Wednesday, May 23, 2012

A Little of This and That

Hi everyone!  I hope that everyone is well and experiencing beautiful Spring weather and getting a lot of stitching done.  We here in Michigan are experiencing some absolutely wonderful Spring weather - although Summer weather would a more appropriate description!  We're suppose to hit the 90's this Memorial Weekend.  A little too warm for my blood, but it's better than freezing cold!

After my crazy startitis a couple weeks ago, I finally settled myself down and continued to work on Martha Jones and I'm glad that I did - I love the colors of her:


I was going to work my way down the left side of her, but I can't wait to get to the A&E so tonight I'll work down from the center.  She's a fun stitch with some algerian eyes and satin stitch.

This is what she will look like when she's finished:


If you're interested in stitching Martha, you can order her from http://samplers-berlin.com.

Quilting has just about gone by the wayside lately.  While running around like a crazy woman these past few weeks, some quilting came in that I was dying to get to:


The first month of the Phebe quilt came in and two months' worth of the Cotton Club.  I've been trying so hard to keep up with the Cotton Club when it comes in each month.  As much as I would have loved to start Phebe, I decided it best to catch up on those CC blocks:


I cut out the blocks all at one time, put them in baggies and I'm ready to go.  I still had about an hours worth of time before I had to fly out the door, so I managed to get two basket blocks together:

For some reason these didn't come out as great as I wanted to them, but I'm calling them a wrap.  I also worked more on the Chippewa Nine Patch and have a few more nine patch sets finished:

But I still have all these to put together:

Plus there are some of these also sitting on my sewing table waiting their turn.  UGH!!!  I don't know what it is about these nine patches, but I don't like doing them too much, so I do some here and there just to make a little bit of progress.

So that's all I've been up to the past couple weeks.  No time for much of anything but some stitching here and there and some sewing when I can find the time.

I did come across a great find a few months ago though.  I went up to my son's college to take him some things and I was running early.  I saw a sign that said "Barn Sale" and decided to check it out.  I'm so happy that I did because I found a gem.  And the man didn't even know it's worth.  It was his MIL's who had lived with he and his wife and she liked to sew.  But now that she was gone they decided to sell of some of her things and this is what I walked out with - for $30!!!




I also picked up a couple dinner bells that I thought were really cute - they were both a few dollars a piece.


Perhaps I could put one of these by my stitching chair and ring it when I want my servants family members to bring me a fresh margarita glass of iced tea while I sit on the deck stitching.  Okay, nice dream, right?  I never get time to stitch on the deck and I certainly couldn't count on anyone answering that bell!  LOL

Well, that's it for me.  Again I'm flying out the door - dance just ended two weeks ago and now we're off to auditions for next Fall's dance lines.  It never ends!!!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week and a fantastic Memorial weekend!!  Make it stitchy!!


52 comments:

Kim said...

Fabulous find, Deb! Awesome!! Love Martha and that Chippewa nine patch is going to be STUNNNNING! I think I need one of those bells too, but like you, doubtful anyone would come when I rang it! LOL Have a great weekend!

Linda said...

Wow! I dream about finds like that! And for only $30! Great find!
I love the colors in your patchwork sets. That's going to be beautiful!

Faith... said...

What a beautiful cabinet you got and a great bargain too!

Cathy Lloyd said...

NO! 30 bucks! Oh my heck! What a find! Congrats on a fabulous fabulous find! Yeah, no margaritas while stitching...nope, nope! Your Martha is just beautiful! I love her colors too! You are keeping very busy with your quilting as well! Cari has Phoebe too so you guys need to commiserate over the phone from time to time!

marly said...

You lucky girl ~ fabulous bargain! Even if it wasn't a bargain it would be a great find. Stitching looks super ~ wonderful colors. Enjoy the weekend!

BrendaS said...

Martha is looking very pretty Deb. Great find at the Barn Sale. LOVE it:))

Have a great Memorial weekend. Hope you get some stitchy time in.

Mary said...

Deb, you're off to a great start on Martha - love that big funky parrot on the side! It will be fun to see A&E come to life too.

Such a deal on the thread chest! It looks like it's in great condition. Why do I never have that kind of bargain mojo?

Melody said...

What a great deal on finding the thread chest! I'm so glad you discovered it.

Martha is looking good also.

Too funny, your comment about ringing bell for margaritas...your stitching may not look so good after drinking a few of those...ha!

Have a great long weekend.

Mylene said...

Such a great find and looks great too! You sure the lucky one.

Good progress on Martha Jones!

Annette-California said...

