Estate Sale Finds

This was actually a good estate sale.  Sometimes, I feel a little weird about estate sales although I love seeing old time goodies that are nowhere to be found on store shelves today.  The ol' fella that owned this home also had another in another town so was selling off one of them.  There were over 8000 books (a good portion cookbooks.)

I found a sweet little doll quilt.

One of the things I just love about these little old doll quilts is their imperfections.  These little blocks are not square - you can see at the bottom corner - as well as the fact that they were loved.

Also, a few kitchen items, I just couldn't live without.

I have always wanted a cake cover - I usually see the tops, but the bottoms are gone, or they are in such poor condition, it's not worth it.  This one is fantastic.  It even locks so the lid doesn't slide over into the cake.  Love little butter molds.  
I have a bit of a collection of pie crust cutters, purely by accident of course:) I actually use them though, some for pie crusts and some for other confections.

I have never seen one like this.  It has the wheel at one end and at the other the scallop.  I can't wait to try it.

And....there was a sewing room with some interesting notions-score!

This might sound funny, but of all my pincushions, I don't have an old fashioned tomato.  Lots of vintage transfers.  I will use some, but not all.  Also, lots of lace and vintage trims, so I have goodies to organize.  Huge hoop - $1.
I did get just a couple other things, but I want to show you that with something else in another post.

There was lots more there of course, but we must set our limits (even if they are waaaaay out there:)

Time to stitch...

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Free Thanksgiving Pattern

Giving thanks and giving back.

I have some exciting news.  My friends and family have been telling me I should do this for a long time.  I have made patterns for people in the past, but haven't charged for them.  I am taking a leap and have begun posting my patterns.  If you look in my blog shoppe, they will be added as I have opportunity to do so.  It takes a little time just to get them posted to the shoppe let alone to create them. 

As a little perk to you, I am giving you a sweet Thanksgiving design that could actually be used the entire autumn season.  I put mine on a table runner, but you can make a pillow, tea towel, pot-holder, wall hanging, or a number of other items with this design.  The best news is... it's free! 

I would like to ask a couple things: first, I would ask that you become a follower - it's not a requirement.  You can still get the pattern if you choose not to follow.  I am a believer in the honor system:), and second, would you like more free patterns or designs perhaps each season?  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  That's where being a follower really kicks in.  You would get to see those free patterns, and of course, this is just a fun place to hang out.  (I hope you like the idea as I have a another one in mind and am hoping to get started on it.)

I have a couple other patterns in the works that are more along the quilting line.  It just takes a little longer to get those samples made.

This free pattern is in my blog shoppe as well.  Let me know if for any reason it isn't working.  You should be able to just click and print.
I am still a newby to blogging so I am learning by doing:)

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

PS: Blessings to you folks over on the east coast - be safe.

Simpler Times

The other evening as my husband and I were sitting in the living room, I commented, "I so like our picture."  This was in reference to a large picture we purchased at a yard sale this summer that now hangs on our main wall in the living room.  It is from the 1700's and has sheep, a wagon, thatched roofs, etc.  His response was, "Me too.  It reminds me of a simpler time."  Those words have stayed with me.  Autumn is usually my favorite time of year and for some reason, this year my heart feels a little heavy.  There are always a multitude of factors of course, but I have been thinking about a simpler time.  I finished my Civil War table runner this morning.  I showed you the beginnings here a very long time ago.  Well, I sat this morning and finished it.  I hand quilted it with two strands of quilting thread.  This was the project I would tote around and more than once, my mom asked, "Do you always use two strands?"  "Nope."  I also made the stitches bigger, which was a bit of a task for me.  My natural gauge is much smaller.

Here is a little better shot of it.  I enjoyed making it even though I did several other projects while this one was in the works.  I have been in the 'finish it all up mode' for the past few days.  - Better take advantage of it as I'm sure it won't stick around long, and I will want to start something new.-  I will probably be putting it in my etsy shop.  Just finished it, so it may or may not get in there today.  The real question is, "Do you know what that is it's draped over?"

It's a pie caddy.  I like to play with lumber and power tools as well as fabric and scissors:)  I made one for my mom, and she keeps part of her rolling pin collection in it until she needs it.  I made one for myself and love it.  Our neighbors have a pie party every December for the neighborhood.  It works great.  The handle makes it easy to hang onto - so no spills.  I put this one in my etsy shop, and it has had no views.  It may be that nobody is interested, or it may be that they just don't know what it is.  The only other one I have ever seen was an antique - for way back when they used to have pie socials - you know, a simpler time.  I also made a batch of apple butter.  The apples from one tree in particular are smaller, but are sooo delicious.  I watch that tree year around.  Does anybody think about things like that any more?  We were without power this morning, and I just relished in the peace.  Peace, a sound we don't hear much about.  I am finding myself reaching back in time and connecting with the past and with nature.  The leaves falling, the smell of apple butter simmering in the crock pot, and the quiet of needle and thread;  it touches my heart and lifts it up just a little.  The chipmunks are scampering to and fro and chattering up a storm, and it makes me smile.  I am surrounded by blessings and am thankful for each and every one from the caterpillar crawling up the tree to the roof over our heads, and especially for those who came before me and made apple butter, carried a pie caddy, and worked a needle.  They inspire me.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches