Let's Go Shopping: The Day That Must Not Be Named

In spite of not at all enjoying crowds of tryptophan-addled shopping zombies all trying to suck the brain juices from the same item, I did go shopping on The Day That Must Not Be Named . . . . but to some thrift stores and JoAnn's.

From l to r: Master Book of Bonsai compiled by the Directors of the Japan Bonsai Association, An Easy Guide to Japanese Flower Arranging Styles by Lida Webb, Under the Trees and Through the Grass by Alvin Tresselt, Mister Penny's Circus by Marie Hall Ets, Betty Crocker's Paries for Children, Swimmy by Leo Lionni, Know the Stars by H. A. Rey, The Egg Tree by Katherin Milhous, Gardening with Terrariums and Sand Sculpture by Rex E. Mabe, Cutco Cook Book by Margaret Mitchell (I assume not the ghost of the same Margaret Mitchell who wrote Gone with the Wind)

Thrift stores were not playing around. One I went to: everything 50% off. Here is where I bought a bunch of books. I have a real serious fondness for old children's books, especially from the 1960's, with neat-o illustrations -- they are great sources of inspiration.

Murder! and Burglary

Betty Crocker's Parties for Children is extremely amusing to me.  From 1964, this book has some really terrific illustrations. Among the party game ideas are Murder and Burglary.

 
Caveman and cavewoman, smoking pig, children fondling sausages, chicken otolaryngologist

The Cutco Cook Book from 1961 also has amusing illustrations. I particularly like the smoking pig.

Things nearly organized neatly

At another thrift store I got some rick rack, felt Halloween stickers, and vintage souvenir patches.

From l to r, back row: Andrea Katz Objects for Vogue patterns V1102, Donna Karan for Vogue patterns V1220,  Butterick Double-breasted coat B5685, Butterick gloves B5695, Stitcher's Revolution Roaring into the 20s SR14. From l to right, front row: fat quarters, DMC floss, elastic threaders, loop turner, fat quarters.

Technically, I went to Joann's on Saturday but the shopping mood was the same. I picked up a few patterns, some embroidery thread, and some fat quarters, but most excitingly, a loop turner tool and a set of elastic threading tools. You don't really need a loop turner or elastic threader (you can use a safety pin) but these tools do make doing those things easier and the price was right. Merry Xmas to me.

I've decided I want to tackle making a quilt -- a simple patchwork quilt to start. Have you ever made a quilt? No? Let's make one together! (Unless I realize quickly I wasn't put on this Earth to make quilts, I plan to write about my attempt.)

Finally, have you been living under a rock in a cave on Mars, or have you heard of Pinterest? If you like crafty-makey anything, you'll love it. Pinterest website where you can curate virtual pin boards for any theme. You can add new pins of your own or repin from others boards. I feel like crafts, fashion, and foods are probably the most popular types of boards but there are also boards for art, travel . . . everything. Lately, I've been lovingly working on my Xmas board and it's given me a lot of ideas. Feel free to follow me!