On my way to the party...

I decided to head to the Star Party at the Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI a day early so that I could make some stops along the way...

My fist stop was J.J. Stitches & Co.

Such a warm and inviting shop.

A wonderful selection of wool displayed in great antique wood crates.

And fat quarters displayed in antique graniteware pans - be still my heart!

And so my shopping begins: 

Some fat quarters of repro fabrics, flannels and wools, a pattern, some great linen by the yard and the best vintage trims. A piece of vintage trim will be included in my giveaway goodie bag (that still hasn't occured yet)

Next stop was to a town that I had never visited before - Lodi, Wisconsin

There were several sweet shops, my most favorite of which was Cottage House Primitives,

where I bought the most wonderful frame.

Another big draw for me was discovering that Lodi is home of Susie the duck.

This sweet little town has a babbling brook that runs right through the center of town and under Main Street.

A peaceful little spot with vending machines that dispense duck food to feed to Susie's descendants.

This sweet little fellow took to following me around hoping for a handout.

He quickly got bored with all the picture taking.

Then I realized it was time to move on to my favorite area antique mall where I found this treasure:

This little worn velvet ladies shoe. When you pivot the back of it, you reveal...

a little sewing kit with compartments for scissors, needles and a thimble. I didn't even hesitate and knew that it was coming home with me.

I love the faded green velvet, but when you open it you can see that it was originally a striking royal blue velvet.

Another item that I couldn't resist was:

This sweet, very worn and loved mohair bunny with shoe button eyes. He makes me smile to see how well loved he was - so well loved that much of  his mohair is simply worn away.

And it is hard to get perspective in this picture, but I also purchased a rather large pair of stork scissors. 

Before I knew it, it was time to finish the drive to Spring Green and let the Star Party begin!

"Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Give thanks"

~Don Moen

Blessings, Patti