Thursday 1 October 2020

Thrift Store Scores, Dreamy Hearts Quilt, Bathing Birds

                                               

This is a close up of phlox.  A few bunches are here and there all over the garden. There is white as well but not nearly as showy. It was an excellent year for phlox and it did well despite the July heat and drought. Another wonderful perennial for a little further back in a flower bed.

I was struck while out and about by how much violet/pink is represented in an autumn time garden. Here is a smattering.

The sedum which is coming into bloom. There are two kinds here.

This bull thistle

Still prized by a few slow moving bumblebees
The look of the meadow down by the pond
filled with this plant- I think it is loosestrife, something that has made quite a nuisance of itself in certain areas but its pretty colour cannot be denied. But I thought loosestrife was in single strands and there are some with these multi branches. The leaves have all the colours of fall right now and I hope to get some closeups of that.

Thrift Store Finds

I promised to show what I bought at the Thrift store last week.

This went right into my basket...an Old Foley Strawberry pitcher which is a vintage piece and I love strawberries on china. I paid $4.99 for it and my research Here at Ebay shows prices ranging from $40 to $70 Cdn. This pattern can still be found as a complete set of dishes which would make such a pretty summer set.

It's surrounded by my last tomato harvest...LOL.

No hesitation with buying these four 6 inch tea plates that are Laura Ashley Thistle pattern either. The 4 cost $3.99 and are perfect for Hubby's morning bickie with his tea. I found the same set on Ebay for $52. 22 Cdn which was a surprise. 

I always look through the books. This quilting book from Better Homes and Gardens, 501 Quilt Blocks, is one I've checked out of the library a few times so I'm quite familiar with it. It has a nice selection of both patchwork and applique blocks. It's on Amazon for $31.55 plus $3.95 shipping so I think it was a great deal for $2. 

And something to wear (cause I have nothing, LOL) a new blouse which actually seemed to be new.  Love paisley and I noticed the pretty rounded collar and how the cotton seemed to be brushed. When I tried it on, I was intrigued there was a hidden snap sewn onto the chest placket...and I realized this blouse had been tailor made. When I looked up Maxwell's, I found out they are custom clothiers so I figured my blouse was worth the $6.99 I paid for it.  I have a medium blue v necked sweater that this will match with well. 
So all in all, I had fun and caught enough good deals for less than twenty dollars to make me want to return.  Which with the way things are going, who knows when!

Here is how large my Dreamy Hearts quilt is now, about 55inches wide by 62 inches long.  I have two more rows to add to the length. 

I'm going to set this as a my OMG at Elm Street Quilts for October. To have it all ready for a bed. Yeah, we'll see how far I get with that.  But saying that, it is pretty close soooo...

Here are some robins enjoying the bird bath. They were part of a flock with about 20 of them hanging around the garden for three or four days last week. I've never seen so many together before so that was fun. They loved the bird bath and kept emptying it with their vigorous bathing. And I always knew when they'd been because of all the water on the patio.

I guess they wanted to be clean for the big flight. 

Speaking of which, I just loved when former First Lady, Laura Bush, went public asking Texas to dim lights overnight during the height of bird migration-  here is one of the articles about it.

Love to link up with Not Afraid of Color as always. Also linking with Paying Ready AttentionConfessions of a Fabric AddictPowered By QuiltingKathy's QuiltsSmall Quilts and Doll QuiltsJaipur GardeningOur World Tuesday and Viewing Nature With Eileen









45 comments :

Karen said...

The pitcher with the strawberry design is a good find. I don't often find goodies at thrift stores like that. I love strawberries!

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

Pink and purple in autumn-very cool. That’s a gorgeous pitcher and some great finds. And, of course I’m lovin that heart quilt.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I just love all your wonderful thrift store finds I'm never so lucky! but then I usually go to browse and not looking for anything in particular. Your flowers are all so pretty for this time of year your leafs on the trees much be turning , ours are barely starting.

Libby in TN said...

Our beautyberry bushes are the only purple still hanging on around here, though I have seen quite a few patches along the interstate mixed among lots of yellow.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those flowers are so, so pretty and that was quite the find at the thrift store, it's a beautiful pitcher!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I always love the glimpses of your yard that you share here - pretty flowers and, of course, the birds! Robins love the bird bath here, too. Such great thrift shop finds, Jocelyn - you are a master at that! Your Dreamy Hearts quilt top is lovely!

Jenny said...

Great thrift store finds, although I have to admit that I'm not really an "op shop" as we call them here, customer much at all.
Your dreamy hearts look so dreamy and pretty, coming along so well.

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

Love your flowers - birds - Dreamy Hearts - and thrift store finds! It's a good thing you found that tailored blouse - since you have nothing to wear - LOLOL - ;))

grammajudyb said...

Thrift store scores! Well done! What a pretty pitcher! Our robins love the water too! If the sprinkler is one....there are robins! I don’t have a birdbath...we did, then the top(bowl part) was stolen! I have no idea why... it was concrete, so heavy. But we could see footprints in the snow! Maddening!

Ruth Hiebert said...

You found some treasures at the Thrift store. I have had so many Robins as well. Yes, they make quite the mess when the bathe.

Yvonne said...

I love shopping at thrift stores when I am visiting the usa. The treasures I found are so dear to me and many books have made the journey in my suitcase to the Netherlands. You sure have found some pretty things too! Your hearts are very sweet.

Michelle Ridgway said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden and walk! I do love your bargain finds....well done! I see you have the pretty little heart blocks bug too....they look so pretty all together.

Angie said...

Great thrift store finds! There's nothing better than the thrill of the hunt!

Lynn said...

Great shopping. Thrift shops are often a source of 100% cotton doona covers I use for quilt backing. Your hearts are looking beautiful too. Cute robin's.

