Saturday, November 29, 2008

Black Friday!

Here in the US, the day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, and people actually do silly things like CAMP OUT in front of electronic stores and WalMart, waiting for them to open so they can cash in on the best bargains. Here at Casa de Kim, there's none of that silly early rising stuff going on.

Sometime around 8 a.m., I rolled over in bed and got an instant headache. Rolled back and it mostly went away. Nope, I didn't over-indulge in alcohol on Thanksgiving, but by the time I went to bed last night, my neck and back were killing me--a combination, I'm sure, of feverishly quilting the trees quilt the other day, followed yesterday by intense decorating, and ending with a thorough muck out of the Sweat Shop.

Anyway, when the headache struck, I thought maybe I should get up and take a couple Advil. Easier said than done. When I tried to get out of bed, I felt like I was about 100 years old and every part of me ached. (Note to self: If you're going to abuse your body by trying to do more than sit on your rear end and quilt, keep a glass of water and Advil on the nightstand.)

As you may imagine, the thought of more decorating this morning was a bit too much, so I got some coffee, wandered around the house a little, messed around on the computer, filled out some forms for the quilt classes I'll be teaching, took a bath, got dressed, and then--around 1:30 p.m.--without having accomplished much of anything, I headed out the door to the quilt shop, Bearpaws and Hollyhocks. Of course, there's a method to my madness and it wasn't exactly a coincidence that I returned the teaching forms on the same day the sale on Christmas fabrics began. 40% off. Yep. Good stuff! After that, I swung by one of the Goodwill stores for their 50% off sale.

Judy over at Quilting with Ragdolls has been overdying some wool lately, and the other day, Beth over at Beth's Crafts, knowing of my penchant for thrifting, had mentioned to me what Judy was up. So here's some more quilter's math for you. Men's wool suit jackets as a source for wool + Goodwill + 50% off day = pure wool joy = 5 men's wool jackets. If math makes your head hurt, maybe a photo would be better.


And, here's some simple math: $3.50 a jacket. Woo-hoo!

So, there you go--my Black Friday shopping experience. Oops! One more thing I bought today--this pattern:


Ms. Marcie Patchalot visited her local quilt shop recently (What's Your Stitch 'N Stuff) and came away with a few goodies as well as some photos of fun projects she posted on her blog. I saw that quilt photo and, well, YOU know--I just NEEDED to know what it was. Marcie was kind enough to write me back and tell me that it's called Christmas Sampler by Country Faces, and it can be ordered from her shop (click on the link if you NEED it too--it will take you to their website and you can call and order). I think this will be next year's Christmas applique project--one of them anyway!

And speaking of quilt shops and patterns, I noticed that Bearpaws and Hollyhocks has the Trees Up! Lights On! pattern in stock now if anyone is looking for it--particularly those of you in the Sacramento area who may want to save on postage. They also just received another Pieces From My Heart pattern of the stack and slice variety that's ladies' hat blocks--it's one I ordered awhile back. I'd really like to make it in spring-like fabrics--kind of an Easter bonnet quilt.

I'm writing this early and setting it to post later, because it's about time I paid the piper for all the gadding about town I did today--time to go do some of the Christmas decorating I've been procrastinating on. But before I do, here's another pattern giveaway for you to enter if you're interested. The pattern is called Star for Ole St. Nick by Reets' Rags to Stitches. It includes instructions for the stitchery and a 20" Santa "doll." I bought it years ago and made the stitchery--which you can see here along side the pattern:


The giveway is for the pattern only--so no, you CANNOT have my pillow! I'm going to need the pillow. I have a feeling that after a couple hours of decorating, I may need to nap a little.

So, if you want me to enter you in the drawing for this pattern, leave me a comment telling me to add your name. I'll draw this one Sunday night. What fun! Good luck!

COMMENTS CLOSED--A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

24 comments:

antique quilter said...

When I saw marcies post I loved that quilt too!
Glad you found it I may just have to buy it too!
wow you lucked out finding those wool suits
and Love your Santa pillow would love to be included in your giveaway
thanks
kathie

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Sure! Add me! And I like the new pattern that you purchased for next Christmas. It's very cute. I'll have to add it to my list. Maybe I'll get myself one too.

Jen :)

Anonymous said...

