Zapotec Rug, Grandma's Garden Patchwork etc...

I had a small accident this week, while using a bread knife. I found out just how sharp the silly thing is. Fortunately I didn't cut the tip of my finger completely off, but it was a close thing. It is still a bit painful, but mostly I am just feeling so stupid for being hasty, and not more careful. It is a truism that most accidents happen in the home and it should be a caution to all of us.

Having said all of this, it has not kept me from thrifting in the slightest. I found you can cut the finger off of a non-latex glove, pull it over the bandage on your finger, tape it down and carry on. At least it has worked really well for me.

Finds like this Zapotec rug are one of the reasons I love to go thrifting. I paid $9.99 for this lovely rug and I thought when I read the tag I was seeing things. It is in mint condition and measures 53" x 74" with a four inch fringe on each end. The colors are simply stunning and the wool weaving brilliant. If you want to know more about Zapotec weaving here is a link to a very good article.  https://www.tripsavvy.com/oaxaca-rug-weaving-1589061

These types of lovely rugs are made in Oaxaca, southern Mexico. The people of that region have been making rugs for centuries. I love the bright colors, and the patterns are very pleasing in this one too. This was used as a wall hanging by its prior owner and I think that is what I will be using it for also. It should look very lovely hanging in the staircase of my new shop or possibly a wall in my new house?!

This small watercolor was sitting on the picture shelf and I had seen it three or four times on my visits. Each time I had thought about getting it, but hadn't. I thought if I go in there one more time and it is still there I will get it. It was, so there ya go.
This little picture is so darling and it made me grin every time I saw it. So home it came with me and I'm glad. The cats are so funny, they've gone to the birds! Birds of a feather may flock together, but cat's of a fur are true friends for sure! The artists name is Alverina and she painted this in 1993. I don't know who this artist is, but she paints cute cats and birds, that is for sure!

Right down the shelf from the kitty picture were these pretty little shadow box framed Holly Hobbie 3D picture cutouts. These brought back sweet memories of yesteryear. I had a girlfriend in high school who could draw the cutest little Holly Hobbie girls you ever saw. These reminded me of her and so I just had to have them. Written on the backs are, Christmas 1973, and as best I can read, Made by Ruth Miller. I do know that these little pictures were sold as hobby kits by Halmark in the 1970's, and whoever the Ruth is, I want to thank her for a job well done. These are simply adorable.

This wonderful Edmunds quilters frame can still be purchased at Joann Fabrics for $75, but why do that if you can pick it up at Goodwill in perfect condition for $7.99?! I snatched this up almost as the fellow was setting it down. He asked me what on earth it was, as he couldn't figure it out?! I told him, and he and I both went away pleased.

I thought I would be ending my blog on finding the Edmunds quilting frame, but as luck would have it, I was back in the store the very next day and found this unfinished piece that is in dire need of quilting. It was framed up in a nasty wooden frame with plastic cover, and taped at the back with masking tape...shudder...I felt it needed a rescue, and it fits the Edmunds frame perfectly. It was practically falling apart and begging to be up-cycled. I sew did! LOL Just wait until you see the end result. It turned out fantastic.

 Right at the last, before I was leaving the store, I saw this lovely book, Mushrooms of North America. I am an avid mushroom hunter, my favorite being Chanterelle's. I like to dry them in a food dryer, bag them up and freeze them. That way I can use them for soups and gravies in the winter. They are delicious!