Antiques part 1

For the last few days my Husband and I have been going to Antique Shops.  I really enjoy going to these places--so many things to look at!  The hunt is always on.  Booth to booth, what is going to be waiting patiently for you to see?!   We went to 2 different ones in 2 days, one was 50,000 square with 450 vendors, the other was 110,000 with over 650 vendors.  It was 2 solid days of looking and buying.  I didnt realize how hungry you get at these places-- its not like you are doing heavy labor, just looking right?  Walking around and checking it all out slowly, to make sure you dont miss anything is tough :).  We are both hunting for different things, but we keep an eye out for what each other likes just in case. 

Some of the 'malls' we went to were incredible.  Others are like flea markets, crap just everywhere and piled all over.  Everyone has a different taste of how they like to shop for antiques, I prefer the more boutique style, everything set up relatively nice and better quality of goods.  Of course, the better quality of goods, comes with a better quality price tag too.  But, you get what you pay for and to me it is worth it.

The first item that I have on top, is a 3 dimensional box- approximate size 11 x 14 x 3.  The color grabbed my eye and I went to look at it closer, and realized that the 'picture' is a lid and opens up to a great spot to store my new goodies that I have been collecting.  I think it is fabulous and check the price.  Well, she is coming home with me :).  I am thrilled.  The gentleman explained it was from the 50's, I can only take his word for it, not knowing much about antiques.  I shop for what I like, and what I can afford, and think to my self.....is it worth what they are asking-- (in my opinion).

Up next is a tiny JP Coats mending kit.  9 out of the 10 tiny spools are included and the box is in Mint condition.  I think the spools are so cute, and the colors are perfect.  Looks like the 9 spools are un-used too. The day before I bought the pin cube, I saw one in perfect condition-with all 100 pins and they wanted over $150 bucks for it.  Nope.  Not for me.  I found this little guy, missing all but 2 pins and not so good condition, but good enough for me.  Sold!

So many other things I have been collecting, starting new collections, adding to ones I already have.  Thank goodness my Husband is just as excited to go to these places as me.  Otherwise, I would be in trouble :)

I have been stitching on a small homework assignment, 1 of 2 parts from the 'Thank you Sarah Tobias' book from BBD.  1 of 2 pincushions to be stitched and I have stitched the first part.  Just have to finish my name.  I will start the next one hopefully soon, such a cute piece. Using 40ct Vintage Woodsmoke Lakeside Linens with Limited Edition Silk n Color thread-- Caravan Road.   There are great designs in this book and if you dont own it already, it is a must have in your stash.  Not much on the stitching front, I wanted to work on something easy that I could do much faster then usual. 

Antiquing cuts into stitching time, but it is worth every minute.  Now, what about those Oil Cans......

Paradise Lost

So as you can see, I have finished Paradise Lost by Plum Street Samplers.   I am thrilled to have my 2nd piece of the year done and under my belt.  I started this last Fall with a bunch of other stitchers, and have had a blast stitching it with them in a un-official SAL.  This weekend I brought my project with me to TX for a wedding.  Flying time--plenty to get it done.  Stitching on the way fast and furious, also on the way home.  Since flying in for the wedding on Friday afternoon, and festivities starting almost immediately, I only had time to stitch on the plane.  No complaints, although for the first time in my life I wished the flight home was a bit longer, taking advantage of the flowing wine in the first class cabin, I wasnt able to complete it.  I had the heading already in my mind "Paradise Lost is First Class". 

It was a family wedding, and it was just great to see everyone again.  Since it has only been a month, or should I say already since my Sister has tied the knot......Seeing the relatives again was a blast.  I am always ready to get all dolled up for a party.  I made sure to have PL with me--- the end was near. 

Tonight I have completed the PL sampler-- What is officially next, we shall see.  Stitching this beauty on 45ct Vintage Sand Dune from Lakeside with the called for NPI and Gloriana silks, dont you just love the silks???!!!!!! My sampler measures 17.25" long x 7.5" high; an amazing difference in size from the model of 23.25" x 10.5" on 36ct.  I already have the frame picked out, this summer I will have to bring it away. 

What is next?  Well, I have shown my sister what I am going to stitch for her and her new Husband (yes, I did start it!!!!!), so that is next for sure.....but what is next after that?!!  I have a few ideas and I am sure a few more will be thought of in only a matter of weeks.  Projects planned again with friends. 

