I Was Feeling In Need Of An Adventure

I was thinking I needed an adventure.  Its been since a couple of weeks before Christmas since I have gone anywhere. You have to understand, our main retailer is Walmart....ugh!!

I made no plans, thinking I need to pick up the sewing room (yet again) and work on kitting up projects.  Then, Arttie texted me yesterday morning, asking if I want to go with her to JoAnn's since it was the last day of their sale and interfacing was 75% off.  She needed a bolt. I jumped at it since Bob wasn't interested and had no plans.  

The weather was cooperative....more to come about that.  The snow was all very much south of us.  We picked up coffees on the way out of town.  She figured we'd stop downtown Menominee, MI at Quilter's Haven and the Elegant Ewe (yarn and some very old cross stitch).  The downtown is really pretty nice:  old buildings, lake front and revitalizing.  

First stop was Quilter's Haven and they were having a sale.  I found a really lovely wool pack, with 10 5x7" squares I got for  $12.50 (originally $15)  and two fat 1/8 for $.50 from $ 1.30 and a small scissors for $2.50 from $3.  Some great deals!!

The on to the Elegant Ewe.  Its in an old, large house.  Gorgeous house but, the shop will make you crazy.  She has a great selection of yarn but, it takes too much work to find things.  I picked up a skein of self striping sock yarn,  

We then ventured to the second floor where the cross stitch is.  We peeked in the first door.  The bedroom was full of yarn and fabulous bedroom antique furniture.  I should have taken a picture.  

We found the cross stitch room.  She hasn't bought any new cross stitch in fifteen years?  We found some awesome old stuff.  I am a fan of Homespun Elegance and I thought this was a timeless pattern.  I now have the wool to try my hand at applique.  I usually use the wool to embellish my cross stitch finishes.  

Arttie found some Prairie Schooler  annual Santas from the early 2000's.  I found some patterns I had never seen before.  I already had most of the other stuff.  The prices were also from the late '90's early 2000's:  $6.  AND THE ORIGINAL CARD STOCK!!!  I don't know I will do all of the them but, there are several that coordinate with some other pieces I've done. 

Had a great lunch at a little cafe down the street from the shops:  The Serving Spoon.  I had a great Chicken salad on a croissant for lunch.   We did make it to JoAnn's and picked up some general supplies.  Arttie got her interfacing.  We headed home.  

The trip down was a little dicey.  No snow but, the wind was blowing out of the north and we were headed east.  The snow was blowing from the farm fields over the  highway.  There was an accident because of it that slowed us down only for a few minutes.  They were cleaning it up.  Once we made the turn south, it was much better.  The way home later in the afternoon, was much better. 

Buster after rolling in the snow this morning.  Crazy shih tzu!

I did get the Jane Marshall sampler from Hands Across the Sea to raise funds for the Brigades in Australia.  I toned down the colors:  DMC:  356, 729, 758, 869, 930, 932, 3051. 3053, 3777, and 3799.   I'm going to do it on 40 ct Burch Newcastle Linen.  I may grunge it up a little.  Haven't committed to that.  I have been watching the Flosstube videos from the Primitive Stitcher on dying and have instant coffee, imitation vanilla and pearl grey Rit dye.  I have other dyes and walnut crystals already. 

My progress on Louisa Acton.  I'm very nearly done.  It is super cute, fun and turning out well, if I must say so.  :)

Was on my exercise bike on Friday and this was the sunset.  The picture doesn't do the colors justice.  

I also finished the fund raiser from Sassy Jacks.  I plan to finish it as a scissor fob but, loaned my sewing machine to my 91 y/o aunt.  Her machine took a dump and she's working on a quilt.  She called in a panic.  I trust her with it and got a frozen homemade apple pie.  She only made 80 this year.  I'm telling you, she's a dynamo.  I hope I am at that age!

This is a long post!.  The MIL is back in the ED on Monday....3 times in 3 days.  The assisted living was concerned she was in Afib again.  I think it was a combination of pain and her blood sugar was very high.  She is doing better.  She doesn't seem to be in too much pain either.  Bob takes her to the orthopedist on Friday.  I'm hoping it really isn't broken and they take her out of the sling. 

Going to wrap this up.  The Packers are playing!  Go Pack Go
I do post pics almost daily on Instagram thehooplessstitcher. 

Keep on Stitching
Monica