Bargains

I said yesterday that I need to keep myself under considerable control when I visit the haberdashery warehouse. One place I do allow myself a bit of leeway is the $1 bargain bin--especially when there are items that I might be purchasing anyway.

Here's what I got:

• side cutters for beading wire
• cleaning brush for sewing machine
• itty bitty paper punch
• bag of purple pretties
• blue shell (not plastic) buttons

Total cost: $5--most of these would normally cost more than that each.

Shopping Trip

I just got the go ahead for my Patchwork by Machine class at the local Neighbourhood House. Seven students have signed up and there are a couple still making up their minds. This is a first for our Neighbourhood House. We've had a "do your own thing" Quilters' Circle for several years now, but no beginner classes.

My aim in planning this class was to make it really easy for new people to get started, so they can enjoy the craft and potentially join a group. So I designed a simple 9-patch lap quilt which has been on display. I'm also going to be providing a class set of equipment so students don't have to spend a lot of money up front before they even get a chance to make anything.

Which brings me to my shopping trip! I need to buy a couple of cutting sets: rulers, mats and cutters. I'm about to open an account at a habedashery warehouse. That's a new thing for me. I've made a list so I won't be tempted to buy the place out on my first visit. At least, I will be tempted to buy the place out, but I'll have the list to restrain me.

This is the sort of thing I'm after:
It just so happens that one of my favourite discount fabric stores is in the same suburb as the warehouse--and in the last few years they've taken to buying in silk fabrics as well as the more usual variety of dress fabrics and quilting cottons. I'm planning to visit, but I will be selective. There, you have it in writing, "I will be restrained in my shopping".