Best.Estate Sale.Ever!

 

Do you know Rhonda of Kattywhompus Primitives?

She has two lovely Etsy shops and is an artist on Early Work Mercantile.

She also is a writer for Mercantile Gatherings Magazine and last winter wrote an incredible article about our favorite shop, Country Sampler in Spring Green, Wisconsin. I had the pleasure of meeting Rhonda at Boxwood & Berries at Country Sampler two year ago and it was a joy!

 

This past fall, I received an email from Rhonda. She wanted to let me know about an incredible estate sale that she had heard about and thought was near my home. It was about 40 minutes away and it was an incredibly busy weekend, but after I saw the photos I knew that I had to get there some way, some how! Between commitments, I figured out that I could go to the Estate sale on the final day, but could only stay for about 40 minutes and would have to run. I took my small budget, hopped in the car with my gps and headed out.

 

There was a line of about 12 people ahead of me and time was ticking. Seeing the treasures they were coming out with I started hyperventilating! All the good stuff was going out! The house was teeny and tiny and as one person left, one could go in. I waited as patiently as I could...

 

The woman that had lived there was an incredible collector of primitives - no junk here. She didn't have just one of anything, each type of item was an entire collection!  Her home was bursting to the brim and each and every item was the best quality available - no reproductions.

 



 

 

I can't imagine how long it took her to amass her collections.

But just looking at everything brought me such joy!

 

 

Time was ticking and I had to make some decisions.

(Those that know me know that I am not good at making spur of the moment decisions :) I must ponder and agonize over every purchase LOL! So my 30 minutes flew by in the blink of an eye!

 

 If only my budget had a few extra zeros after it!

The prices were fair retail antique shop prices, but

I was fortunate enough to be there on the final day, so everything was half off!

Even so a bigger budget would definitely have helped with the decisions!

 

 This was the room I spent the most time in... agonizing!

I have always wanted a punched tin lantern, but oh my stars! How do you make a decision with card tables stacked on top of each other filled with punched tin lanterns??!

 

 

I have always been mesmerized by toy Noah's Arks, I had a plastic one as a child that I adored and treasured. I had never seen an antique one in real life, just online or in books and here was an entire fleet. This was the only decision that I was able to make in a snap!

 

After my half hour was over and I was heading home, I had to call my parents on the phone to tell them all about it. I think it took a few minutes before they could understand what I was saying, I was babbling so!

 

 

Don't you love all these antique painted baskets piled up in the bathtub!

 

Thank you ever so much Rhonda for taking the time to tell me about this incredible sale!

(I told  her so with a little treasure that I found for her there :) 



It was a half hour that I will never ever forget!

 

In my next post I will share my purchases.

And if I can get myself together I will have a little giveaway of some sort...

 

Blessings, Patti

Finished?

"Is it Spring Yet?

Design by Maggie Bonanomi

for Blackberry Primitives

Butternut Days Club

 



 

Taking pictures at night, it is hard to do a piece justice.

(Ignore my foot in the shot as well :)

Is it better without a flash.

 

 

Or with a flash?

 

I love this wonderful design and wanted to finish it before spring is over...

I haven't worked on a wool piece for myself in a while, but this one inspired me to do so :)

 

 

I usually back all of my mats, but for some reason the torn frayed edge really appeals to me.

If I back it, the edge looks more finished.

What do you think? Should I consider it finished? Or should I back it?

 

 

The kit included a piece of Blackberry Primitives new hand-dyed velvet.

So I used it for the middle egg.

 

It has been sometime since I have had a giveaway. My crafting time has been limited, so I might think of something else for a giveaway soon.

 

Wishing you a lovely weekend doing what you love!

Blessings, Patti

The World of Small Club Kit #1

"World of Small Club Needlebook"

design by nikyscreations

 





 

What a treat it is to receive a little package from Niky with such a sweet little kit in it ~ coming all the way from Italy!

I have finished kit #1 just in time as kit #2 has now arrived.

 

The top photo shows the front of the needlebook. (Don't tell anyone, but I made a mistake when centering it, so I added the three tiny mother of pearl buttons so that it isn't so obvious. shh...)

The bird is the back of the needlebook.

 

And here is the inside:

 

I love the tiny print cordouroy.

You can find Niky's blog here.

And her lovely Etsy shop here.

 

On Mother's Day, my husband, sons and I went down to historic Prairie Avenue to see the wonderful old mansions where Chicago's elite lived in the late 1800's. Only about 20 still remain standing. The neighborhood sat in incredible neglect and despair for almost 90 years, but in the past 25 years has seen a wonderful rebirth.

 

The Glessner House, designed by H.H. Richardson, is now a museum. We went on a walking tour, but photos are not allowed inside. Almost all of the furnishing and artwork are originals from the house ~ truly a wonderful example of the Arts and Crafts movement. Beautiful William Morris wallcoverings and textiles and lots of quartersawn oak.

You can read more about it on their blog:

The Story of a House

 

 

After our walking tour, we had dinner in a lovely little Italian restaurant near my son's dorm.

I received these beautiful yellow tulips and a handmade card - my favorite!

I also received two tickets to see the Goat Rodeo Sessions featuring Yo-Yo Ma and Chris Thile at Ravinia this summer! I cannot wait!

