Monday, April 12, 2010

What I did on Easter Vacation (Lots of Pics)

It's been another busy week around here.  DH and kids home for eleven days (I need to insert a picture of a frazzled cat here), relatives in from out of town for five of those days, college campus tours for my son (University of Michigan and Michigan State University - he can't be that old, can he?), some antiquing and very little stitching.   I always think that nothing is really going on - that I have just about the most boring life on earth - but when I take a step back from what I posted last time, I realize that there is something always going on.  If there's not, then I have to get in my car and make trouble at the antique/thrifty/quilt stores. LOL  But, if I haven't visited your blog this week, it's not because I didn't want to.  It's because of lack of time!!  I'll catch up.

Stitching progress on Elizabeth Clayton has been slow this week :


I started going down the side and then got bored with that and went into the house.  I'm bored with that too, but I'm almost done.  I do see a stitch that I'm going to have to go in and fix on the house though.  UGH.  I love the bright colors in this piece.  I still have some things to do on the trees, but figured I'd catch those up when I got to the trees on the other side of the house.

I also started Hannah Lancaster.  This poor chart has been in the stash pile for years, and I decided that it was time that she got some daylight:


Not too much stitching on this piece.  I am actually doing this as a SAL!  Yes, you read right!  Me - who absolutely stinks at SALs - is going for the gusto and trying to do this.  I'm stitching this on Sundays with Sandra and Tawny (no blog).  It's going to take me a long, long time, but at least the dust is off her now! This is a good compliment piece to Elizabeth above, because the colors are much drabber.  I'd probably have a hard time working on Hannah day after day.

I received some wonderful packages in the mail the past week or so.  From Ranae I received the cutest ornament.  Don't you just love it!!!  I think that it's absolutely adorable.  So perfect for the time of the year it came around - Easter, but so sweet it will be displayed all year round.  Thank you so much Ranae - I just love it!!


On Diane's blog, I won a giveaway that she recently had.  I think that great things come in small, sweetly wrapped packages:




Mausimom Freebie
32 ct. Natural Linen w/ NPI Silk

Diane's stitching and finishing is absolutely beautiful.  I just love it Diane.  Thank you so much for picking my name (she also put her initials and date on the back).

Okay, one more.  For someone who was barely home this week and unable to stalk the mailman (and he was probably very happy about that), he was busy delivering things.  I also won a giveaway on Terrie's blog.  She is the owner of The Stitch Store (formerly the Dogwood Patch) and is just the sweetest person to talk to.

Terrie had emailed me and told me that I had won her giveaway, but also left her phone number.  I thought it would be great fun to actually call a person that I had won something from.  Email is nice, but to actually hear the voice of the person was wonderful.  We both had a few minutes of chuckling over our different accents - she being southern and having the voice to prove it, and me with my hard Northern talk.  But she is a sweet, sweet lady and I think that if you're looking for stitching supplies, you should give her a shout.

On Saturday, Terri and I met up at a high school that was having an antique show.  From there we went to a few different antiques shops.  We actually had a little route that I kind of planned out.  Although at one point my routing skills went awry and we almost ended up lost.  Stopping at a convenience store in a very small town is sometimes a scary thing!!!  Anyway, we had a great time and we did have an encounter with a small homeless dog.  I'm going to leave that story to Terri, but it has a wonderful ending.  Anyway, I found a few goodies:



This beautiful blue bowl.  I love, love the color blue and I just had to have it.  I'm almost kicking myself now because one of the booths we visited had a lot of plates that matched this.  I wish that I had gotten them now or at least a place setting of it.  I love tables with different place settings.  But I thought that perhaps this bowl may be frog-worthy....and it is.  I happened to have a top that fits perfectly into it.  But to tell you the truth, I almost like this bowl without the frog.



Then I found this old lunch pail - it does need some cleaning:


Actually, I wasn't going to buy this, but Terri convinced me that I needed it!!  Like a hole in the head!  LOL  But I'm glad that I got it.  

Some sewing supplies (except for the key).  The scissors are supposedly from the 1880's.  They look like it with the dull patina.  Never can turn down a pretty pair of scissors.  And I love the scene on the tape measure - and it actually still works.



I loved this thimble.  One booth had it for double the price I paid for this one, so I couldn't pass it up.

Then some pincushions.  Actually the only one from the antique show/shops is the one on the right.  The backing fabric is very faded - you can tell that it was a wonderful blue at one point.  The other two pincushions are ones that I found at an antique barn that we discovered - although they're definitely not antique.