Please throw my name in the hat for the pattern, it is very festive and cute. I try to make at least one Santa decoration each year, and that pattern would be perfect.
Thanks for the chance.
Sue Cahill (sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)

Unknown said...

Please put my name in! I love all your items that you display. I would love to add that pattern to my WIP!!! LOL.
Christy

Kim said...

I'd love to win this one too! Love that it also has a pillow and Santa "doll' to coordinate. Please enter me in this drawing too.
Kim

Anonymous said...

Add my name for the drawing. I was one of the early shoppers yesterday. I was at Kohl's at 5:00 and picked up the item I wanted and was back home by 6:00. They had opened at 4:00. The line for the cash registers went all the way to the back of the store. I saved $60.00 off the full price, and I'm an early riser anyway. I sure wouldn't have set my alarm.
I'm heading to Goodwill today to see if you've missed any good stuff.
Chris

Judy said...

Whoo Hoo on the very nice score of jackets! The off white is to die for! Okay somehow I missed that quilt but will order it now at Marcie's store!

Relax and decorate slowly today so your head doesn't explode again!

Anonymous said...

Kim,
Please enter me into your Santa pattern giveaway! Thank You!!!!!!!
Lori Genovario

Anonymous said...

oh please add me! i love it!

Blessings,
Cynthia Faccenda...from the Hollow!

Anonymous said...

Hello Kim, please put my name in the drawing too! I am now trying to find coordinated fabrics for the "Christmas quilt" from your last year display and I really love this quilt. I also like the new pattern that you purchased for next Christmas. I think I will add it to my wish list too. Also I think it is a briliant idea to think of the ladies´hat blocks with spring-like fabrics. I was thinking what you will prepare for spring!
Happy quilting,
Jana in Helsinki

Busy Little Quilter said...

That headache sounds terrible!
I'm Christmas decorating today. It's overwhelming at first, but once it's up, I love it. Right now I'm procrastinating so I guess I better get to it.

I ordered the Karen McTavish book you suggested. I can't wait to see what McTavishing is all about!

Please put my name in the hat for the drawing!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

You will have to share with us your art of stashing fabric. Please.

When the children were growing up I put small artificial christmas trees in their rooms. Lights and all.
Hey loved it.

Oh, I love reading your challenges and how you overcome them. You have given me strength to start next weekend since we have our family here for Thanksgiving.

Cheerio

Patti said...

I won't turn down a pattern - ever. After all, I expect by this time next year to have produced a quilt from every one of the thousands of patterns I already have. A worthy goal, don't you think? Might even use up about half my stash doing so!

Anonymous said...

If I win the pattern I promise to make it and send you a picture before Christmas...
Thanks a lot for sharing yet another tip of how to use second hand clothing!!! :o) Do I have to start saving old wool coats now? That was something I thought was safe to pass up...oh no, not anymore!
louise.sjodin.short@telia.com

Anonymous said...

Very nice Santa pillow! Would love to be entered into your drawing, Kim!

Erzebat said...

hiya, I had to work black friday (gotta love retail) I work at the big orange box, was a madhouse for only an hour. then it was like a really busy saturday. I love Marcies patterns too, I live in the same area as her and I have several of her patterns, even met her! cute little button she is. please put me into the drawing!
(mauh) Liz

Anonymous said...

Love the pillow. I am completely a pillow person.
Julia

Anonymous said...

You are awesome. I enjoy everything you do. I would love to win this pattern. Please enter my name.

Anonymous said...

The last anonymous comment was mine.
Sandy from Thimbleberries

Joyce said...

Please enter my name in your giveaway. I love Santa s of any size or shape. Joyce
joycee2561 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Love your Christmas trees quilt top. Can't wait to see it finished. Enter me in the drawing.
Amy
abf3615@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim,

Your Santa pattern is adorable and would be a great addition to my Santa Collection. Please add my name to your drawing for it. I would also like to be added to the drawing for the penny woolie pattern and other two as well. Mom has gotten this bug for wool stuff lately.

Thanks again for such a wonderful retreat during such a hectic time. I will have to visit our thrift shops to see if I can find wool jackets to cut up as well. What bargains.

Ellen in Kansas City

MARCIE said...

Hey, good for you! You got the pattern! Now they will love me at the shop! What fun stuff you are giving away!

Anne said...

Am loving all your decorating pictures. So sorry you have to return to work tomorrow. Bummer. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!