Monday, March 29, 2010

Pocketful of Sunshine

I'm taking a mental health day from work today...I had it planned because with everything going on, a day off here and there really helps! And it's a good thing because the last week + weekend was awful and emotional and just so incredibly draining. I'm pooped! But some lovely ladies out there sent be a little bit of sunshine to boost my spirits and I'm ever thankful! Thank you to Blu, Nicole and Tammy for sending this my way!


I pass this on to everyone out there because reading your blogs gives me a little bit of sunshine and inspiration each and everyday.

A couple of weekends ago, I mentioned I went thrifting. There's a local shop near me that benefits the local humane society and the proceeds go towards the care of the animals. I don't have any pets but I would like some and it's an opportunity to see the shop's resident cat. And since the shop caters to animals and lots of crafters out there are animal lovers, there is lot more craft-related items here than at the Goodwill. So *the boy* and I walked over and I got some great finds! I found a complete Shepherd's Bush Charmed Hearts kit...for $1! The original tag on this is $24. I jumped on that thing like you wouldn't believe. It seems to be all intact...the only thing is the linen has a spot on it. But it's probably nothing a little Shout and a toss in the washing machine can't handle. Can you believe that bargain?! I also got a Spring Blossoms TableTopper kit "charted for needlework" which I assume is cross stitch for $1, complete with aida and floss. And the next find was a Country Lullaby leaflet by Jean Farish which has the bunny on skates that I saw Harmien stitch up a couple of times. And for 50 cents...I couldn't leave it behind. So for $2.50...I got 2 kits and a chart. Hmmm, I kind of like thrifting. Too bad none of the places I went to had any scissor frogs. That was what I was really looking for. The sad thing is I ordered one from eBay after this trip and it arrived shattered into pieces!! Now I'm scared to try and get another one.

I also received some fun mail. My PIF from Dianne arrived and she sent me some lovely silk in a nice deep blue color and breast cancer scissors with stitched sheath. It's beautifully finished and very meaningful!

Thanks Dianne!

When I signed up for Dianne's PIF, I put mine up as well. I think I was supposed to wait until I actually received something before offering my PIF but what do I know. I'd never done it before. Fact is, I am way behind on my own PIF but my recipient knows and I've been slowly stitching away on it for a week. This was after making something and disliking the fabric/thread combo so much, I chucked it. With the emotional upheavel lately, my output is slow going and I am way behind on my stitching. But I've reached the finishing stage. It should be done and mailed out shortly. At this point, I should be happy only one person signed up and not three! lol

Once I'm done with the PIF, I'll move onto my blog giveaway piece and then an exchange. So posting and pictures will be scarce until I manage to get to my own stitching.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Until next time...

19 comments:

Margaret said...

Congrats on the award - you definitely deserve it! I'm sorry to hear it was a tough week and weekend for you. I hope things get better. I love that PIF! What a bummer on the frog from ebay! :( I so want one too! I might try ebay and just risk it. I hope if I do it doesn't arrive broken. Sorry yours did. I'm like you -- I can never find one in person. Have a good week!

Suburban Stitcher said...

I'm so glad that it arrived! Enjoy :)

Branlaadee said...

Sorry your week has been so tough! I hope it gets better soon.

What a lovely PIF you got! Very nice. And your find at the thrift store was awsome! Why cant I ever find crafting stuff at the thrift stores?? LOL

Natasha said...

you deserve a sunshine award. great finds thrifting :) I have two very active pups that love people if you ever need an animal fix :)

Cole said...

Sorry to hear you've had a tough week/weekend... Love your PIF! Enjoy it :)

mbroider said...

Congratulations on the award. The PIF looks great!!

You also have a new follower in me:)

Hazel said...

Beautiful pif! Great stash too. x

Deb said...

Congratulations on the Award! You are certainly very deserving of it!! I'm sorry your week was kind of the pits, but what wonderful finds you discovered at the Thrift Store. You just never know what you'll find there. Sorry to hear that your frog broke in transit. I guess that always is a risk, but perhaps the shipper didn't pack it well enough. Since I seem to run into them quite a bit, I'll keep my eyes out for you.

Angela said...

Congrats on the award, I understand about taking days off esp. after tough weekends :) Great PIF :)

Julie said...

Congrats on the award. Wonderful bragins you found. I hope this week is better for you. Beautiful PIF you have received.

Laura said...

Those are great finds, especially the Shepherd's Bush kit. I was thinking of buying a flower frog on ebay but now I'm thinking twice after your experience.

Cheryl said...

Dont worry about it, i took nearly 2 years to send out my last pif! My recipient was very understanding though :) Thats a lovely gift you received.
Hope things get better soon

doris said...

Woo, Charmed Hearts is definitely the find of the month at $1.

Thank goodness I'm not involved with any exchanges of any kind. This year has truly not been the year for accomplishing much.

Daffycat said...

Congratulations on the award ~ your posts always brighten my day!

Awesome thrifty finds!

Catherine said...

Congrats on the award - lovely finds and great goodies!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congrats on the great finds! I never find treasures when I go thrifting. I know they're out there somewhere and I'm glad you came across them!

I hope things brighten up for you soon!

Siobhán said...

Congrats on the award! I hope things are better now. :) Great thrifting!

Dani - tkdchick said...

I'm a strong beleiver in mental health days as well. So far I've managed to make it through this school year without taking one.

What great bargain finds! A friend of mine suggested to me trying an antique shop for a scissor (aka flower) frog.

I wouldn't worry about being behind on your stitching, when your PIF gets your parcel they'll know it was worth the wait!

Meari said...

Great thrifting! I love getting bargains like that. Nice PIF received, too.