I Love Antiquing! Love it! I love looking at the treasures that I never knew were treasures. Who knew the Pyrex mixing bowls we used every day, and NEVER worried about breaking, would someday become prized possessions and sit on a shelf just to look at! I think that’s part of the charm of antique stores…those nostalgic things we grew up with. Something that brings back memories. I’m always saying”my mother had one like that” when I antique shop!

When I’m in Bend I take a 30 minute drive to Redmond and here’s where I shop…it’s the Redmond Antique Mall. A HUGE store with lots of different vendors. By the time I go through this store I don’t need to go any place else. It takes several hours just to browse and I always leave with a treasure. Always!

I took pictures for you. Pretend you’re with me shopping! If you see anything you want I’ll go back for you so come on in! (:

See anything you want? Sorry Pam http://www.pamkittymorning.blogspot.com/, I called and the Red boots are gone. Tee Hee!

And what did I bring home after all that eye candy?

A circa 1920′s fireplace screen! It’s going back to California with me. My husband will hate it, but I think I’ll bring my lamb to help the “look”. He’s sure to see the lamb and NOT the fireplace screen, right?

Up next is the Sister’s Quilt Show on Saturday and then it’s back to California on Sunday.

I’m writing this from beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have a vacation home here and I’ve not had a “vacation” in a long time. It feels so good to get away and enjoy the beautiful country. Here’s where I am tonight as I write this…in our great room with all the things I love. The day bed is my very favorite place to curl up and watch TV, read a book or even chat with friends. The house is a bit more cluttered with sewing “stuff” since I’ve arrived. Wish you could all be here!

We even have a bunny bed. Don’t think that I sleep in this bed because my company is Bunny Hill….just guests and grandkids. The grandkids love it, and what can guests say? Not a thing !

Today my friend Anne and I went shopping at the Goodwill store. We are so proud of ourselves! I always go thrift shopping when I come here because they have great “finds”. Vicki Bellino http://www.bloomcreek.blogspot.com/ called just as we were going into the store. She was whining about not being here yet, until she heard where we were headed and then she wanted no part of it! She’ll be jealous, because look at what I bought for $3.99!

It’s a rare, antique cabbage bowl and some Good and Plenty candies that I don’t think are antique. OK, maybe the bowl isn’t antique either, but it’s sure cute with a “bunny” style! It’s china from England and will be perfect next to my Porcelain bunnies on the hutch at home. Goodwill does it again and Vicki aren’t you jealous?

Then it was over to one of the local quilt shops and I HAD to buy some fat quaters of Alex Anderson’s redwork fabric. I LOVE it!

Now, before I say goodnight, turn your American Patchwork and Quilting Calendar to July if you haven’t done so yet, and you’ll see my “Candy Cobblestone” quilt! That’s right, it’s me and I bet you didn’t know it, because who reads a calendar? Here’s a picture as I was designing it…no staging, no lighting, and no side triangles! But you can see the design and the striped sashing . I loved that striped fabric SO much that I could have used it forever. I have no idea why this quilt is in July…must be the red sashing posts, do you think?

More tomorrow. It’s past my bed time! Goodnight everyone!

Happy 4th of July to each and every one of you! Even if you don’t live in the USA, come celebrate with us. You’re invited! We’re having a block party on our court, with games for the kids like old fashioned bike races and water balloon fights. Then a barbecue with a pot luck. Lawn chairs in the front yard, and friendly neighbors all around us. It just can’t get any more American than that! We may be outcasts next year, because we have a lot of family coming. Both of my sons are coming along with family and grand-kids! An American dream come true (:

I surround myself with the colors that I love without even thinking. It’s instinctive and not something I can change.. Have you thought about what your favorite colors are? Look around and you’ll know. I’m sure you’re surround by them right now. If not, get out that paint brush and change some things. You’ll feel so much better!

Next week I’m headed to our house in Bend, Oregon. Saturday is the Sister’s quilt show and the town of Sister’s Oregon will be filled with quilters! It’s an outdoor quilt show that takes up the whole town. It’s so much fun! I’ll take lots of pictures! If you’re there be sure and say hi. I’m the one with the camera. (:

Look at the colors of these pencils and note books I’m taking with me! I’m sure to be inspired. I can’t wait to open the page and start making notes!

And I’m taking this little book along to curl up and read. It’s a great book for anyone wanting to start their own crafting buisness. So many pictures, advice from all the pros and wonderful tips and suggestions. It’s a delightful book with page,

after page,

after page,

of wonderful photos and stories…

While I’m in Bend I’m sneaking in a few “sewing” days with Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek http://www.bloomcreek.blogspot.com/ and my friend Anne. Now, doesn’t that sound like fun? I’ll be sewing something using this jelly roll of Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller and Moda Fabrics. You’ll never guess what I’m sewing. I hope it works (:

I almost forgot…my sweet magazine ladies…your goodies are being shipped gradually this coming week. Check your mail box! Julia is just starting to get her magazines so be sure to watch her blog http://littlegirlquilts.blogspot.com/.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Hugs,

Anne