Along the way, we stopped into a quilt store.  Now, even though I keep telling myself that I don't need a darned thing, that I'm in a crafting slump and don't need more stuff, I caved.  

I just couldn't resist.  I've seen a lot of these Schnibble's patterns on different blogs, and finally decided to buy a couple.  Along with the Tuffit pattern and a needle case pattern.  Now, will someone get a prod under me and get me down to the sewing room?????

Then to top it all off I had to buy these - the newest Gingher scissors (and of course, I've forgotten the name and I'm too lazy to talk downstairs for the case).  The teacup and saucer was my grandmothers.  Just gotta love those 50% off coupons at Joanne's.

 

Well, like I said, I think that I never really have anything to blog about, but then I discover that I do.  But I wish someone could shake me and get me out of the crafting slump.  I think the weather has just been too nice here in Michigan for me to want to stay inside much!!  Which means - more antique shopping.  I still have more pictures to show from my previous jaunts but I'll save them for another time.  Have to fill up my posts with something since stitching is at a minimum.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and leaving what wonderful comments that you do.  I truly feel blessed at having met so many wonderful people through blogging.  And thank you again Ranae, Terrie and Diane for the wonderful goodies that arrived in my mail this week.  I hope that everyone has a happy and stitchy week.


52 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, what wonderful goodies you found. I just love wandering thru thrifty stores and antique shops.

Also congrats on winning such wonderful stuff - Ranae's rabbit is just too cute and Diane's piece is so sweet.

Who has time for stitching with your family all at home requiring your attention. I love both of your new starts and your stitch along should be lots of fun.

Enjoy your week.

Teresa S. said...

For a boring person, you sure have a lot going on! :) Love the way Elizabeth Clayton is turning out-is her fabric mottled or is that my monitor?

Wow! Congratulations on winning those giveaways--I am getting started on a Jenny Bean of my own very soon.

Lainey said...

Wow where to start, both your wips are lovely.
Ranae;s rabbit is just darling and sweet pillow from Diane. Wonderful new stash from Terri and how neat you got to chat on the phone.
Your antique finds are just amazing Debbie, I just love the measuring tape and I hope you get down to that sewing room soon as I can't wait to see those tuffits made up. Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Oh I just love the little scissors in your last photo...wish I were near a JoAnns!
How fun to see you are jumping into the Schnibble Addiction with me! Just two charm packs for most makes it easy!! Now get on in that sewing room...you know you wanna!

Kim said...

Great finds, Deb!! Especially love the sewing items!!! The samplers are looking fantabulous! And you'll have to let me know how the Schnibbles fever goes! ;o) I actually have on order her new book that's coming out...it's full of Schnibbles using the 5" squares and then a LARGER version that you can use 10" squares/fat quarters to make! Can't wait for those to get here! Oooh new scissors too? A gal after my own heart! ;o)

Alice said...

What a fun blog entry. You aren't a bit boring. I love the scissors, they look great in the teacup. I love poking around antique stores too, but I hardly ever buy anything because I already have too much stuff. It's just so much fun looking. Cute bunny ornament.

Sally said...

Wow lots and lots of lovely pictures Deb! Your WIPs are looking wonderful and all the wins are fantastic!

Melissa said...

Good golly, Deb, what a post! You are one lucky gal to win all those goodies, AND find all those treasures! Lucky you!

I am not familiar with those two pieces you are stitching and of course it will be a treat to follow your progress!

Have a fun week!

BeckySC said...

Deb, I love everything about this post from your stitching to the gifts to your wonderful finds :) What great pics!!!
Thanks for sharing it all :)
Have a great week :)
((hugs))

Annie said...

You are one lucky stitcher.. congrats on all those contests.

What a great collection of fun things you found. Nothing boring about that shopping!

Your stitching is coming along fine.. slow and steady.. that's the ticket!

Mylene said...

What lovely goodies you received recently...isn't it a wonderful feeling when mail/packages dropped at the mailbox and gives a positive mood all day!(i have a couple of goodies too latley...)

Beautiful progress on both your WIP's and wow! great finds on your shopping escapades!

Ranae said...

What fantastic little treasures you found. I love to antique and flea market.
Congrats! on the JB win, lucky you!
Diane's cushion is gorgeous.
The WIP's look great.
I love your very interesting post, keep it up.

Lana said...

Wow!! I love your progress photos!! You really got hit hard with the mail!! Very niiice!! Can't wait to see more progress on your projects.

Nancy M said...

