Purses, purses, purses.......oh and an Auction!

I really feel all over the place.  Business has been nice and steady, but I think because we are finally more organized and semi-caught up on things (ok, not really), but I find myself with more time on my hands.  For me that's not good, I do much better when I am right out straight, with things lined up to do all day.  If I have a free minute, oh, I'll just sit for a minute and see whats new on pinterest and see who's doing what on facebook...

Or, as you will see, tackle things for myself.  Of course this isn't bad because if I make something for myself I usually get a request to turn it into a pattern for the website, so I tell myself that it really is a good thing to be creative for myself.  I had to stop designing hooked rugs because Mom literally has about 12 designs to do right now.  I really do not push her to get the designs out (really I don't), but let me tell you, she turns into a demon when I give her a new design.  You can actually see her pupils dilate with anticipation of what colors she will use.  That's a very good thing!  I'm so happy that she never tires of hooking, otherwise I'd be in big trouble.  I can hook pretty fast, but I like to do too many other things.

Here's what I've been working on.  I decided I wanted a floral bag for summer, but wanted dark rich colors.  I have always loved the flower in my Antique floral design so decided to put it on my bag.....

I am drawn to textures and plaids for backgrounds.  Not much of a solid girl, unless it's heavily mottled, but still love those textures.  So, for the background I knew I wanted to mix two of our new blacks......

I went with our New Black Fencing and Black and Brown (plaid).  They are much darker in person.  I wanted to use the flash so you could see the contrast.  The color is more true above.  I LOVE how it is hooking up.

 Here's a set of 3 purses we have been working on.  One Daisy design done three ways.....

I punched this one below.  I had to add the diagonal diamond pattern in the back because I thought it would be too flat.  For the flower I started on the outside of a circle with a height of #12, the highest on the ultra punch needle and did 2 to 3 rows, then down to a #8 height, another 2 to 3 rows and then 2 to 3 rows with a #6 height.  I usually punch with a #2 height so this felt very strange, but I just love the outcome..

...and the appliqued version...

...and the hooked version.  Mom hooked large loops, again, staggering the size from the outside of the circle in and then I trimmed them up because I wanted a scrappy look instead of loopy.

This pattern "Our Flag" has been available for some time, but I just finished mine with the lining.  It is very striking.  If you are interested in the pattern here is the link:

"Our Flag" Purse Hooked pattern/kit

Here's something I experimented with.  I wanted to punch in our Primitive feedsack fabric.  It was a very loose weave,but did come out just fine.  A few spots showing, but I do think it works with the primitive look.  I have to tell you that when Mom saw it she gasped and said "what did you spill on it".  I said, "Walnut crystals!!"  It's suppose to be that way!  Geesh Mom!

So, Friday Mom and I headed out to another Auction.  There was a beautiful wood and glass display case that I wanted for the shop, but I wasn't that crazy about loading it in the truck so I let it go.  We did manage to get a few goodies though....

Look at that huge frame in front of the door.  That is going to be a focal piece in the Shop.  Baskets and an old gum display rack will also work...

Awesome detailing on the top of the frame...

Really, can you ever have too many baskets?? 

There was a little tray lot of Womens cosmetic things, I think I got it for $5 and I bought it for the little pitcher.

...but you always find other goodies in a lot.  This shoe horn surely can be made into something..

I'm not sure I'll use this, but WOW, look at that shade of red lipstick.  It reminded me of my Grandmother.  The stories these things could tell!!

Love the picnic basket..

I have always wanted some old sleigh bells...I think these will hang on the shop door in the Winter!

My husband thinks I'm crazy, but he is learning to trust me.  I told him "just want till you see what this is going to be"

This was in the ladies lot....what a beautiful old paper weight!  Another treasure..

Look how tiny.....

So, here we are....Sunday afternoon, my favorite day of the week.  I always use this day to "do what I want", which is normally tie up some loose ends, catch up on computer work, write on my blog.  As you can see below, Mom is using the day to organize.  She has cut thousands of pennies.  She has more patience than me.....

She has them all separated by color...

I am taking some time to catch up on some thread dyeing.  I just love my "Dirty White" thread.

 We had a visit from Robin who needed to come over to "fondle" the wool on Friday....right Robin?  She brought over her most recent FINISHED project.  Just lovely and so primitive!!  Great job Robin!

 and last but not least...Thursday morning the UPS man pulled up to the door.  I wasn't expecting anything so my curiosity was peaked.  I opened a large, well packed box to find these two beautiful quilted flags.  The workmanship was excellent as well as the beautiful frames they were mounted in.  Along with the flags was a note from Myra.  Myra has followed my blog and is a regular customer who thought I might enjoy these flags.  Her and her husband, both teachers use to sell their wares at craft shows, but no longer are able to because they simply don't have the time, so she thought "what better place for these flags than with The Old Tattered Flag".  What a scene when I opened the box, both Mom and I started crying.   Myra's note was so nice and just the lift I needed.  I still get all mushy when I think about it.  You know I have had some health issues and I was headed to the Doctors that very day.  Nothing serious, I've discussed the fibroid tumor thing here on my blog before and have heard from so many of you that you have gone through the same thing.  I was a little surprised to hear him say that if my blood levels go any lower that I will need a blood transfusion......what!!!??  Anyway, Myra's gift came at a perfect time and I don't think I will forget the feeling of her  absolute kindness for a very long time....

So, with all that said, I think I'll go help hubby put the finishing touches on the 10 hooking frames we started yesterday.  I hope you are all having a "do what you want to do" Sunday afternoon.

Until next time.....