I am headed into another great summer of fabulous friends, fun and so much laughter, your sides and cheeks hurt for days.  I cant wait to see you guys.  Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and kind words over the last few and far between posts.

Final question and thought, for the gals stitching this sampler with me--- How are all of you doing on it?!!!!  Finishing this piece makes me thirsty :)

Sunday Stitching

So excited to be stitching again, what a treat that I have been missing for so long now.  I made some progress on my tree, which I have been dreading as well.  It sure looks pretty.  I am fired up about stitching on this project by Plum Street Samplers.   The tree is the halfway point and is almost done.

I went to a BBQ yesterday, the tree would have been a little further along, but I didnt bring my stitching with me.  It was windy outside and a bit cooler then expected 58 degrees-- to me that is almost freezing!!  I had been enjoying the heat last week--90 degrees--- the hotter the better and today

it is SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can you even?!!!  Yes, I left the heat on Saturday night, to come to ?????!!!  THE COLD?????  It is May 24th right?!!  Silly spring snow.  I got up early to start the coffee and pick up my stitching, and this is what it looked like outside.  I dont think it will last of course, being that it is supposed to be 80 on Thursday.  We shall see!  Looks like another great stitching day :)

Paradise Lost Update

Please excuse the poor pic of this blessed project that I have been working on forever.....  I took this pic last night at the airport-- laid across my lap, so you only see what you see!!  I have finished the bottom saying and filled in the banner and cloud-- which was endless, but that was filled in forever ago.  I have not picked up this piece to work on it until 3 days ago, when I started working on the tree and finished the snake.  I must say, I was very pleased when the snake lined up on Eve's shoulder perfectly. 

I have some time off this week, so I am very excited to get some stitching done.  This poor project has been collecting dust for some time now, and it is time to get moving on it!!!!

Thanks for all your comments on my finish last week, and Best wishes for my Sister and new Husband. Can you believe, already they have been married for a whole week!!! How time just flies by.   Incredible!!!!

Have a great week!!

Primitive House

A little late in the season, but here is my first finish of the year.  Yes, you did read correct, this is my first!!  LOL.  Isnt it cute?  I bought this piece of linen in February, changed the DMC to Crescent Colors for a little variety and ta-da!! This piece is called Primitive House from Ewe & Eye & Friends.  32ct Lakeside something with Crescent Colors. 

This is the project I mentioned a few posts ago, that was almost half done in 2 days, and then it was pushed off to the side.  Flying to my sisters wedding, I decided it was time to get it done!  I finished it on the flight over, and was a tiny bit annoyed that I didnt have something to stitch on the way back.  I attempted to look for one in the stash that I have at my mothers house, but didnt find something to easy.  So needless to say, I came back empty handed.  Can you even imagine?  Empty handed!! 

Simply Amazing

This past Saturday, May 15th, my little sister was married.   She chose the most beautiful spot along the Hudson River, Upstate NY.  Gorgeous views from her reception.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  The temperature was around 74, low humidity and puffy clouds.  The sun was shining brightly.

 
My sister borrowed the angels on her cake top from my mother, who used them on her cake top, when she got married.  The cake was chocolate with a hazelnut icing.  Very tasty!!

Weren't her flowers gorgeous!!  Lilacs, Sterling roses, Black Magic Calla lilies, gosh, the smell was breath-taking.  We all were caught smelling the bouquet and center pieces :).  She had beautiful table linens, pin tucked lavender taffeta, lavender napkins, everything was thought of.

Our dresses were tremendous, our hair was perfect.  She was simply glowing.  Radiant.  Perfect.  My mother made her cathedral length veil, with the same exact alencon lace that she wore on her bridal gown.  Her dress was impeccable.  Not a piece out of place.  Her shoes exquisite.  Her necklace was borrowed from Great Grandma, the same she wore on her day, close to 100 years ago.   I was honored to stand up next to my sister.

My sister planned this entire event.  Every detail was thought of.  Her ceremony included a 14 piece orchestra-- close friends and family, with music she chose for months and months.  She arranged several pieces and it brought tears to all of our eyes when the doors in the back of the church opened up, and there my father and my sister stood.  The most beautiful music was playing, and she knew the very line to come in on.  She knew it was time.  Slowly, she marched down the aisle, and stood at the end, waiting for her song to finish.  All that time she had spent on this music, had come down to this very moment.   She was to be married in only a matter of minutes.

I will never forget this day, my sister the most beautiful bride, so peaceful and calm. One of the happiest women I know. Simply amazing.   I love her very much :)