Thursday, March 28, 2013

Retail Therapy

It all started when Nora and Debra picked me up at about 8 a.m. yesterday morning for a day of quilt shop hopping.  When we started out, it looked like the weather wasn't going to cooperate because the rain that had been falling overnight turned to wet snow just as we were about to set out.  Well you know that a little snow couldn't stop the plans of three serious shoppers!

I have to confess that I was dead tired when twelve fun and laugh filled hours later, we rolled back into my driveway.  The back of Nora's Nissan Highlander was filled to the brim with our purchases.  I made a list of everything that I wanted and needed and managed to find everything on the list and more.

I needed some yellow Kona cotton to complete my Grandmother's Flower Garden and even though I brought along a sample of the yellow that I used for the flower centers, I ended up buying three different yellows because I wasn't sure which one I liked the best.



Did you notice that some snow white and bone Kona cotton fell into my cart as well?

And not being one to pass up a bargain, I also added some additional yardage to my stash, all for under $6 a meter (39").



I must be the only person in Nova Scotia who likes toile fabric because I found the red and cream print above in the bargain bin at one of the shops for $5.99 a meter.  At that price, I took the entire 6.5 meters that were left on the bolt.  

You've probably guessed that Toile is one of my favorite fabrics to use as backing for my quilts.



Also on my list were a package of 100 Schmetz #70 universal sewing machine needles which I picked up for $50.  This is the lowest price I've found, even on the internet...and no shipping costs!

And here are the rest of my goodies...



Additional bobbins for Husky Henrietta, Clover binding clips, some 2" long straight pins which I intend to glitz-ify, some of the Aurifil 2 ply, 12 wt thread that I use for most of my redwork, a spool of variegated green embroidery thread reduced to $3 and of course my needles.  The newest Kim Diehl book Homestyle Quilts was on special at 40% off.  I couldn't resist!



When I got home, the two scrap bundles of Civil War and reproduction fabrics that I had ordered from Homestead Hearth were waiting for me on the kitchen table.



I was very pleasantly surprised because all of the fabrics included in the bundles were of a decent size and can easily be incorporated into a scrappy quilt.



After a good night's sleep I was determined and motivated to reorganize the sewing corner in my studio.  It was just too crowded and I struggled long enough with the fact that there was nowhere for the fabric to go as I fed it through the machine.  

So while Mr. Painted Quilt took Ollie for a long walk, Frankie and I moved things around from this...



to this.



Of course Frankie was a big help.



Much better, huh? 

Husky Henrietta is sitting on the floor just waiting her turn but I still need lots of practice before she becomes my #1 gal!



And whatever would I do without my faithful companion and helper?


I wonder if Ollie will find me in here?
Get a lot more work done, that's for sure!



Happy Easter everyone!


44 comments:

jackiescrafts said...

Ooooh lots of lovely new stash there then have lots of fun with it

Jackie x

Cathi said...

You found some wonderful things! Love the toile -- and the price you found it at! Those binding clips are fabulous - now I can't imagine not having them!

Radka said...

Good shopping trip, and I like your sewing corner :-)
Happy Easter!

McIrish Annie said...

Sounds like a great trip! super buys too. and your reorganization is fabulous

ria vogelzang said...

What a great fabric is that red toile!! I just love toile fabric.... ;)
You certainly had a great shopping-trip!
And I love how your workspace is now. It sure looks like fun!
Enjoy your Easter Days,
love, Ria.

Merilyn said...

What a fabulous girls' day out!!! I love toile too, and I agree it does make for a great backing!!
I've seen these bundles from Homestead Hearth, and people are always happy with what their bundle contains! I've been meaning to look into this myself as there would always be something in there that perhaps you would not necessarily choose, but would love anyways!! Your sewing room is so cosy and neat 'n tidy, mine is cosy, but not so neat 'n tidy LOL!!!!! Have a lovely Easter!!!!

Anne-Marie said...

Well done on all the fabulous new stash....I want to come, next time, ha! Fabric seems to be so much cheaper over the pond....even a "bargain" here needs to be saved for, lol. I filled a huge suitcase when I last visited New York, both from quilting stores and Walmart (which REALLY surprised me).....wish the Walmart here would stock fabric....sigh....:( Enjoy your new goodies! xxx

Darlene D said...

I'm sooo jealous, darn job interfering with my social life! lol Lovely purchase! Where did you find that toile? I bought a small piece of blue in Avonport but didn't see any red.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Boy did you have a great shopping day!

Jane said...

I could just imagine the fun you had on your shop hop day! Great treasures and some good buys!!! Your sewing space looks very functional and it always makes me want to get going when I rearrange and tidy up. I'm working on a Kim Diehl quilt right now and am enjoying the hand appliquing on the borders!!! Enjoy your purchases!!!!!! Happy Easter to you, your hubby, and your fur babies!!

antique quilter said...

Sounds like a fun day and what a great deal for the toile. Oh I love toile too!!!' Too cute in the basket!!! What a great picture. Have a wonderful weekend and playing with your purchases. So glad your happy with those scrap bags. I find them amazing and so fun to get in the mail.
Kathie

Jo C. said...

I love toile too...it makes a pretty backing...well done!

carol l said...

What a fun day, loved looking at your goodies. Sure wish you could send some of you moisture our,Nebraska.
Happy Easter
Carol l
Ne

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sewing room and love all your new goodies!

