Saturday, March 12, 2011

Honest, Honey…

It’s all Diane’s fault!  (Insert the biggest *wink* here that you ever did see!)

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Allow me to explain.

Diane is a new friend who I met at our Tuesday hook-in and as it turns out, she and I share a lot of the same interests.  To make a long story short, guess what we did yesterday?

We went S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G and A-N-T-I-Q-U-I-N-G…two of my most favorite pastimes!

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Diane picked me up at 9 a.m. and we set out up the Valley to the New Minas/Wolfville area of Nova Scotia.  After fortifying ourselves with a delicious latté from ‘Just Us’ in Wolfville, we headed for our next stop a short distance up the road…and here’s where the trouble fun started.

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It didn’t look like your typical quilt shop from the outside but let me tell you, N-E-V-E-R judge a book by it’s cover…or a shop from it’s exterior!  Trust me, this shop is every quilter’s dream!

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Thousands of bolts of quilt shop quality and brand name fabric greet you as you walk through the door, as well as every other thing a quilter might want or need…and all under one roof.  A one-stop shopping paradise!

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Aisles and aisles of fabric to tempt every style and taste…

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And a notions wall that runs the full length of the store.

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Now here’s the kicker…the average price per meter…remember, this is Canada and ‘yardage’ is sold by the meter (1 meter = 39”) is $5.99.  Can you believe it?  I certainly couldn’t!  Both Diane and I love Civil War fabric and we both found lots of brand names in the $3 per meter bin…yes, $3 per meter…and that’s not a typo!

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Here’s Diane checking out…

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And here’s what I stole bought.

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At $3 per meter, who could stop there?  Certainly not me!

Honest, Honey…it’s all Diane’s fault!  *wink*

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And although my old one still works, I doubt that it’ll survive one more tumble from my ironing board so I purchased a back up for my mini Rowenta iron…just in case.  And the price?  Cheaper than what I paid for my other one that I bought in the US at Joann’s...and when they were on sale too!

Honest, Honey…Diane talked me into it!  *wink*

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Diane has one of these little lights that she uses when she sews with her Featherweight, so of course, I just had to have one too for when I sew with mine.

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And of course I had to buy an additional bracket to attach to my Bernina…just in case I ever need to transfer it there.

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And last but not least, some quilt basting spray because I was getting low.  I’ve used this brand before and it works just as well as the 505 brand…and at half the price!  Works for me.

Honest,Honey…Diane made me buy it.  *wink*

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Needless to say, I was elated with my purchases. 

When I was checking out, I asked the gal how they could sell their fabric as cheaply as they do.  Her answer was that because they own the building and live right next door, their overhead is very low.  Also, because they have been in business for 25 years, the wholesalers call them whenever they want to ‘unload’ their surplus stock and because they buy 200+ blots at a time, they can pass on the savings to their customers.  The fabric that is offered at these prices is last year’s…but who cares?  Certainly not me…and obviously the customers who have enjoyed these savings for the past 25 years don’t either!

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After lunch, we headed out for ‘Antiques at Home’.  Unfortunately, they don’t have a website but they are located at 9728 Highway #1 in Greenwich, NS, telephone 902-542-1273.  If you like primitive Canadiana antiques and you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The story I’m about to tell you is not only unbelievable, it’s bizarre at the same time.

Diane…who just in case you forgot is at fault for all of this…is an avid antiques and antique quilt collector and has been to this shop several times. (BTW, her house is to absolutely die for!)  She spotted a quilt hanging on the wall that she was interested in buying the last time she was there but for whatever reason, did not purchase it at the time.  She pointed it out to me and asked what I thought of it. 

I loved it!  The hand appliqué and hand quilting was stunning.  She looked for a price tag but couldn’t find one and neither could the shop owner.  However, when they were looking for the price tag, they came across this label…

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Vankleek Hill is over 1000+ miles away and is where Mr. Painted Quilt and I lived before we moved to Nova Scotia in December!  (Insert weird music here). 