Lest you think my family is too perfect, I asked who would be going to the concert with me. The response, they will draw straws and the short straw will come with :) 

Nonetheless - I am blessed!

 

I have to share my favorite Goat Rodeo Sessions song with you here.

 

"because of your father’s God, who helps you,
because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the skies above,
blessings of the deep springs below"

~Genesis 49:25

Blessings to you, Patti



Found Stitchery Now Finished

 

"Simple Bounty Cupboard Sampler"

design by Heartstring Samplery

 

Do you remember the lost pattern that actually resulted in finding the completed stitching?

Well it is now finished and hanging!

 

What a quick stitch! LOL!

 

 

You can find Beth's sweet blog here.

And you can purchase her lovely patterns here.

 

When I was searching for this pattern, I also located another stitched Heartstring Samplery design that I hope to put together soon. Will share when I do!

 

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

 

Blessings, Patti

May Offerings...

 

“Key to the Garden of Eden”

 This Adam & Eve key fob was created with hand-dyed floss and backed with matching hand dyed wool. It is based on a Primitive Jewel design. It is filled with crushed walnut shells for weight and measures approximately 2.5 by 4 inches. The antique skeleton key can be removed if you prefer to attach it to your favorite sewing scissors.

“Key to the Garden of Eden” is offered at $24 plus shipping.

 

"Large Antique Coverlet Sewing Box"

 I made an antique coverlet sewing box a few months ago and loved it so much, that I decided to make another. This is a large Sewing Box measuring approximately 7.5 inches across and 3 inches tall. While I envision it as a sewing box to keep your scissors and thread close at hand, it can be used for a multitude of treasures. The antique coverlet covers the box inside and out and the bottom of the box is covered with a vintage cream wool. *Antiques pictured are not included.*
Antique Coverlet Large Sewing Box is offered at $44 plus shipping.
~*Sold. Thank you ever so much!*~

 

 

"May Basket Pillow"

 I couldn’t let May Day go by without creating a basket full of flowers! This pillow is based on a Buttermilk Basin design and is backed with a soft flannel. It measures 9 by 9 inches. Offered at $29 plus shipping.

 

"A Harvest of Blessings "

Stitched in 2003, this Bright Needle design has been professionally framed and has a sawtooth hanger on the back. It measures approximately 8 by 8 inches.
Offered at $40 plus shipping.
~*Sold. Thank you ever so much!*~ 

 

If you are interested in any of the items above, please send me an email at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com

I accept paypal, checks and money orders.

 

Blessings, Patti

Ever done this? And a view and an apology

Did you ever suddenly want to start a new project immediately?

One that you know you have the pattern for, but just need to find it?

Have you searched and searched knowing that it must be really close but just out of reach?

 

Well, I searched and searched and finally found it.

I also found this:

I actually stitched it already?!?! Really?!?!

Oh my! My memory is not what it used to be...

Now instead of stitching, I will be finishing :)

Hopefully sometime soon.

 

I have a rather odd and long winded title to this post. I guess trying to put too many topics into a single post, but I know it will be a bit before I post again, so here we go.

This is the view I saw when I looked out my office window this morning:

 

 

What could it be? Doesn't it look like one of those robots that they use to diffuse a bomb?

Seconds later, a firefighter in full gear and carrying an axe walked down our office hallway asking that we all evacuate to the other side of the building and stay away from all windows.

Oh I guess it was one of those robots...

 

For the second time in two days North Michigan Avenue was shut down due to a bomb scare.  Yesterday it was for an hour, but didn't disrupt our office. We just couldn't head south across the bridge for an hour. Turns out it was a bottle of drain cleaner. Today we stood in a hallway for 2 hours while they dismantled a piece of rebar and a spring wrapped in fabric and taped to a flagpole. Someone's idea of a prank?  Who knows. It's sad to have these things happen. At the same time I think that people are on high alert after Boston and it is better to call 911 and be safe than sorry.

You can see more photos of the process here.

photo from John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2013

 

As for the apology:

After the craziness of this morning, I received a phone call late this afternoon from my youngest son. He had forgotten his keys and couldn't get in the house after school. The dog hadn't been walked since 7:30 this morning and couldn't figure out why his buddy was sitting outside and wouldn't let him out. My husband was attending an evening work function. So...

Checking the time I realized I had 11 minutes to make it across town to the train or I would have to wait 45 minutes for the next train while my son sat outside and the dog was stuck inside.

So I dashed and believe it or not I made it!

Unfortunately my newsletter for my mailing list friends along with all the photos are sitting on a flash drive in my office. *sigh* I apologize as this is my first newsletter after the closing of TDIPT Mercantile with lots of new friends added to the mailing list. I will send the newsletter out just as soon as I can tomorrow.

 

This sure was one crazy day!

 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

~Deuteronomy 6:5-9

 

Blessings, Patti

Little Stitches Handwork Club

 

Are you familiar with Notforgotten Farm's "Little Stitches Handwork Club"?

Lori Brechlin has created a club of sweet little projects.

Perfect for stitching on the train/bus/water taxi. Well, at least that is where I stitched it, but you could stitch it anywhere :)

  

 

I hear the next club kit is on its way shortly. So while I had stitched this piece right away, I figured I better put it together before the next kit arrives.

 

I love the wools that came with the kit and am happy with my finish.

Love those quick stitches!

Can't wait to get the next kit Lori! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!

 

Blessings, Patti