Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Fast Two Weeks (Lots of Pics)

My head has finally stopped spinning.  It's been a crazy two weeks!!!  Thanks for all the comments on my last post about the antics with my son.  Nothing ever came of it for which I'm happy (and so is he), but he learned a great lesson and there's been a lot of egg jokes flying around here.   Actually, he's pretty embarrassed about the whole thing.  I hope that's the worst that we'll ever face.

My sister was here for eleven days and left yesterday.  We had a great time, although maybe not as crazy as in prior years given the fact that my son's foot was really in poor shape after his soccer field collision, so it was hard for him to hobble around.  But we had a lot of fun and I'm always sorry when she leaves!!  We did our annual Chicken Dinner thing at Frankenmuth, went through all the stores except Bronners (I think it's been too hot around here for me to envision Christmas right now), visited antique shops, etc.  She also got me into a lot of trouble buying things (gotta blame someone, right Sis?).

Stitching took kind of a back seat and quilting was nil, but later in the evenings when we were resting, I did get a little more done on Susanna - not much, but a little:

She coming along slowly but surely, and I do like the colors in it quite a bit.

We found some great new antique shops, although one reminded us of a place out of a Stephen King novel (definitely not a place I want to go to again), but we found some really great new antique shops, consignment shops and barns, and, of course, I can't come out without anything, can I?  I think I would have done more damage if my son's foot was feeling better, but I didn't want him walking on it more than he had to, and crutches are definitely not something you want to take into an antique store.

First find was a chippy table for my craft room!  Just what I was looking for!  And the woman at this shop was practically giving things away.  In fact, when I looked at her in stunned surprise when she gave me the final price, she said that she wanted me to come back so therefore the great prices!  Like Arnold says, "I'll be back!!!"

Some of the things on the table were from a few other places we came across:

This child's lunch pail - just had to have it - it's RED!!  And for some reason, I've really developed a love of these things.

Lots of little things - three pincushions.  The silver slipper is stamped with "Bruno" although I don't know if that means anything; three pairs of antique scissors, molds, rulers, a glass jar and another Anchor Hocking piece.  I think it's just a candy dish, but a frog fits on it perfectly.  I think there are a few other things, but I'll post those another time.  They were all for great prices and I think I've found the secret to cheap antiquing - get a long distance from the big cities.

Then I came across this cabinet - I've got this thing for little drawers, so I just had to have this as well:

Then a baby's antique gown to hang under the shelves in my craft room or I may frame it - not sure yet:


We also made it to the quilt store - a couple of them - and a yarn store.  Not a good move because I didn't come out of those places unscathed either, but I won't post those things now.  My sister did see a quilt that she liked and since she lives on the coast, it's perfect.  She doesn't quilt, so I've been recruited to make it.


Luckily the center is a cheater panel otherwise she'd be waiting for years until I got my applique skills honed, but since I also put her to work while she was here, I think that she deserves a quilt.

Her vacation wasn't quite as leisurely as she probably hoped.  I put her to work helping me put up shelves in my craft room.  I've wanted new shelves for ages, but it's a two person job, and DH has been working on his own shelving adventures in the garage, so I recruited Sis for the job, and this is what we did!


The closet!!!  Oh happy day!  There were some of these funky wire shelving things in there and they weren't worth the power to blow them to Minnesota, so we ripped those out and installed these.  I've got a little spackling and touch up work to do from the other holes, but TA DA!!

Then we put some over where my sewing machine goes:


TA DA again!!!  And we also put one up over my cutting table (no pic).  The reason the level is on the shelf is that my husband didn't seem to think that two women could put up shelves and make them level. Typical male, right?  Well, all were level except that bottom one.  He snuck down when we weren't looking and said it was off 1/16 of an inch.  Okay, now 1/16 of an inch is no big deal to me, but......we hightailed it up to the local hardware store, bought some washers, inserted them above the brackets and screwed those babies down!  Perfect!  We'll show him!  HA!

Now my room is really a disaster and I won't be able to get in there for a couple more weeks as I'm in for a couple more busy ones.  Today is one of rest, but tomorrow, I've got to start packing for our trip up north.  It's been such a full summer that I'll almost be glad when the kids get back into school so I can relax........and stitch.......and quilt!  Well, in fact, I will be glad when they go back to school, just don't tell them!!

Well, that's it for me for now.  I'm really sorry that I haven't been able to visit blogs over the past couple of weeks, but I'm going to try to catch up at some point.  I know that I've missed reading everything and seeing what all of you have done.  I'll try to catch up soon and thanks again for all the wonderful comments on my last post.

Oh, and I may have to start up Comment Moderation soon.  Seems that I've been getting too many Viagra and weird comments, so I may do that.  I know it's a pain, but I'm tired of seeing comments about how I can improve my sex life or requests for money because someone is a prisoner in some jail in some country I've never heard of before.

Stitch lots and I'll try to catch up on everyone's blogs soon!