This seemed to be beyond coincidental and when I think about it now, the more I know that this quilt was meant to come home with me.

The quilt was in the shop on consignment so the shop owner called the owner of the quilt while we were there to ask the price.  It was less than what we would have agreed to pay so needless to say, that sealed the deal.

And yes, Honey…Diane did insist that this quilt come home with me and that if I wasn’t going to buy it then she would.  (No *wink* needed here).

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Here’s a close up of the center medallion.  The quilting is perfection and apart from a few stains, it is in mint condition.

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It’s unfortunate that Mrs. Anderson did not add a date to her label but let this be a reminder to all of us how important it is to sign and date our quilts. 

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And my final purchase of the day was this framed motto sampler, something that I’ve always wanted...and the price for it was right too!

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Now I just have to find the perfect place to hang it.

And yes, Honey, it was indeed Diane’s fault that we had a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter and GREAT purchases too!  (No *wink* needed here either).

I can’t wait until we do it again!

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I need your advice.  I would like to wash this quilt but I’m a little apprehensive about doing so for fear that the red fabric might either bleed or transfer.  It would appear to me that this quilt has never been washed but I have no way of telling whether Mrs. Anderson pre-washed her fabric before constructing her quilt.

What do you suggest?  I welcome your comments.

44 comments:

  1. Oh MY goodness, you had WAY too much fun - are you still on cloud 9? I know I would be. And, by the way I really like your friend, Diane. :-)

    That quilt is beautiful was definitely meant to go home with you. Washing it with a color catcher might be the safest but may be others have better suggestions.

    Thank you for sharing your day with us.

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  2. I knew you would love the quilt shop in Avonport it is heaven to me .You have me wanting to go there now ;-0 Love the quilt and how neat it is from the town you lived in , it was definitely meant to come home with you .Sorry I don't have any suggestions on washing it but I am sure someone would . Have you heard of Diane Shink? She is an antique quilt appraiser who spends summers in Nova Scotia and I do believe she has a website so you could goggle her and she could help you with that question I think .

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  3. Well Miss Kaaren consider yourself told off and I'd like you and that naughty friend of your to punish each other with a hard slap with a wet bus ticket *wink*. what a fab day, oh how I wish I could have come along but I guess I did in a round about way, LOL.
    Now that quilt - oh dear. If it were mine I would firstly use a white damp cloth and let it sit just on the red bit to see if any red comres off on the cloth. If it passes that test I would wash it as I would any other quilt, however just to be on the safe side add some salt to the water - it help slow down any possible 'bleeding'.
    Others may have a variety of ways, but this is just my humble approach - good luck sweetie.

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  4. What a fabulous day!!!! I loved all of your great deals and I imagine this will be a frequent trip for you two.

    I think I would throw a lot of Color Catchers in when I washed it to make sure it doesn't bleed. Good luck.

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  5. Oh my goodness, what a fantastic day! The quilt--STUNNING!! I love it. I think it was meant for you. I would go the color catcher route, too.

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  6. I would hold off on washing the quilt until after spring. Then I would lay it on a sheet in the sunshine as this will often brighten and freshen the quilt without doing it any detrimental damage. There is a product we sell called Retayne that is designed to be added to your wash water and "sets" the dyes so that they do not run. I use this when prewashing all my new fabrics. I do not know how it would work with an antique one. Why do you want to wash it? Unless my antique quilt is VERY dirty, I do not wash ..just put outside to freshen. AND< I would contact Diane Shink. She has a website.

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  7. There's nothing like an adventure with a new quilting buddy...except maybe coming home with a car full of your quilting bounty!! Sure hope there was room in the vehicle for you new friend?? Love all your great buys!! Can't help you in the washing department...there are those colour catchers that you put in the water with your quilts that absorb any colours that run...never tried them though!! Good luck!
    P

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  8. Now that is a good way to spend the day and if you think about it, you saved a lot of money by buying lots at once and saving on gas for another trip;) Or if you had to order it online, then the shipping would be high, so you did good, lol.