I'm cracking up about the servants oops family bell. LOL I love your sampler your stitching - gorgeous colors Deb. Are you changing them from the chart given? Yours looks so much prettier. WOW. My goodness you've been very busy with the nine patches. Looks like a Christmas quilt is in the making (red and green). Okay your AMAZING FIND!!!! My dream for me:) GREAT JOB! You inspire me....

woolwoman said...

Deb you post was so funny and OMGosh - what about that thread chest - EGADS I am astounded - for $30 bucks - NO WAY - you are the luckiest person in the world. I love that chippewa nine patch - the colors are just my thing and Martha is coming along and is really pretty. I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend even though you are expecting it to be very hot. same here but we expect it by late May. Cheers and you just go right ahead and ring your bell for margarita time! LOL Mel

carol fun said...

Martha is gorgeous! I love the border and that funky bird. As for the thread cabinet you scored a real find there. For $30 I would have wrestled you to get to it first - LOL! Really that is wonderful. I've never seen bells like those before but they would have gone home with me too. Very pretty. Have a great weekend. We're suppose to get 90's too but I won't complain, I'll just crank up the AC.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Martha is a real beauty. Fabulous barn sale find!

Margaret said...

Didn't need to see Martha Jones. lol! I need to stitch her too! Luckily I have the chart -- just need to find it. Still can't believe you got that spool cabinet for $30. I'm sulking. lol! Nice quilt blocks! (Still haven't found my Phebe pattern. I'm still sulking.)

samplerlover said...

Hi Deb, OMG Martha is looking wonderful. I also love the crazy parrot lol. I really love the border as well. It is nice to see tulips.
Love your special find. You find the most amazing things. This one is a real gem.
I have a couple of those dinner bells in my china cabinet. I think if I rang one that all I would get is a very dirty look lol. - Sandra.

Joanie said...

Oh baby! All I can say is Wowza! You struck gold baby with that chest. And why did you post that Martha sampler! I NEED IT!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hot in NY too!

Carol said...

Martha's colors are beautiful, indeed, Deb! I can see why you're enjoying stitching her...

What a find at the barn sale--I need to get out there and start going to estate sales. You just never know what goodies you'll find, do you?

Enjoy your long--hot--weekend! We're supposed to have the same heat on Sunday and Monday, too...

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Martha is looking good!

Fabulous find on the spool cabinet!

I would have to have a bell the size of school/dinner bell for my family to acknowledge!

Lanie said...

Deb, I'm glad you settled on "Martha" also, she is pretty! And I love the "tulip" border. Stitching on the deck sipping margaritas...what a lovely thought! Although, once I start sippin' not sure how much stitchin' would get done! Enjoy your weekend!
P.S. Best wishes to your daughter on her dance auditions :)

BeckySC said...

Oh, what a wonderful find, Deb!! WOW!!!!
Your stitching is just lovely and your quilting is coming along gorgeously :) WOW!

Linda said...

You've been busy...everything looks wonderful and your"finds" are perfect...I would have taken them home as well!! Have a great day!!

Melissa said...

OMG, Deb, that is a steal for $30! You lucky girl! It's gorgeous! *sigh*

I love Martha J. I will bookmark the site (thanks for that) and get her once I get some work again. Meanwhile I will enjoy seeing her progress as you stitch! She is so pretty in pink.

Gosh, you're in for some hot weather! Good idea on the bells by the stitching chair. tee hee.

ps may be better idea just to have a mini fridge by the stitching chair where you can have your pitcher of Margarita waiting for you! ;-)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Holy cow! That is one gorgeous thread cabinet. $30! Crazy! We better stop posting our finds or everyone is going to come to Michigan and beat us to the goods! Best find, ever!
Love the sampler and the funky A&E; they look like they're sassing the serpent with their hips stuck out.
Your quiltng is beyond fabulous. You know I'm all kinds of jealous of your talent!

mdgtjulie said...

I too love the colors in your sampler. And that parrot is awesome. Grats on the little block finishes for your quilt, and the nine patch finishes. I understand not enjoying something so much. My Jesus was the same way. I had to finish it as it was for my mom, but I hated every stitch. I hope you get your quilt done soon!!! And good luck at the dance auditions!! Great finds at the barn sale too. You've gotta love that!! Just well done all around, Deb. You go girl!!

Shelly said...

Great finds Deb! I especially like the bells. And although time is at a premium for you, you still got some things done!

Have a super weekend yourself!

Deborah said...

Love the barn sale find! Martha is looking very nice. I agree, the colors are wonderful.

Daniela said...

Your stitching progress looks wonderful, but I absolutely your quilting squares.
I never quilted myself before, but I am anxious to give it a try.

Sylvia said...

Luuuckyyyy girl!! I am so envious of your barn sale find. How fabulous.

I love Martha Jones - I just kitted her up. Her colors are just lovely.

Veronica said...

