recent finds

I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break these last couple of weeks. We went on a week-long road trip to visit family in Indiana and then up to visit some friends who were vacationing on Lake Michigan. It was quite relaxing, as it always is when we visit my in-laws. My mother-in-law is a wonderful cook and we have the best meals when we’re there. She also volunteered to take care of the kids while my husband and I went out for a day of thrift shopping (yay!). Here are some of my recent finds:

This is perhaps the best thing I found. A hand-stitched quilt, obviously well-loved for many years before making its way to the thrift store. When I walked into the store, I saw it in a heap on top of what looked like the pricing desk. When I casually (trying not to seem too interested) asked the price, the clerk replied “$1.59″. Yes, you read that right. I could not believe it. I picked it up, paid for it, and quickly left the store before she changed her mind.

I found a few pieces of vintage fabric and tea towels, too:

I also found some great dishes, which I absolutely do not need in any way, but could not resist the ORANGE and the general feeling of cheerfulness they evoke. The sunflower plate is a vintage piece of Arabia Finland found at a church rummage sale:

The yard-sale season is off to a good start!

she wanted it to go with everything

Here is another version of this bag that I made for my sister’s (belated!) birthday. I sort of leaked the details of what I was making her after she saw mine and commented on it. She had only one request: that it be “springy and go with everything”. So, that is what I tried to accomplish. I think I managed to pull in every possible color, right? A very roomy bag with straps that are just the right length for over your arm or over your shoulder. Happy Belated Birthday, sis!