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is wonderful you were able to spend so much time with your sis. My sis doesn't quilt either. I've made her a quilt before but I think she may simply consider it a blanket..I don't know. I doubt she would even tolerate shopping a quilt shop with me. Hee!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Sounds like you had a great time, got lots done (shopping, shelving and even some stitching)! You got some great finds, too! Love the shoe pin cushion - really cute!!

Annie said...

Sounds like great family bonding with your sister. Love all the new vintage 'trinkets' you picked up. And how great to have all that new shelf space plus the little drawers!

Kathy said...

Sounds like you had a great visit with your sister. this must have been visit with family month since I just had a weekend stay with one of my sisters. :)

Love your bargins!

Nancy said...

Glad you had a nice visit with your sister. I love all your finds, but I think my favorite is the cabinet with all the drawers!

Your sampler is looking so pretty, and any number of stitches is better than no stitches at all.

Margaret said...

Ooooooh, I'm squealing over here! lol! Glad you had fun with your sister. Love all your antique finds! Especially that piece with the little drawers! And the quilt -- when you said cheater panel, I felt relief. lol! It's so nice that your sister could help you out with all the bookshelves you wanted. Looks great! Hope your room gets back into order soon. Oh, and your Susannah is gorgeous!! Glad to hear all about your good times!

valerie said...

Wow Deb! Lots of great stuff once again. I like your new little table and the cabinet! The pincushions, frog and scissors are wonderful too. Love the progress on Susanna. I am so glad you and your sister had a nice visit!

Berit said...

Deb I love it all-particularly the tiny drawers and Red Tin! YGG on the shelves.

Bertie said...

Great finds, the tin is lovely, and the shoe pincushion!! always nice to find such bargains, they are so hare to come by.

The white cabinet is very handy for all these little accessories :)) and gorgeous scissors too.

Hazel said...

Sounds like you have had a fun time with your sis. Lovely finds and lovely progress on your wip. x

Deborah said...

You and your sister found some great stuff. The antique scissors and the frog are just beautiful. great job with the shelves.

Sampler Lover said...

Hi Deb, it sounds as if both of you had a wonderful time during your Sister's visit. Wonderful antique finds. You find the most amazing things. I also love your chest of drawers and the babys dress is lovely. I think it would look lovely framed in your sewing room as well.
Suzanna is looking wonderful. Enjoy your holiday - Sandra.

Andrea said...

What a wonderful post Deb (yours always are!)...I LOVE all of your vintage finds, esp. that table!!
I'm so impressed with all of those shelves, can't wait to see when you get all of your stuff on them.
Glad you had a nice visit with your sister! I'm an only child and always wanted a sis!
Have you tried putting the "word verification" thing on your comment settings? I do that on mine and never have to delete any spam. It's an extra step for most people, to be able to leave a comment, but I think it's worth it to prevent the pen*s enlargement ads, lol! It would also save you having to approve each comment. Just my 2 cents girlfriend ;-)
PS. Your WIP is SUPER gorgeous!
xoxo

Denise said...

Glad you had such a great visit! Your finds are fun!

But, those shelves! To die for! I love organizing. Can't wait to see them loaded with stash!

Smiles - Denise

Linda said...

Its great to get out with your sis regardless if she does not have your same hobbies. Love your finds.

Laurie in Iowa said...

What fun you had with your sister. Great finds and you'll need to post another photo when you fill up those shelves.

Kaaren said...

Awesome finds, Deb. Sounds like you and your sister had a blast!

What's 1/16" between friends, huh? Your shelves look pretty straight to me.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, Deb. We'll be here for you in the Fall.

Jan said...

Hey there, Deb...what a great and fun time you had! Sorry about your son's foot, know he must be hurting.

I love that table and that cabinet the best, wow! And I love that your sis helped you with such great shelving. Can't wait to see that closet full of things special to you and well organized I know you will be!!

Enjoy your trip and here is hoping when you get back, that you get your wish for some quality stitching and quilting time!

Be safe!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
What great finds. I love the table and your little scissors best.
Soon the (big) kiddos will be back in school and you'll have lots of time to stitch and sew.
Have a great time up north and be safe.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Jackie's Stitches said...

There are always great vintage items in your posts. I'm sure you can't find such goodies here in my town. I always love what you get!

Please promise us that you'll post an after picture of your craft room closet when you get everything moved in! I love seeing how people organize their spaces.

You'll be a very fortunate mom if eggs are the worst of it. It sounds like he's truly embarrassed and has learned his lesson.

Kathy said...

I love the cabinet with the little drawers.You find the best things. I've driven past Frankenmuth summer after summer on my way to Petoskey but can never talk DH or years ago my dad into stopping. Some day....

Angela said...

Sounds like you had a great visit with your Sister! Love your antique store finds. I hope you Son feels better soon :)

Juels said...

You have been a busy woman! I love going to antique stores. Just never know what you will find.

Lois said...

Sounds like you'd a wonderful time with your sister. There's nothing like going shopping when you both love to visit the same type of places. You picked up some very nice things, I love the cabinet with all the little drawers. I'm another one who can have a thing for boxes and drawers!