    Debbie

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  9. What a wonderful adventurous day with your new friend....AND then you got to come home to a beautiful NEST. :0)

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  10. A friend, a warehouse of fabric, antiques AND the perfect quilt just calling your name. I'd say it was a very good day.

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  11. still can't get over $3-5/mt.........we pay $22-$25/mt...........

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  12. What a great day!!!!!! Congrats on all your wonderful findings!!! I love the quilt. cannot help you with the washing matter, but I would search on the net. I am sure you will find something. Sorry to hear that place has no website or online shopping!!

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  13. I love Avonport Discount! I have dropped lots of money there!

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  14. Wow - Diane is definitely a wonderful new friend - lucky you, Kaaren! My guess is you really didn't have to blame Diane for all your purchases (hee) - if Sam is like Mr. Squash - I know he would say if you're happy - he's happy!! I agree with Hoki Quilts about testing an area of the quilt first. If nothing bleeds I would then wash it with one of those Color Catcher sheets in cold water. They are the best! Do show us a picture when it's all washed and dried! What a fun day you had!
    Cheers!

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  15. What a superb day and such lovely purchases. Lucky you.
    What great retail therapy and with a lovely friend to boot!
    Now how far is that quilt shop in Nova Scotia from Australia?

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  16. Avonport is always a stop for me when I visit NS. The coconut cream pie at Grand Pre is to die for. Makes me wish I was there now. Vicky

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  17. Oh, lucky, lucky you!!! I wish that shop had an online store! :-)
    I heard about someone washing a red and white applique quilt who, out of an abundance of caution, basted colour catcher sheets over the red appliques -- and when she took it out of the washer was glad. The colour catchers were all red but none of it had bled on to the white at all. May use a fair number of colour catchers, but would certainly be worth it!

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  18. Avonport is always a stop for me when I visit NS. Lunch at Grand Pre includes coconut cream pie which is to die for!

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  19. I would wash that beautiful quilt with a color catcher. I see many have suggested the same :D
    What a fun day you had and wonderful finds! Good for you!

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  20. OMG Kaaren, What a lovely candy store. Have you heard that fabric prices are going up. Get back to that store and stock up girl. Watchy waiting for... If all fails with that beautiful quilt I would call Mrs A in Vanleek Hill and ask. I'm sure that she would be delighted to hear from you. Let me know how you like that little iron. I'm in need of a new travel iron. What a great day you had...

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  21. Well for sure it was a perfect day for you. I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying your new surroundings. The quilt is gorgeous and so is all your loot. Enjoy. There is a product that you can buy that you put in your washer to pull all the dye out in case it runs I can't for the life of me remember what it is called but it is just like a dryer sheet to put in the washer with your item that you think will run. Might be made by shout.

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  22. What a great day you had and what fabulous purchases. I would love to find a store like that and then so close to your home and with those fantastic prices.

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  23. Hi Kaaren,

    I would use Shout Colour Catchers, I've had great luck with them.

    Love your other goodies!

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  24. Whoa - I want to go to that shop!! You had a most wonderful day, Kaaren - love your purchases but especially that quilt, it was meant to be! Do contact an expert in antique quilts before you wash it - I've heard retayne helps but I'm not sure how to use it. It is SO GORGEOUS!

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  25. Great buys, Kaaren. I just received a quilt that was my great grandmothers and it was badly stained. My LQS recommended "Vintage Textile Soak". I soaked it for 24 hours and the stains were all gone. It is gorgeous! I am so thrilled with the quilt. It had an ugly brown circular stain that was very large and yellowy/brown stains along the creases where it had been folded. ALL GONE! This stuff is wonderful. I did wash the quilt in gentle cycle after soaking it. I probably wouldn't have done that but my grandmother who gave it to me had already washed it once so I thought I may as well and it did fine. Oh and add vinegar to the wash it will preserve colors and keep it from bleeding.