PaintedThread said...

Thistles are pretty. I like those plates. What a find! And that heart quilt is looking lovely.

CathieJ said...

What an enjoyable blog post. I love your thrift store finds.

MissPat said...

Your fall colored flowers are lovely. The deer have eaten all my Autumn Joy sedum and I think I will dig it all up in the spring and put pots of it out by the road for free to anyone who can use it. My dahlias are still blooming though. I haven't seen any robins since spring. I also haven't been good about keeping the bird bath clean and full. It's sitting in a place that the hose doesn't reach which means I have to carry the heavy concrete bowl to the hose to clean it. You found some lovely things at the thrift store.
Pat

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Awesome thrift store finds. Lovely flowers and your quilt is going to be fabulous.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Phlox was prolific in our garden too this year, and as you say it is a marvellous burst of colour late in the season. As for thrift stores I buy more of my clothes there than anywhere else - not that I need a whole lot. I could happily wear the same thing every day (laundered of course). If it's comfortable and warm I'm a happy guy, and the birds don't mind. Worrying about whether it matches or not is not something that readily enters my mind. I always loved the account of Carl Jenkins, the biologist who did such incredible work in the recovery of the critically endangered Mauritius Kestrel, when he was invited for dinner and a reception aboard the yacht Britannia when Charles and his first wife visited. He was able to borrow reasonably suitable clothes that roughly fitted, but couldn't manage shoes, so he went in his hiking boots because that was the only thing he had. Now, that's a guy I could really get to like! He can come for dinner at my house any time!

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! Fabulous photos of all the pink hues in the garden now. I can say I never noticed that but I am going to pay attention. Those red and orange Maples seem to claim all the attention! LOVE all your thrift store finds. That pitcher is just FAB, as are the plates and book. How cool to now own the book when you know you've enjoyed it from the library. And finally, you can finish your hearts quilt easily this month! And, I for one, can't wait to see it all complete. ~smile~ Roseanne

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Your heart quilt is just perfection!! I'm surprised you have those flowers still blooming in October. Back home in Indiana mine would already be done. We do still have roses blooming on this mountain. I'm wondering what the winter weather will be here.
xx, Carol

Magpie's Mumblings said...

There are so many pretty colours in the fall. We're noticing the local trees seem to be turning a lot redder than in some previous years. Wish we could take a drive north and enjoy them but it's not a good idea during these times.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

Such pretty flowers! You always take the best pictures! I have the same book! You got some great sales. I love the pitcher. The heart quilt is coming along great! I love paisley too!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Great finds at the thrift store! I love your strawberry pitcher! It's always so much fun to see what is growing at your home! Those robins look so sweet! I love your heart quilt!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Your flowers are beautiful, I am sure they keep the bees happy. The pitcher is lovely, pretty plates. The Robins are great birds, I love seeing them around here. Your heart quilt is beautiful. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

andy's colours said...

What a grand quality purchase. Would be just the kind of place I'd love, too. What a shame it's so far away from Europa and travelling is not recommended at present. But at least we can enjoy your garden and birds. Our robins only ever come as singles or couples and they don't migrate, either. We feed them all winter. But they do look different to yours. Enjoy autumn and the beautiful colours. Trees and shrubs have started changing colour here in northern Germany, too.
Andrea

Rain said...

I love that strawberry pitcher Jocelyn!!!!! Great thrift store finds! I have to get to a thrift store soon, I haven't found the time! :) The phlox is so beautiful! :)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the heart quilt...what a work of art...or heart! And I love Laura Bush and will go to that link! Thanks!

audrey said...

So much fun to finally be thrifting again. Love your strawberry pitcher and the little plates too. Very sweet.:)

Yvonne said...

We have robins here year around, but during the winter I have seen large flocks of robins near the forested lake area. I guess some stay here and other fly back up north in the spring. Your strawberry pitcher was a nice find. Very lovely.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Beautiful pictures and love your heart quilt - so soft and sweet! Hugs

Gretchen Weaver said...

You got some good buys at the thrift shop. Your heart quilt is very pretty, happy stitching!

QuiltGranma said...

Wow, some great buys at the thrift store! I am never so lucky!

K Reeves said...

Your thrift store finds were magnificent! Love seeing all your lovely photos. We had to turn the sprinkler on the garden in order to fork this week, and the robins came in by the droves to bathe and hunt bugs and worms!

Kim said...

Your meadow down by the pond is beautiful. Such willowy, purpley colours. You certainly found treasures at your thrift shop. Love the strawberry pitcher. I have a few pieces of this pattern. Your pretty paisley blouse certainly has the look of being tailored-made about it. As for those dreamy hearts....so beautiful!

Mad Cat Quilts said...

That thistle is Stunning!

Raewyn said...

Beautiful flower/nature photos Jocelyn - and great buying at the Thrift Store. Your Dreamy Hearts quilt is gorgeous.

AnnieO said...

Pretty flowers and great thrift shop buys! You were very focused on quality and that shows.

Arun Goyal said...

Beautiful post ! Lovely shade of phlox flowers.It would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to Gardening here at http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2020/10/garden-affair-succulents-world.html

Sandy said...

I’d love to go thrift shopping with you :-)
Your dreamy hearts are precious!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

That should read Carl Jones not Jenkins.

Angie said...

Jocelyn - you have quite the eye for a bargain!!! That pitcher is very pretty, bargain or not! That paisley blouse is gorgeous - every once in a while, a new item is refreshing and makes us feel good! Happy Thanksgiving, by the way!

Joyful said...

Very lovely series of photos. I love all the pink colours in the garden.

Gone Tropical said...

Beautiful flowers, especially the thistle :-) and the pitcher is so pretty!

Arun Goyal said...

Thanks for linking up with Garden Affair.