A purchase, a pillow and packing…

I went to Stitches Midwest on Saturday afternoon. It’s a knitting show so there was lots of yarn… I actually have a strategy when it comes to shopping at shows these days. It involves walking around the whole vendor mall and then going back and making my purchases. If I forget something it means I didn’t really need it so it’s OK! And really… is there anything I really need?

I picked up my most patient of friends, Sue, on the way and we followed our plan. Well, I did. Sue gave in and bought some lavender scented talcum powder before we had quite got all the way around but it was on the last aisle so I guess it was all right.

I knew exactly where I wanted to revisit. First I headed back to a knitting needle booth in the first aisle and bought some hand made hexagonal knitting needles from Indian Lake Artisans. I’m loving knitting with them.

Next up was a double booth of the loveliest baskets I have seen in a long while. I had peaked at the price tags so I was ready… I brought home this beautiful hand made Shaker style work box from Tim Arnold of the Saw Dust Company.
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Open the lid and there’s a removable tray inside…

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And the lid is magic! There’s a magnet inside so you can use it to hold onto your scissors or anything else that might otherwise run away while you are working… pins and needles anyone?

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The scissors came with it. I don’t think it will take me long to find some other good stuff to keep them company. It’s not a basket for on the road but it definitely beats the plastic bag I’ve been using in the family room! Tim is from Nashville, Tennessee and he gave me a very good recommendation for a new restaurant to try next time I’m down that way…

I did buy two skeins of yarn via a new fiber club. I’ll see how that turns out.

It’s time for a new class schedule at Quilters Quest and that means new samples. I have added an extra class to my usual staples and will be offering a Happy Scrappy Improv Pillow class this fall. I finished my pillow yesterday afternoon.

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This one is 18″ square quilted with a fairly dense grid… denser in the middle if you look closely. I forgot to think happy thoughts for a few minutes and ran into a few problems but one attitude adjustment later all was once again well with the world and I’m happy with the way it came out. I like the pink binding around the edge. It’s a fun way to assemble a pillow.

Yes, I’m headed out again on Wednesday so packing is progressing. I am hoping to have all my class materials completely sorted and in the suitcases by the end of today. This is where I’m up to this morning.

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This mess on the table also needs clearing up and either packing or putting away.

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I’m hopeful! I have a list and I’ll be checking it twice… The reward will be sleeping with a clear conscience knowing that Tuesday will not be spent panicking. I’ll have plenty of time for my hair appointment and maybe even a pedicure. Hope I’ll be seeing some of you in Portland!

 

2 Comments

  1. Nadine Donovan said:

    Love the pillow! I am a sucker for all kinds of boxes-especially fancy hand made ones.

    August 10, 2015
  2. Jen B said:

    I love your idea of how your shop at shows, I think I need to adopt it!

    August 12, 2015

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