Saturday, May 5, 2012

Finishes, Thrifting and Crochet!!!

Hello my lovelies!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I've been quite the busy bee as of late.  Finishing things...shocking I know...picking up crochet again...organizing...planning...bobbinating (I love making up words!)  It all started with me just getting fed up with myself for not finishing my stitching into something, whether it be an ornament, a pillow, or whatever.  I just had it with my stitching sitting there staring at me, asking me "What are you going to do with us?!" So I made things!! I think I have crocheting to thank for that.  Not sure why crocheting triggered the finishing bug, but when I was looking at Meme Rose's blog, which you ALL need to do, I felt inspired to make a cute tea cosy for my Nana.  So on Friday, I went to my local thrift store and asked the lady if they had any crochet needles.  They did! They also had a ton of little wools too!! Perfect! I also picked up a couple of other little sewing notions, a nice little basket that the yarns fit nicely into, and lace doilies, for another project I have in mind!  All of which I paid a total of....

Wait for it...........

$5.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love shopping there! I get to bargain with the lady which I find so much fun!! She told me that the 8 crochet needles I bought were worth about $1.00 each.  I got the whole lot for 50 cents!! Fabulous!!

Here's some photos of my finds.

Titus wouldn't sit still for the picture.
After my thrift store scores, I headed to Fabricland and found a quilter's beginner kit for half off! I got the whole kit and kaboodle for $25!! Usually, just the rotary cutters cost $25.00 on their own. So I think I got an amazing deal!!
See, I'm on a roll!!!

Onto the finishes.  I finally completed my Mom's ornament.  Yup, finished it in May.  I don't know why it took me so long to finish it.  I made my own twisted cord the old school way: taped to my desk and with a pencil.  I used a tutorial to make the twisted cord. I think it looks really good.  I'm sure my Mom will love it!!

On Thursday night, I began stitching the chart I won from Rahenna: Sisters and Best Friends "Bumble Bee." I stitched it on 32 ct. Natural linen using DMC threads.  I had this cute little frame that worked perfectly with the pattern.  I love bees!!!!
I think this was my fastest finish to date.  If only all of my finishes could be made that quickly!!!

I also started two new projects.  One is a secret and so I can't show anyone what I'm doing.  The other is nearly completed.  I just need to buy new glue and then I can finish it.  There are also a number of little projects I want to start from the Gift of Stitching.  I ended up buying more of the magazines and have been loving reading all the articles and looking at the designs.  Tons of great ideas and projects to do!!

A note on giveaways.  I recently won Topcho's giveaway!!! I am so excited to receive her adorable needlebook that she made! Thank you so much Topcho!! I'll be eagerly awaiting my package!!!

As for my giveaway, I'm still mulling over what to make.  I want it to be a handmade item but haven't picked out the pattern yet.  Stay tuned!!!!

I stitched more of the tea cup handle on TBF.  No Jane stitching though. I've been too eager to get my other projects done that I figured I will stitch on her when I don't feel like finishing!!!
After I took the first photo of TBF, Titus rolled in!! Luckily, he is very gentle and didn't do anything to my stitching!!!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this post.  I'm very happy to have actually completed a couple of projects and hope to have a few more to share with all of you soon!!

Take care,

Hugs from

Anne and Titus

35 comments:

Jennifer M. said...

Looks like you had a nice shopping trip. Bargains are good! The ornament came out great and your other WIP projects are looking great. I've been meaning to start crocheting again but I just haven't found any time!

Vickie said...

Hooray! You have accomplished much. :) Silly Titus♥

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

What fantastic bargains!

The snowman ornie is cute too.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what you choose to stitch first from GoS. It's so hard to decide isn't it?

Margaret said...

Awww, Titus is such a cutie! He sounds like Mia -- doesn't ever harm my stitching or my fibers. Now if I kept my fibers out of their floss away bags, it might be a different story on that, but. lol! Great deals you found, both on the crochet and the quilting starter kit! Be careful with the rotary cutter -- I still shudder when I think of how I cut my finger once. Ugh! Good for you with the crochet too! Love your mom's ornie -- so pretty and nicely finished! Love the bee finish too!

Unknown said...

I love your snowman ornament! It's really cute, congrats on a beautiful finish! The bee design is very pretty also, and it's nice to see some progress on TBF!

Rhona said...

So you had a visit from the finishing fairy too!!! Your snowman ornament turned out wonderfully! And didn't you get some great bargains!

Catherine said...

Wonderful goodness!

butterfly said...

Love your mothers ornament how cute .
also love your Bee one . Hugs.

Pauline said...

