of scaling back to only whatever I've washed in the last 3-4 months just to see if I actually need any of the other things. BIG goal for me!

[@michellemills1681]

Considering I've spent a solid week reorganising fabric (and spending a small fortune on containers) I think I need to do the same. I should do a video on my stash (that started during lockdown when the fabric stores were closed, but everyone else was doing operation cleanup... much of which landed at my place. Since then, I've drifted down the junk journal rabbit hole, so that's piling up as well). Hopefully I won't need to purchase thread or elastic as I work through the pile (I feel like the Miller's daughter from the Rumpelstiltskin story). I'll likely make, film, and donate, as I don't have the time or energy to market, sell, courier etc.

[@maggiefletcherscuriouscelt4199]

My challenge is to “see” the bits and bobs I have gathered in a different way. I have zero space for any more. It is time to do something with all this crap!!! Goodwill doesnt need my money.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

YESS!! It's almost like I've become blind to what I have because I never move them. Switching things up even over the last few days has been great for seeing things in a different light. Best of luck to you in your journey this year and we'll be right here with you!!

[@patriciakellyadams134]

Ok, I'm in!!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

YAY!!

[@MaryamBehairy]

Im in... #nobuy25 😊 I'm actually doing this too...no thrift 2025. Ima read more, organize n declutter more, craft more and finish those UFOs projects 😊 and figure out how to get my Dopamine fix 😊😁 P.s. went thrifting today 😊😅🫢🫣😅🤣 Happy new year everybody 🎉🎉🎉

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It didn't count because the challenge technically hadn't started yet 🤫 I'm excited to get to my UFOs!

[@Maggie-b4f]

Good Luck.. I'm ready and almost willing BUT..... 😨😣😩

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It's not going to be easy, but I think there are tons of folks ready to at least give it a shot. I have faith in you, even if you're not sure right now!

[@sharontrujillo]

Hahahhaahaahahahahahaha!!!!! Hahahahahahahahaha....girllllllll...you're silly!! Hhahahaaha....went shopping TODAY! I have this lady who's holding me some African Items...i USE them!!!! I'll lovingly watch you !!!! 'cause i remember that laaaaast "haul" !!!! 2 DAYS!!!! Us???? Haaaaaaa...this was GREAT!!!! 🎉 Happy 2025...Keep Creating...Inspiration Comes From Within..i live by that!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

OMG, teach me your ways if you use what you buy because I am STRUGGLING! 🤣 The buying is the easy part for me, using it up is a bit more challenging. If I can get that under control I'll be back to thrifting by this time next year!

[@sharontrujillo]

@KatieMakesStuff ...Rainy 1st. Day of 2025!!! Of course...it's been raining since SEPT! 😝 jewelry is very very different...One. it never goes out of style...Especially when it's re-WORKED! I never have to reduce my prices either. I MIX everything...Ethnic/Vintage/Modern/BOHO/ its all ECLECTIC! I don't "allow" experts, ha. What do "they" know! Never EVER do I follow "trends" either...NATURE is my inspiration...I can go into a Vintage store + instantly KNOW why I'm attracted to something...I have to touch it!!! Have to "see it" in my head...in fact ,RIGHT now...I just made a bracelet...that took me a MONTH to get to! I'm hoping allllllll that mess of '24 stays there..in '24!! You buy those HUGE bolts! You'd seriously have to design things OTHER than clothes...which you can do!!!! I love what you did for the dogs + your couch!!! I follow this other chick...she SEEKS out rugs + makes into pillows + hangings...very very cool pieces...African prints with Vintage! ....on another note...I was looking for some knobs yesterday, to make a display...a couple had this HUGE nutcracker in their cart...I said: Excuse me, what are you going to do with this??? The gentleman spoke up..he's going to paint it..OF COURSE, I proceed to tell them alllllllll about your Jack! She loved that...AND. I found YOUR wicker chair...for $249. Mine has grey cushions! Seeeeee...we learn from each other...again, I give you 2 DAYS!!!! Haahahahahahaha!!! I'll soooooooon have yours made too!!! It's good to not be sick...❣️

[@wifeoflurch3572]

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm. " -Winston Churchill

[@thebatridesagain]

Im doing a no buy year too. Heaven help me. I need to do a small declutter but not too much, just a couple of bags. Sadly I don’t know how to make my own clothes so I can’t do that one. Im also gonna try a no gift year, where no one spends money on me for my 40th in June and Christmas 2025.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

My family did a no-gift Christmas this year and it was wonderful! I took totes of stuff I had made over the year for anyone that wanted anything, but there was no obligation to buy anything special for anyone and I'm hoping it'll be our new tradition.

[@michellemills1681]

May I suggest you find/create a hashtag for #5... I already had this in my 2025 plan, but I think it'd be awesome to share our journey together (unless you have a Group somewhere we can join and share?)

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Everything we do is emotional. You will need to replace your dopamine emotional fix of shopping with something else that gives you a dopamine fix if you expect your plan to work. Figure out what part of shopping gives you the fix. Is it leaving the house? Thrill of the hunt? Actual new item? Examine why you want to do it.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Absolutely! Leaving the house is part of it, but I think the thrill of the hunt gives the biggest hit. Finding something "special" that has so much potential is so much fun! I'm probably addicted to the potential all this stuff holds...

[@indiabilly]

I want to be the person that succeeds with this challenge but i just can’t see the dopamine demon letting me go, I have achieved a few months before but adhd makes it very difficult/very easy to backslide

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm in exactly the same boat, so let's try it together one day/week/month at a time. And any progress is still progress. I have faith in you to tackle the dopamine demon!

[@CarolinesDaughter]

Ok, but where will you get your dopamine?

[@KatieMakesStuff]

HAHA! Hopefully from cleaning and making stuff! A dopamine detox probably isn't a bad idea anyway 🤣🤣

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

If I did a year without thrifting that would mean sourcing all new materials for the costumes I make for work... that would increase the cost of materials for production by 250%. No way can I afford that.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

That's an excellent reason to keep thrifting. Happy costuming this year!!

[@michellemills1681]

wow... #4... I'm an admin on a Freecycle group... we can donate as much as we like, we can accept maximum 1 item per week (and something must be freecycled in return)... but we do allow Friday Requests (cos who knows who might have an item you're wanting/needing just collecting dust in their house). Hubby's missing a spanner from his angle grinder... I plan to post a request this Friday... in case anyone happens to have one available to freecycle

[@ranchochihuahua]

Absolutely not. I am embracing thrifting and garage sales, while I completely eschew shopping for anything that isn't used.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I think that's a great goal! I've done that the last few years and now I need a readjustment to healthier purchasing habits. Best of luck in your thrifting journey this year!!