Weekend Wanderings!

This was a great weekend for getting out, even though it is getting cold. But not too cold to go for long drives and find new places to shop.

We headed into Connecticut to check out a new quilt store. We have driven by this town a lot and never knew that it was there. Sometimes it pays to do searches of areas you want to visit for shops that are in the area.

The store is called Colchester Mill Fabrics. I wasn't sure how nice it would be and if it was local mill fabrics but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a full service quilt shop, with 3 large rooms of fabrics, supplies and crafting items. They carry a lot of Moda fabrics and even wools, so it is a great store to stop in, if you are in the area.

The staff was friendly and helpful, if you had a question or needed to know where something was, they had the answer. So much nicer than the big stores, where they have no idea what is in stock. The only negative for me was, not that many prim patterns. They had a few but none that I wanted, which I guess is a good thing, lol.

Another thing they have is an assortment of gifts and decorative items. I found this cute snowman garland and had to have it. The hearts are rusty, but the flash washed the prim out.

Once you are done shopping, you can drive to the next town up, and visit the Shops at Marlborough Barn where there is a wonderful antique barn and a few other small shops and businesses. I was surprised at how big it was inside, room after room of antiques and primitive goodies and gift items. The prices were also reasonable, so another shop we can visit, since our favorite one is closing.

On Sunday, I just wanted to have fun and I wanted to have fun with Nick. Luckily my son stopped by and Nick stayed here, so we could just go and not pick him up. We took him to Mystic Aquarium which is also in Connecticut, not sure whey we just don't move there, lol.

We wanted to see the new Dinosaur exhibit, which was really fun and the boys loved it, both of them.

I loved what I saw in this photo, I think the whale is smiling at me;)

I took a quick shot of the penguins and noticed something picking out, behind the rock, when I looked at it closely. We all had a fun time, and since we got a Grandparents pass, we can come back anytime and bring Alex with us.

Today was an easy day, we went to our favorite antique barn, which is closing this year. They are trying to find a new place, so hoping they can and continue to host dealers and prim artists, since we usually find great things there. Today nothing interested me, but always fun to look.

Since we had time and the tide was going out, we hit the beach for an hour. Bean got to play and I found some nice pieces of glass, for my collection. It was cold and getting cloudy, so we didn't wait for the tide to go all the way out, I am sure there was a lot more glass, waiting to be found.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a week ahead, full of creating. The kids decided to have dinner at their house, so I said fine, leaves me more time to work on my quilts and get my Christmas items ready.

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Who wouldn't love a new dress! Shabby Apple, a shop that features "Vintage Clothing," is offering one of my readers a free dress. I spent the day browsing their online store and found so many beautiful dresses that I would love to have.

Shabby Apple's line of "Vintage Clothing" takes us back to the days of romance and fun, with their vintage and retro lines. Their collections feature dresses based on themes which makes it fun to shop. You can choose outfits for a vacation, a special trip, wedding, night out and a beautiful line of clothing for the mother to be.

I was able to choose from a list of dresses and I hope you love the dress, as much as I do. The dress is called, "At Last". Besides the fact that green is my favorite color, it is a color that can go through the different seasons by adding a sash or belt in a coordinating color. It is a versatile dress with classic styling, who wouldn't love it.

To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post only. Visit Shabby Apple and then come back and tell me, what dress you would pick if you could have any one, that you want. They also carry a fun line of skirts, tops, shoes and accessories, so have fun browsing through their shop as  you pick out your dream dress. Sorry, but this giveaway is open to U.S residents, only.

Now you get my pick, other than "At Last". I love Inca Trail, it is a beautiful dress with sleek lines and I can hike in it, lol. I really think this look is sexy and flattering to the figure, if I only had one;)

I will leave the contest open until Friday 11:00 pm EST, July 12th and announce the winner, on Saturday night. Have fun browsing or even treat yourself to a little shopping, we all deserve a special dress just for us and if you love "Vintage Clothing", you will love Shabby Apple Shop. 

Guilt Free Shopping!

First I want to show you the wonderful fabric, that I won from Evonne of The Clothesline Quilter, Jo Morton's reproduction fabric. I love the colors and they will be saved to go into my bed quilt. I plan on spending time this year on finishing and making things for me and one will be a nice quilt for my bed. This was part of the 100 blocks tour and I didn't win the magazine, but second prize, I think I made out, lol.

Today was a me day, for an early Birthday treat. My husband took me to Whispering Hill Farms, Rug hooking store. I love shopping there, love to walk around her rooms and see all of the wonderful antiques and rugs, which she has on the floors and displayed in all the rooms.

You find them in the kitchen, yes you can walk into her kitchen and use her bathroom, it is a store where visitors are treated like friends and family. Even the pup has his own rug to rest on.

Rugs line the walls, Donna is an avid antique collector and has some beautiful antique rugs.

Visitors can sit and hook, a great place to create and chat. You never have to worry about running out of wool, there is plenty, lining the shelves and cubbies.

And a cozy nook to enjoy a quiet moment or a bit of sun.

I have been rug hooking for years and have extra equipment that I don't need, so I took my puritan frame and bliss cutter and she bought them from me. Donna also buys and sells used equipment and have an extensive collection of antique and out of print books. The great thing is, no guilt shopping, I used this money to pay for my wool;)

I was looking for white and lights for snowmen, and found some nice wool off the bolt and some beautiful dyed pieces that will be nice to mix up with the other whites. Lots of beautiful wools and some pieces to use in penny rugs. And a first for me, I have never bought hand dyed wool, I have always done my own, but it was time to treat myself;)

On the way home we took the scenic route and I had to stop at an antique consignment on the way. It was a wonderful shop and they even had a book rack, and look what I found! I love the angel in this book, that will be fun to do for my daughter. It is in Heart Warmings from Pieces from my Heart. And a
Kansas Troubles book, only 2 dollars each, nice find.

The trip to Donna's Shop is well worth a trip, if you are in the area. Wonderful place to shop and beautiful drives along the scenic routes. I lost track of how many churches we passed, but this one is my favorite, love the green shades and the style.