Nice presents, WIP and antique finds. I often think of you as I drive through Allen MI on my way to work. It is the Antique Capital you know!! LOL It's been a month since an update from me....maybe I'll get to one soon.

Margaret said...

Your kids sure get a long Easter break! Wow! Anyway, I loved reading all your news. Love your WIPs, and your prizes (lucky!), and all your antiquing stash. What fun! I agree, the lovely days are wonderful -- I wish spring weather would last and last.

Siobhán said...

Oh, I LOVE your Elizabeth!! Are you using two strands--is it DMC? I used DMC on mine but only one strand. Hannah looks great, too! I love all your finds, and congrats on your wins! Great pieces, stitched and stashy. :)

Nancy said...

Elizabeth Clayton is a gorgeous sampler! Your new start looks very pretty too.

You received some wonderful things in the mail! Isn't that fun?

I love all your finds too!

Katrina said...

Great stitchy pictures and I love all your finds antiquing. The scissors are Charlene's ;-).

Carol said...

What a lucky streak you've had with the giveaways, Deb! Congratulations on all of your goodies.

That year spent looking at colleges is such a busy one, I'm surprised you have any time to stitch at all!

I always love to see your thrift/antique store finds...I'm a blue lover, too, and that bowl is gorgeous :)

Unknown said...

Lovely stitching & beautiful finds (especially the blue bowl). Congratulations on your wins.

Katherine said...

Is that what those things are called? Lunch Pails? I've got one that was my mom's with PA Dutch designs on it. It was always used to take cookies to school for parties and then she used it to take them to her Eastern Star meetings. I used it for the same thing when my kids were little and for my historical society and DAR meetings. I keep a close eye on it because I have few things that were my mothers. Last year my friend was at a church bazaar and found one with flower bouquets all over it. Someone had used it for their sewing stash. She bought it for a dollar and gave the whole kit and kaboodle to me. I'll have to post pics on my blog for you to see. Loved catching up with you busy lady!

valerie said...

Wow, you've been super lucky lately...what great stuff!!

Love the blue bowl you found...and aren't those Charlene scissors great?! I'm tempted to get another pair! lol

Jackie's Stitches said...

You always find such amazing things in your antiquing. You hit pay dirt this last time!

I've been eying the Tuffit pattern too. So cute! You're in a crafting slump? That means you need to shop MORE!!! :)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Oh, Deb! You do not lead a boring life - not by a long shot!!! I swear - you are busier than most folks I know. You got some great gifts in the mail and I can't think of anyone more deserving!

It was such fun on Sunday and you definitely hit pay dirt with your finds. I especially love that thimble! I'll try to write about it all tomorrow - I've run out of steam tonight. I got some fun shots of the cemetery I visited and that old barn, too.

Have a good week!

WoolenSails said...

You had a good week for goodies, gifts and found items.

Debbie

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
Boring is not a word I would use to describe you!
The stitcheries are looking good!
Thanks for sharing the found treasures! One can never have too many...right?
Doing any hooking?
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Giovanna said...

Great finds, and lovely stitching on your WIPs.

Sherry said...

Elizabeth and Hannah look wonderful! I love reading your blog because you always have so much going on! Your thrift store finds are super! I love the thimble and the pail. I hope you find a way out of your crafting slump but I would never have guessed you were having a slump!

Loraine said...

What wonderful goodies! It looks like a productive and wonderful day with Terri. Love the new starts. I understand about the crafting slump. I think it's staring at the same project for too long. It makes one very unmotivated!
I love the blue bowl. So pretty.
Wonderful presents too. What a great post!
Enjoy the weather. I'm feeling Spring Fever as well!
Hugs.

Isabelle said...

Wow, Deb , what a nice post your wrote with nice pictures : it is always a pleasure to read your blog...you made nice progresses on your different stitchings and you received very kind gifts : you had a great week :-)
Like you, I love wandering through antique shops .
Have a great week,
Isa

Lois said...

You did find some nice goodies! Congrats on winning those giveaways, they're both lovely. Elizabeth and Hannah are both looking good!

Alice said...

I do love your two new projects. You won some really cute goodies. Everything straight from the heart. Being among stitchers is like being part of a wonderful and generous extended family. Deb, I should never take you shopping. You have no idea what an enabler I am. I love everything old and unusual. DH don't allow me to go to Antique markets anymore because I have expensive taste and I hate coming home empty handed. There is no fun in hunting for bargains, finding them and then leaving them behind. That makes you totally miserable!! I adore your grandmother's cup. So pretty with your new scissors inside.
Alice
xxx

Anonymous said...

