Love of Junk

Last weekend, among other things,

I attended the Love of Junk in Walla Walla.

I went only briefly last year so didn't get the full effect.

This year, I knew about it in advance so planned accordingly.

The hosts and vendors were by far the most

accommodating & friendly of any of the shows, sales, etc.

that I have ever been to.

It was a beautiful day with lots to see.

This was the only picture I took outside for some reason.

There were just as many vendors outside,

some with little vintage trailers.

There was live music & food too:)

I came home with a couple little things, 

but my favorite is this.

 

 I've used it a couple times already as you can probably tell.

It was evidently made in 1949.

On the front along with a floral motif, it says,

Hilsen Fra Norge.

If anyone can tell me what that means, I'd love to know.

Though it really doesn't matter as I love it's usefulness.

PS sorry for the date info on the top pictures.  I have a 'new to me' camera and didn't realize that it would show up on the pictures.  I got it figured out pretty quickly:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

A Quilt Show and An Estate Sale

Talk about a weekend on the go.

Now I need a weekend to recuperate from the weekend.

Saturday was the Pendleton Quilt Show.

It was nice, not as many vendors as usual

which I am finding is kinda the norm since 2008.

There were of course some pretties:

 These 2 are by Jess Berry.

His work is all self designed and hand appliqued and quilted.

Sunday, while lazily roaming Craigslist antiques,

I ran across an add for an estate sale in Waitsburg, WA.

I was going to wait until next weekend

to go that direction for a few odds

but decided to go today instead.

The prices (on Sunday) at half off were fair.

The 'regular' price was what one might find

in a much larger city so perhaps fair in a different geographic area.

They were fair enough to find a few goofy little goodies.

 A whimsical frog tape dispenser.

 

                                                    This thimble intrigued me.  

It has a thread cutter on the side.

It's just sitting on the tea cup, because it's little.

Mr. LB went fishing today so

when I saw this picture, I just cracked up.

It's called "Pa & Ma Philosopher."

I got a few other things also,

that I neeeeeded of course.

I've been being good about saving so I almost felt guilty

after buying these things today.

Mr. LB laughed at me when I told him that and said,

"Just don't spend the mortgage."

May you all have a beautiful Sunday evening.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

One Man's Trash

We had a busy but fun weekend.
My mother-in-law and I went to Portland to 
their largest yard sale.
Over 400 vendors in one building.
We went last year as well.
We seemed to find a lot more last year:
however, we did find a little something.

This is just part of the spoils.

 I love intaglios.  I have an amber glass intaglio necklace.  
This is clear so it actually shows the color behind it. 
I have a bit of a collection of beaded collars.
I'm not quite sure  why I just am so drawn to them.
The two strands of beads are just to use in whatever,
but I was sure I needed them.

 Always on the hunt for fabric.
A piece of homespun, wool, and cotton.
It's the quilter in me.

She reminded me of Holly Hobby.

An old pot holder that I'll wash and use.

 I have always wanted a half doll pincushion so
I finally found one - and a mother-of-pearl pin.

We returned home (to in-laws) and across the street,

a neighbor was having a yard sale.  I found this lamp that

is not old, but will be a great bedside lamp.  I

should have straightened the shade before taking the picture.

I did get just a couple other things, but they are

for others so I don't want them to see before they

receive them.

A fun weekend but as always,

it feels good to be home.

Hope you have a beautiful Monday.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers & Even Stitches

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

Gifts

Just a quick post to let you know what is new.  I was fortunate enough to happen by a sale that was at the home of an artist.  I found typing paper, water-color paper, a bunch of cookie cutters, and several odds. 

The gold medals have already been removed from the board and cleaned and might become the 'pulls' for some creative bell-pulls.  I have a bit of a collection of tea cups & tea pots.  My dishes are all white (one of the smartest moves I've made) so this little sweetie just fits right in.  There were several fabrics - old small prints :)  and an antique compass that still works! 

I am still stitching on the same projects so won't bother with those, but will share with you a wonderful gift from God.  As I was looking out my front window to see how the sprinkler was doing, I spied this view.

That's mama eating my plum tree.

*One of the fawns*  I took these photos through my front window - I didn't want to scare them by opening the door.  The fun thing is - this doe and her twins have made their home in our yards.  Our neighbors (within a couple miles) and ourselves - have all been watching out for them since they were born.  They have enjoyed spending time in the middle of the road.  Either the pavement was warm for the babies or they are just suicidal.  We have 'shooed' them off the road more than once.  I hadn't seen them for a few weeks so was glad to see that all three are still kicken'.  We don't even mind them being in the yard - until they start destroying things.  It's all part of living in this beautiful place.  If I wanted a town yard, I would live in town.  We also saw a bear cub yesterday - think we spooked him.  He raced right up a tree and held on tight!  I didn't have my camera out and ready so no picture - sorry.  Just in case you are wondering, you don't try to get too close to cubs or spend much time trying to get their pictures.  Where there is a cub, there is a mama who doesn't want you bothering her cub.  It's best to leave them alone. 

Off to work on my challenge quilt - hoping to finish it up this week - will share after the show.  Until then, happy stitches and nimble fingers. 

Diamonds in the Dust

*First, I would just like to say that I think my computer is being abducted by aliens.  We will see what happens when I try to make a post.

I hope everybody had a fantastic weekend.  I was lucky enough to get some stitching time in.  I love the folklore of having a spider in a crazy quilt so usually try to add one or more into the works.  By doing so, I have made various types and styles of spiders, but I have to say, "This just might be my favorite."  I can't even tell you where I got the charm.  I have been known to buy 'odd' garments at a yard sale etc. just for the buttons.  About a week ago, I ended up with about a measuring cup full of single earrings, odd pieces of jewelry, and 'imperfect' miscellaneous pieces for a dollar.  I was thrilled.  The folks running the sale were kinda looking at me funny.  There was an older fella there, and he asked what I was going to do with them.  I told him I like to make crazy quilts so I like to have little treasures on hand.  He smiled and said, "Crazy quilts huh."  We didn't get to chat as others were needing his attention, but I am just guessing he had a story. 

Friday, I went to a downsizing/moving sale and found this beauty. 

Now hang on a minute.  Look closer.  I gave 50 cents and look what I got.  I wasn't after the polyester gabradine with the stain or even the fashion statement of the 1960's elderly population.  It was this.

It took a matter of minutes to remove them from the dress, and I now have these beauties to use on some fun project.

A couple of other goodies I found at the same sale:

This recipe book has a copyright of 1882 & includes instructions like, "use a piece of butter or over the eggs pour the lot."  I was having a blast reading it.  Our language has certainly changed over the years.

The point of all of this is that 'junking' has become quite fashionable within recent years, and we are eager to dig into what appears to be... well - junk.  Maybe, we should do that more often with people.  It might only take a moment to offer a kind word, and our treasure might not be tangible, but it will be priceless.  Think about your friends.  How many of them were introduced to you, and how many began simply as strangers then a smile and hello were made?  Please don't mistake me - People are not junk, but there are millions of them around & isn't it just amazing when we pick one and turn them into a friend?

Until Next Time - Even Stitches & Many Smiles

P.S.  I didn't mean to tease you with only the picture of the spider.  I will show you the rest of the quilt when it is finished:)