Beautiful WiP. The colours are really pretty. Wow, what a wonderful find! Well, his loss your gain :) Cool looking bells.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Giovanna said...

The sampler is absolutely beautiful! Such pretty, soft colours. And congrats on the great barn sale find.

Chris said...

Martha is a wonderful sampler. I love that parrot.
The quilting is looking great too. I love the Chippewa nine patch colors.
Congratulations on that amazing barn find. I would have been skipping out to my car and peeling out of the parking lot in excitement.
Have a wonderful holiday!

Lois said...

What a fantastic find Deb! I wish I could find treasures like that around here!! Love Martha! The colours are so pretty.

Bertie said...

Love your new sampler start, MJ has not yet been on my radar!
Your Coats box is fabulous, a great find for a great stitcher!!
Lovely patchwork too!
Enjoy the sun:))

Loraine said...

Hi Deb!
So happy to see a post from you. I love your new A&E sampler! The colors are gorgeous! I don't know where you find all of these unique samplers, but your A&E wall is going to be museum quality one day!
Your quilt blocks are coming along, and they look wonderful, and I can't wait to see you working on the Phoebe quilt.
Now for the mother of all finds! I cannot believe you found an original cabinet for $30!!!!! Lucky, lucky girl! I bet you were just holding your breath wondering if someone would bid higher than you! I'm so happy for you!
Hope you are having a fun Memorial Day weekend. I'm off to Vegas to see Phantom. I'm so excited. I've tried talking my husband into taking me to it for years.
I'll write more real soon. It's been a crazy week...month...life!
Hugs.

Susan said...

What an amazing find!! I almost feel guilty when I find something like that for those prices, but I get over it fairly quickly. Beautiful stitching. I do like the colors in Martha. Great idea on bagging your pieces. Two blocks in an hour?! WOW! It takes me forever to piece

barbara said...

Love your A&E piece!

Robin said...

Oh my, stitching aside (which is awesome)....what a lucky shopper you are to have scooped up that cabinet at that price. It is nice to know it went to someone who will appreciate it. And your quilting is awesome too. I need to look up the Cotton Club. I like what I am seeing. Happy stitching!

Anne said...

Lovely start on Martha! That parrot is awesome!!! Wow! Great finds you got there! That chest is fabulous!! Love the little dinner bells too! will you be using them to summon people to the dinner table?!! Great quilting blocks too!

Dona said...

Martha is so pretty! It looks a fun stitch and I can why you are enjoying it.

Great find on the chest!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh very beautiful Sampler !!!

I love your nice blog, bisous de FRANCE

Sherry :o) said...

I can't believe how beautiful your $30 find is...cool. I never find anything like that when my husband and I stop. Your A&E is looking good. I agree, colors are stunning. Hope you have a wonderful rest of holiday weekend.

Catherine said...

Such a pretty sampler! And your barn sale finds are incredible!! Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Isabelle said...

Hi Deb, what a great find !!! your Sampler looks beautiful as always and I love the photo where are all your cut fabrics : that is many works for you :-))
Have a nice week,
Isa

Anonymous said...

Hello

What a great find that sewing chest is!

Your stitching is looking lovely!
Happy stitching!

Cari said...

My Dear Friend Deb....you are driving me bankrupt!! OK...just kidding. I love Martha Jones so I just had to order her!! And another one of course!! Can't remember which one!! Then there's Phebe...so beautiful. I haven't started on her yet but I've been doing pre work in my head!! LOL Love you tons and love reading your blog to see all of your beautiful works. Hugs....

Anonymous said...

I hate to comment, but for your post i am going to give it a try. You have gained a loyal reader my friend

Stitch By Stitch said...

Woo hoo for you and your great deal! Awesome and good eye! You just don't see many spool cabinets around anymore, let alone for $30.00!

Patty C. said...

Great find! Lovely progress ;)

Ranae said...

I love how your sampler is coming along. I don't blame you for wanting to stitch Adam and Eve right now
You found some awesome things and great price to boot
I never find anything like that, lol
It looks like you have did lots of work on quilting

Karoline said...

Martha is looking gorgeous and you got some great finds

Nancy M said...

Your sampler does have some very pretty colors in it! You can see I'm a bit behind in blogs! I'm working to get my big Mystic done with week since I am meeting with a stitching friend on Friday. We also had a 600 gallon rock pond put in this past weekend. I'll try and blog about it soon! I don't know how you keep all your quilt pieces organized! I think Carl bought me that cabinet...or very close a couple years ago for my floss. It was close to $200,so you got a deal!

Brigitte said...

How great this A&E sampler is. I always feel attracted by samplers that have pinks and reds in it.
I love the Cotton Club blocks and see them on other quilters' blogs as well. It's incredible what different impressions you can give such a block by using different farbrics and colours.