Debbie.... my goodness! I love all your wins. I love that yellow house too!

Berit said...

What a great post! I think my favorite parts are the blue dish, the blue wrapping, and that thimble! You can definitely ruminate on your "half-price find" with pride. :D

Anonymous said...

I don't think a needleworker can ever have a boring life and after reading this post, I really don't think you could say your life is boring. (smile)
I just love the beautiful antiques you found and I must say, your photo's are so equisite that after I send this little note, I will go to my linen cupboard and freshly iron a lacy tablecloth to put on my kitchen table. :o)
When Spring weather finally arrives after a long winter, all a person wants to do is enjoy a little sunshine. I think your plan to visit more antique stores is a great idea. You stitching/sewing mojo will come back. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Your blog is so beautiful!

Karen said...

I love the Elizabeth Clayton piece. It sure is nice and bright.

Catherine said...

What a post full of goodies! Congrats on your wins and all your finds! Enjoy them all!

Sherry :o) said...

love your post this week Deb!! You won some really cool stuff and I love your finds...although missed you guys at the meeting Sunday - but our spring weather was very cooperative with an antiquing trip...see you in May - Sherry

samplerlover said...

Hi Deb,
Your Hannah is looking lovely. It won't be long before you catch up with me. I'm being good, and I am waiting for the pair of you.
Hey girl, what a wonderful lot of loot you found. I love the thimble. I can see why you were so excited with it. All the other things are wonderful as well.
BTW you would be the least boring person I know. You always have to much on your plate. - Sandra.

Patricia Lessell said...

Oh my goodness what a wonderful week you had. Your stitching is just perfect, as always. Your win is too wonderful for words and your antique finds wonderful. A boring week you did NOT have.
Lots of Love
Patti xxx

MyLifesAStitch said...

Love all the goodies! "Wins" and "finds" both... esp. the frog suitable bowl - what a pretty color! Oh! And the thimble and the measuring tape... can you say "Score!!"??

It sounds like you had a busy but lovely "break". :)

Your progress is lookin' good, sister! And, I love that jelly roll!! Which one is it?

Stitch By Stitch said...

I think you may have created a monster! I have always enjoyed antiquing but now I am on a mission to find something lovely with a frog! Like I need incentive:)

Linda said...

Where do I begin. I'm drooling over your x-stitch.todays the day I meet with my friend and go over this beautiful art. Elizabeth Clayton is gorgeous. I have as well ordered some new scissors and a friend is bringing me back from florida Miss Rossies new book on Schnibbles. Your life is no way boring. Take Care!!

Sharlotte said...

Oh goodness Deb! This post is great, I don't know where to begin! I am excited for you that you one the giveaways! I happen to know from experience that Diane does beautiful stitching. I know what you mean about kicking yourself about not picking up those dishes. I do that sometimes, only to go back to get something and it not be there. Love your WIPs!:)

Karoline said...

You got some lovely goodies and your samplers are looking gorgeous

Brigitte said...

Wow, it was fun to see all your different finds. I particularly love the old tape measure with the Maine scene on it.
Ranae's bunny is so sweet. And you are stitching on some wonderful samplers right now.

LiahonaGirl said...

Deb -- you did have a great week! How fun that you and Terri were able to go antiquing. Some great finds -- I can only imagine the hunt to find a great treasure before the other finds it. And you've definitely been on a blog giveaway winning streak lately. Can't wait to see the continued progress on Elizabeth Clayton!

Robin S said...

You have certainly been busy. Enjoyed reading about all your adventures and seeing all the pictures too!

Congrats on the great finds from the antique/thrift/quilting stores!

Georgina said...

So many wonderful goodies!
I allways wanted one of those blowls to diplay the scissors, but I don't know the name to tray to find it on Ebay.....
Your new Gingher scissors are beautiful, enjoy!!!!

Littlebit said...

Oh my. What wonderful things you found! I love the blue bowl with the frog in it! The lunch pail..your own tea cup! How pretty it all is!

JOLENE said...

What a fun road trip you had with Terri. I bet you two are a hoot when you get together for your outings. You found some fabulous things and I love that thimble. You received some great gifts, the sweet rabbit and "wow" look at that Shakespeare's Peddler package! What a score!! You are sooo deserving of it Deb. Your new starts are lookin good, keep up the awesome work! Smiles....

Carin said...

What a beautiful goodies ! I love the little oilcan, can't find anything like that overhere.
The quiltpattern Madeline is so beautiful, I have that one to and almost two blocks finished.