Weekend Finds (Quilts and More)

It has been tradition that I would venture out into the chaos that was Black Friday, not because I was looking for that hot laptop or television; but because it starts the holiday season and I like the holiday season. What with all the Holiday music, pine scented everything and the generally happy mood.

When I did venture out around 10:30, my Dad and I headed to one of our favorite Antique Malls located in Farmington, Missouri. It's about an hour and a half away. Not only is it huge; but the prices are usually pretty reasonably and one can find just about anything.

I came home with this wonderful antique lock in almost perfect condition, all under $10.

Then I nearly fell over when I found this hand-sewn "Bow-Tie" quilt for 1/2 off. Due to the merriment of the holidays, many vendors were having 15-25% off everything in their booth. Ever so often you came across a 50% or 60%, as I did with this quilt. The reduced price was $25.

Sunday, we visited another of our favorite Antique Malls in Eureka, Missouri. This one wasn't having as good of sales; but one just needed to have patience and something would pop up.

Lucky for me, I came across another quilt, and the vendor was offering 25% off. This beauty cost me $20.

For those of you keeping count, that brings the total number of quilts I've purchased at Antique Malls to three. The earlier one is here.

Of course, finding all these great quilts put me in the mood for some sewing of my own. I put together this pincushion in about 3 hours and now don't have to worry about loosing my pins again.

The pattern was in BH&G Spring 2008 "Quilts and More".

I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones

this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to All !!

Back Again

So I must start this post by saying that Thursday was the first day that I was lucid enough to have a conversation without dozing off in the middle of it. I can only imagine what a blog-post would have looked like on Tuesday...if I had been awake enough to try and write one.

My reasons are simple-Jetlag. I got back from China on Friday, Nov 6th and have spent almost a week in a walking coma of sorts. While getting up at 4am allows one to catch up on reading, world news, etc...it doesn't do much for being able to stay awake past 8pm. I'm back to normal now and thankful for that.

Why was I in China you ask? It was for business. I spent two weeks in our Far East office working with our team on the next season's products. This trip was educational as well, since I had the opportunity to learn some things about the technical side of the business, instead of just design.

Nothing really is happening on the house for the moment, my Halloween decorations are still up (considering I missed Halloween, I'm allowed a few extra days), and I'm planning my To-Do List for the rest of the year.

I'll write soon, but in the mean time, if you see me dozing off...you know what to do.

Can I have your vote?

As many of you know, there are always several online contests going on this time of year. I've entered one through Repair-Home.com and could use your help.

In order to be the winner in each category, you need to have the most votes.
I would really appreciate your rating, votes and any comments on my entries.

I've included the links below for your convenience.

Dining Room Disaster

Modern Kitchen

Just Tear It Down

Electrical Gone Awry

A Garden Brought To Life

Wonderful Windows

KnockDown Texture

I'll just start by saying that this post was written for Houseblogs.net as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by True Value, and their StartRightStartHere contest.

For readers of my blog you may remember when I was talking about my Studio and the unconvential way I fixed one of the nagging problems, I discovered when tearing out these hideous closets.

You see, this was my Studio on Move-In Day. The photo below shows one of the two closets that bordered the center window. I knew the closets needed to come down...or rather, finish coming down, as the doors were just a screw away from falling off anyway. My brother took to this task with his favorite job of demo...and about a half hour later, the closets were no more.


That is when we discovered that the "knockdown" ceiling texture had been applied AFTER the closets were built, leaving an enormous expanse of raw drywall. The photo below, taken a few months later, clearly shows the difference in surfaces. My previous home was filled with different textures and I was always able to somewhat replicate small areas; but this was too big to try and do by myself.

Almost two years had passed when I came across some reclaimed wood at my local ReStore. I bought and cut the pieces in half, securing them to the wall. While figuring out the angles was a challenge, I succeeded in finding a solution. Now, the studio has a unique feature; which gives it a doll-house charm.

Day Off

I'm still here, just haven't been writing since my job has been keeping me extremely busy lately.

Although yesterday and today was a nice release, two vacation days to try and keep the mind off of deadlines, email, etc.

Today my sister was off too, so we headed out without much of a plan. We ended up at the St. Louis Zoo, and what a day for it too...low 60s, with a mild breeze. I haven't visited our zoo for a few years now, and each time I go it brings back memories and sometimes new ones are made.

Okay, first let's talk about the fact that here in St. Louis, our Zoo is AWESOME. It was created in 1910 by the city; which set aside 77 acres in Forest Park. State legislation stated "the zoo shall be forever free", and it continues to be free 100 years later. Parking is free too, if you do like other St. Louisians and park along the winding streets of Forest Park.

My sister and I spent about two hours strolling around, catching glimpses of animals along the way.

I hope wherever you are, the day was as beautiful as this.

Garden IS Done

It is rare, I think, to be able to say that something is done-complete-finished. Yet, this is the case with my garden. Saturday we put the finishing touches on it; which included the following

• Installing timber frame along north side


• Relayed landscape fabric


• Bought 1-inch clean rock


• Covered all areas not occupied by raised beds with above rock

It looks so good now.

BEFORE (from May '09)

AFTER (from Aug '09)

Quilt on the cheap

This past Sunday, my Dad and I went to an Antique Mall in St. Charles, Missouri. It was a decent size and had some interesting finds; most of which were a little too pricey for my taste. Having visited nearly all of the antique malls around the St. Louis area, I always find it interesting how varied the prices are for similar products. Yet, if you look long and hard enough, you can come across a great deal once in a while.

So, one can imagine my amazement when I stumbled across a handmade quilt folded up in one of the booths. I love looking at the handmade quilts found in Antique Malls, being a quilter, their intricacies amaze me. Yet the going rate is usually about $75 and up...and usually, the $75 ones can be pretty ratty.

You can believe I took a double take and even asked my Dad what the pricetag said, when I read $24.99

Yep, that's right folks. A penny under $25. Here are some pictures.

It does have a few small tears in the topcloth and the fabric is gently worn along the edges; but it's old, and that adds character. It measures approx. 6ft x 6ft.

Don't know when I'll find another quilt that cheap; but it just goes to show you that there are still deals out there.

Second Anniversary

Okay so technically I'm a day late; but I don't think anyone minds. Monday, August 17th was the 2nd anniversary of owning my old house. You can certainly take a trip down memory lane by viewing any of my older posts. I won't relive them here.

In these uncertain times, it's nice to know that I have a place to call home. Even if the place leaks, has strange noises and keeps my wallet empty.

I think we've had a good two years and I hope for many, many more to come.

Brick Patio is Done

It was tough work (way more Dad then me), but after 2 days work we were able to finish laying the patio brickwork. While I'm not exactly sure how I'll be using this area, at least I have a solid surface to start.

This was the first time either of us had really layed a brick anything and I think it turned out perfect. I think my favorite part is the fact that this brick came from my yard. It is old, has slightly worn edges and small chips which make the patio look like it's been around for years.

Suprisingly, I still have piles and piles of brick around my yard, this hardly put a dent in what I have. Looks like I'll (okay, really we'll) be able to build a few more patios and walkways down the road.