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  26. You did indeed have a wonderful day. I am so happy for you. After all the work finishing up your house project you needed and deserved some special treats.

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  27. Makes me want to plan a trip to NS just to visit that quilt shop. Looks like one we used to have here in KS...sadly it closed. The quilt is gorgeous! Congrats!

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  28. Lovely quilt. I would certainly do your homework before washing. I have not tried this but here's a blog.

    http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/2010/08/cleaning-vintage-linens-and-quilts.html

    Thanks for an enjoyable blog.

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  29. Your new friend sounds a little like trouble! LOL She has the hot spots on her radar! The discount quilt store looks huge and how fun to have such terrific prices!!

    I'd try a cold water wash with a box of color catchers. I've heard more then one works good too:)
    It is a beautiful quilt.

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  30. I am so glad you had some fun away from the fun of redoing the house!! Which is so gorgeous, by the way...

    What a wonderful quilt! My two cents...don't it unless you really have to...then very carefully with cold water and color catchers...

    Hugs to you!!

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  31. Ooooh what a fun day you two had ... and what fabulous spoils too, well done :o).
    I was going to suggest colour catchers but it looks like I got beaten to the punch ... many times lol!!!! Miche'le's suggestion looks like a good one too, might keep that in mind for myself in future too.
    Hugs,
    Joy :o)

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  32. Too funny how you take along a new friend to blame for your purchases...wink...lol. I love your finds but that quilt is just precious. And as for the Victorian motto, well that is just fabulous. I have already stitched one and have another pattern to stitch one day. You know those one day's seem to take so long in coming. :-)

    Hugs from Holland ~
    Heidi

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  33. Hi Kaaren,

    I'm glad you have found a friend with similar likes. It makes shopping so much more fun and I always find when out with another person that you find twice as much to buy. What a wonderful store. I'm sure you will visit there often. The quilt is beautiful. Will look forward to seeing pictures of it in you new home. Have a great day.
    Dianne

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  34. Whenever I wash anything that might bleed onto the rest of the fabric, I use color catchers. and with red, sometimes i put in two of them. It is a beautiful quilt.

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  35. Kaaren, what a great day. When I come to Nova Scotia, I am throwing out my clothes and taking home fabric from that store in my suitcase! Beth in Northern Alberta.

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  36. Oh my I'm so tickled about your wonderful shopping trip, sounds like a fun time. Now I want to visit that shop too, Canadian prices are crazy here.

    My suggestion would be to take a wet white cloth and rub the red fabric. If the cloth turns pink then the red will most like bleed. I love my colour catchers for washing but haven't had a red quilt to wash recently.

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  37. OMG! Yes you had to buy that quilt. It is beautiful. I would at least talk to someone in my area about washing antique quilts before I let water touch that one. Or do a google search about it. Thanks for sharing it with us. Oh I didnt get to post on your home. It is gorgeous. Love everything you have done.

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  38. La tienda una maravilla y la cantidad de cositas que has comprado.
    La manta blanca de flores es preciosa.
    Tu casa esta quedando bellisima y tu cuarto de costura me he enamorado de el...
    Un gran abrazo

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  39. What a lucky find. All I can suggest is color catchers and a cool wash.
    Would you be so kind to give me the address of the quiltshop? I am staying in NS for three weeks in May and would love to go to the valley and the shop. (We used to live in NS for about 8 years )
    thank you (p.s. love to meet you too...) Mieke

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  40. Now I forgot to give you my mail address.
    m.dinkelaar@planet.nl

    Mieke

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  41. What a fun shopping day! Wow! Lots of treasures and a wonderful friend. Sometimes I use Retayne on quilts that may bleed when I wash them. Good Luck!

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  42. Love your site and your shopping trip sounds like it was so much fun. I would google washing quilts and you will get all kinds of good info.... good luck

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  43. Ahhh that area brings backk great memories I spent alot of time there.I grew up in the Quebec provence...Thanks for sharing can't wait to go visit this summer!

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