~Laurie~ said...

I want to go shopping with you!! The sewing room looks like it is more efficient. I need to do the same thing, but I don't have additional room - baaaaaa! Just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter too :)

Ginette said...

Sounds like you had a blast shopping! I love how you re-arranged your sewing area! I would really love to do the same with mine, it's just not working the way it is now. Maybe this summer...

Lesley said...

I would have loved to be a little mouse in the corner in all those shops...you must have had sooo much fun! Love seeing all your treasures, and I hope you make a mess real soon in that wonderful sewing room cutting into those great fabrics! All the yellows are lovely!

Sheila said...

What a fabulous day of shopping . I think I would have snapped up that toile too , wow what a,great price . Lots of wonderful treasures , I had no idea you could buy the needles in that quantity . Happy Easter !

quilterfaye said...

Hmm, Want to know all your secret quilt shops in the valley or did you go to the city? going to the valley oon a quilt retreat next month. Sounds like i'll maybe do sme shopping too. Glad you had a great time and found lot of goodies.
hugs.

Darlene said...

A great day, indeed. I like what you've done with your sewing machine.

Mac will be sniffing around for Frankie - great hiding spot. LOL

Colleen G said...

I don't think I could have passed that toile by either, not the way I love to work with reds. Glad the weather didn't dampen spirits and what could be better than shopping and laughter when spring is taking so gosh darn long to arrive. Maybe you'll have to share some of your hopping spots as I might have another trip to that neck of the woods soon. Hope it warms up a little before mid April though.

Sharon said...

That is an Amazing deal, I know the price of fabric north of the border. Your sewing space looks so inviting,have fun with your new purchases.

Pam in IL said...

12 hour retail therapy -- WOW! Your reorganization looks more comfortable too. Husky Henrietta needs her own table so you can easily switch between your two machines. Great new stash!

Happy Easter to you and your family.

annie said...

sounds like the best shopping trip, so happy for you! I love toile, that is just beautiful.
Happy Easter!

cyndeebee said...

Reading your posts always cheers me up...and makes me want to start a brand new quilt...haha...

Happy Easter to all of you.

Janet said...

It looks like Frankie was the foreman and you the workhorse, lol. You made some lovely purchases, the toile is my favourite.
Happy Easter.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

What wonderful goodies from the shop and that fabric for backing is gorgeous...at that price I would have bought up the bolt too :o)

Barb said...

great looking new quilty supplies
Frankie is such a handsome cat and a great help. Does he meow a lot? I grew up with siamese cats, love them!
Happy Easter

JudyCinNC said...

I love hearing about your "therapy" and seeing all your wonderful treasures. You did very well with your day out - good job. Enjoy your "new space" and sew, sew, sew. Happy Easter from Judy C

Patty C. said...

Great stash :)

Me and My Stitches said...

Wow - what a great shopping day! Great finds at some great prices, you just can't beat that! I love toile too - I have a few stacks that I need to put to good use!

Jacky said...

Beautiful fabrics, and who could resist at such a price!?! Beautiful sewing studio!
Happy Easter to you and your family (and pets).

Cindy said...

That Frankie - he just knew he'd be a help. lOL
OOH - looks like some fun goodies "just happened" into your hands. Don't you just hate it when that happens? :-)

Happy Easter to the "Kaaren Klan".

Quiltgal said...

Love your Blog, Happy Easter to you, Mr. P, Frankie and Ollie.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

There is no better medicine or doctor than fabric/quilt retail therapy (especially when it is enjoyed with kindred spirits)

So glad to know there is someone else who buys more than one piece of fabric to complete a project. Can't wait to see the completed hexie. I am trying to get brave enough to start one.

Hi to Frankie and Ollie. Does Frankie miss Oliie when he goes for a walk?

Candace said...

Now that's my kind of day, Kaaren! Frankie did a great job helping with your reorganization! Nothing like lots of room to feed long rows of fabric through your machine! You're going to LOVE your Husqvarna! I had one way back when and some days wish I'd never sold it.
Happy Easter!

Marie said...

Great stash! Kim D. is a favorite of mine, I love her work.

I need to scan your blog in search of possible pics of Grandmothers Flower Garden as it is one of my favorite designs.

I like the new look of your sewing room and especially like your little friend in the basket.

Happy Easter~

LesQuilts said...

Hi Kaaren!
Something you might consider. I saw this on Martha Stewart's blog awhile ago. Maybe another of those large white plastic bins, and put them at the back edge of your wooden sewing table.... Would catch your strip piecing so it won't fall over the edge and onto the floor!
A good day spent and all that oxygen from your laughing sparked your moments of inspiration!
Happy Easter to you too...
Take care, Leslie

roccagal said...

happy Easter to you as well! love all your posts lately!

Catarina C said...

What a lovely fabric you have bought och also the notions, I do also love the wonder clips as you can use in several ways. I hope you will be satisfied with your changing of your sewing room. Wish you also a Happy Easter.

Deb said...

Looks like you had a wonderful day, and they're well deserved and needed every once in a while!

Verna G said...

Have a Happy Easter Kaaren! I'm eagerly waiting for your mystery quilt.

Verna G said...

Have a Happy Easter Kaaren! I'm eagerly waiting for your mystery quilt.

GerryART said...

Now, that's what I call SHOPPING !!!!!!!

Hugs