I see that you have enjoyed yourself very much!
nice needlework, i love to crochet!

Anonymous said...

Lovely stitching and great bargains!
I love the snowman ornament you've made for your mum, the twisted cord looks great.

Carol said...

Your snowman ornament is perfect, Anne! I love it and I know your mother will, too!! Don't you just love a good bargain--lucky you :) Can't wait to see your secret project :)

Have a lovely and relaxing Sunday, my friend! I'll be in the car most of the day driving back home... No stitching time for me!

sana said...

It is very nice shopping!
Very wonderful ornament!

Chris said...

Hey Anne!
What a great deal.
I love the colors and that tea cozy is pretty amazing.
Aren't super models difficult to deal with? Titus is so beautiful.
Your Mom's ornament is beautiful. It is such a sweet design. Great finish on the Bee chart too.
You are getting so much done right now!
Happy Sunday!
Hugs to you and Titus.

Melissa said...

I think Titus is liking that camera more and more! lol. What a handsome boy he is!

Great thrifting finds and buys at Fabricland! I see you have the thrifting bug. I want to learn to crochet too!

Your stitchy finishes are great. I'm sure your mom will love what you made for her.

Isn't the sunshine wonderful? We were out in the garden yesterday and will be again today! Lots of work out there to do!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Angela said...

I love bargains and you found some great ones! Great crocheting and I love your ornament finish, the cording looks fab.Congrats on the finish and the win! Have a great week :)

valerie said...

I love thrift store finds! Sounds like you got a good bargain on the hooks and wool! Love the finishing on your snowman ornie for your mom. It came out terrific! And great progress on your TBF. I can start to see the handle forming now! :) Hope you're having a nice weekend! *hugs*

rosey175 said...

Thrift store finds are so awesome!! I have one where I actually have to limit myself, ahaha~ The ornament looks great and now it can be a Mother's Day surprise!?

And I think Titus wanted attention and loves. "Stop taking pictures and loves meee~"

Mouse said...

oooooo I do love it when we can get good bargains :)
well done on the crocheting ... seems to be a new in thing atm ... can't wait to see the secret stuff and well done on the stitching progress too :) *hi Titus :) love mouse xxxxx

Veronica said...

Titus looks as if he's having too much fun with your yarn. No wonder he wouldn't stay still :P

You've certainly done a great job with the cord. Thanx for the link. Will check it out.

Cute Bumble Bee finish. The frame's just lovely.

Hugs,
Veronica.

♥ Nia said...

You were on a roll!! Great for you :D
Your finish looks lovely =) That snowman is one of my favorites!! Hope to stitch him this year :)
Hugs&Smmiles to you

Ewa said...

Amazing, Anne! You have been a busy bee, haven't you! You got so much done and you should be proud of yourself! Titus is so gorgeous!

Carla said...

Beautiful finishes Anne! The frame for the bumble bee design is perfect!

Deborah said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog now I get to see yours :) just love your bargains but your Bee project is just adorable! have a happy week.

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!

Patty C. said...

Your little snowman is so cute - wonderful finish

Carolyn said...

You got some GREAT bargains! I love thrift shopping. So fun!

Your finishes are great! Love the snowmen. :0)

Melissa said...

WOW You have been busy! I'd love to learn how to quilt one of these days - being crafty is so fun isn't it :)

Meari said...

Cute finishes!! And great thrifting/shopping deals. Kudos!

Anonymous said...

couldn't find a picture I didn't love in this post.. :)

happy xxx and purrs
chiara - http://thegreytail.wordpress.com

Dani - tkdchick said...

You did a gorgeous job on your Mom's ornament!!!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

You found some great bargains! I'm never so fortunate and I'm convinced that everyone has better thrift stores than we do here.

Your mothers ornament is finished beautifully!

Maureen said...

that was some good shopping you got done there and a couple of cute little finishes as well - good going!

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

gorgeous stitching :D

Kathy Ellen said...

Congratulations upon your wonderful finishing and your great newest finds too! Your Mom is sure to love the adorable ornament, and your twisted cord looks perfect! Titus, in the middle of everthing is absolutely fluffy and cute as ever.

Joysze said...

ANNIIIIIIIEEEEEEE, your mom's ornie is DARLING!!!!! Awwww... I love it.

ROFLMAO, I like Titu's 'braid.' Damn, that cat is gorgeous. :D

You awesome shopper you.... those are such steals. Got any pic of your nana's tea cosy yet? ;)

HMBW!!!!!!!!!!

Valentina said...

Great finishes! I hope your finishing bug will hop all over the ocean to reach me!