Can't wait to see a pic of your finished craft room with all those new shelves full of nice stuff! Enjoy your trip!

Alice said...

It sounds like you have had a great as well as busy couple of weeks. Great work on the shelves! I also have a thing for little drawers and love love love your latest find.

BrendaS said...

Wow! Sounds like you had a whirlwind of a time when your sister was in! Good times!

Love all your finds especially the white cabinet with all the drawers. How neat.

Your shelving looks fantastic. You will certainly be able to store a lot in there. Can't wait to see pictures of your room when you are all done.

Have a good time up north. I grew up in Michigan and every summer we went "up north" to Lake Louise for 2 weeks. What great memories!

Thanks for sharing.

Vinniey said...

Wow!! I love all your new founds! Especially the mini drawer. What will you going to keep inside this lovely drawer? Great progress on the Susanna, Deb. :) Have wonderful weekend.

Sally said...

Susanna is looking absolutely gorgeous Deb. I just love the colours.

Wow some fantastic finds there!

Anonymous said...

Girlfriend, you always find the best things! I need to come up there and do some shopping with you!! Excellent job on the shelving! I know that you'll feel so happy when you finally have everything organized as you want it. Have you picked up the cabinets yet?

Have a great time on your holiday and make sure you post pics of your room when you have it all put together.

Katrina said...

Wow, lots going on at home. How did I miss that? Hope your DD is feeling better and as for your son... I think we all have at least one 'should have know better' incident from our teenage years ;-). Hope he's none the worse for wear, LOL.

Love the stitchy pic and all the great antique store finds.

Beth said...

What a productive - and fun - vacation with your sister!

Missy Ann said...

Cheater panels FTW! I need to go antiquing with you. Everything local to me is just too high priced. I'm probably just not looking hard enough...

Great job on the shelves. Girl power!

Katherine said...

Great job n the shelves. I hate those wire things too! And terrific idea with the washers!

Sherry :o) said...

Love your finds - and glad you had a good time with your sister in town. Boy, I know I'm fortunate; I have two sisters - one lives 20 minutes away and the other, about 10...and my mom is in the middle. Missed you at K.S. - but I know you were busy...have a great vacation up north - hopefully you'll have cooler weather than we've had lately.

Carol said...

I'm so glad you and your sister had such fun, Deb! Amazing finds--I love the little table and ADORE those little drawers (I, too, have a thing for drawers although I blame it on me being a librarian and longing for the old "card catalog" days!!).

Your craft room is coming together beautifully--can't wait to see the finished space :)

Sherry said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your sister. I love all your finds and the little drawer unit is something I would definitely pick up! The shelves look wonderful. I can't wait to see what you do on the quilt for your sister.

Laura said...

I'm laughing here because I totally identify with the "off 1/16of an inch" thing. My DH is an industrial mechanic and won't let things like that go EVER. LOL!

Anonymous said...
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Heidi said...

Finding wonderful vintage items is just the most fun! And you had fun with your sister too so could not be beat. I am sure your stitching will catch up very soon...

Happy weekend!

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

MyLifesAStitch said...

Hey woman!!

You really got some awesome stuff at the shops!! Love love love that white table, and the little drawers!! Also, that red tin is so cute it ought to be illegal! Seriously, it's awesome. I've never seen one like that... it's really wonderful!

And the baby gown... you know, I knew we liked each other for a reason. Great minds and all that... I've been thinking about doing something like that in my room for a while now, but haven't been able to figure out what I'd hang it from... Those shelves you two put up are awesome, and I can't wait to see the finished product!

Have fun up north! I'll "miss" you!! :)

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Deb, I'm finally trying to catch up on reading blogs. Love you new shelving. Your progress looks great and I love the colors you are using!

Jennifer

Brigitte said...

Quite obviously the two weeks were filled with a lot of fun and work and excitement. You had some great finds at the antique stores. I'd buy this cabinet with the many little drawers without thinking.

Karoline said...

Sounds like you both had a great time.

Congratulations on getting the shelves up. You got some great finds and Susanna is looking lovely

Alice said...

I am so glad to hear you had a good time with your sister. Yep, you two have been naughty but it is oh so nice. I love that pincushion and all the goodies. Tell me about having a thing for lots of drawers!! Such a cute little cupboard. You two girls sure did a great job with those shelves. Well done. ; ) I do like the way Susanna is coming along and those colours are very pretty. Have a fabulous trip north. : )
Alice

Stitch By Stitch said...

Sounds like you had a great time with your sis! Your antique finds are great! Love the chipped table!

Michelle said...

Yay for the shelves! How wonderful to have your sister there to help you. And lots of great finds antiquing too!

Siobhán said...

I'm glad that you had such a good time with your sister! :) The shelves look fantastic. I'm sure you won't have any problems filling them up. ;) Love Susanne, and the goodies look great!

Nancy M said...

Sounds like a great time with your sister and shopping. You got some great shelves out of the deal too! I'm sure you have filled them to the brim already. I bet you are busy now getting the kids ready for school or even possibly having school sports start already. Enjoy the last couple weeks of summer!