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Monday, March 13, 2023

A Thrifty High and the Quilt Bandit.

Good morning, ya'll. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and let me tell you a tale. 

 The other day, Mr. Pinker and I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed. After taking the grandbabies to school, we hitched up our wagons to go to some of my favorite thrifting honey holes. 

In December I posted about a  grand haul  that I made at the thrift stores  in Alabama . One of the treasures that  I saw but left behind was an old ice box. Over the last  couple of months, I  just could not get it out of my mind. So off Mr. Pinker and I  went in hopes that it would still be there and more importantly that it would  be discounted.   

When we arrived at our first thrift shop, I was about to jump out of the truck before it was parked, but Mr. Pinker said "Whooa there, Nelly! Hold onto your horses! The store is not open yet!" 

So I sat there patiently waiting. Soon I saw a wee hand flip the OPEN sign and I jumped out of the truck ready to explore.

 I swear as soon as I opened the door, a light suddenly appeared from the heaven above shining brightly on a sweet red and white quilt gingerly draped on a table. 

"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah !" I began to sing as I hustled my way over to it. I picked it up and studied it intently .

 Hmmm hand quilted, hand pieced and then I saw the price. My eyes widened. I blinked once and then twice. I looked all around in complete and utter confusion. Of course, Mr. Pinker had looked over my shoulder and walked off seeing what treasures he could find. He was totally unaware that I was confused. I placed the quilt into my buggy not sure what my eyes were seeing. So with the rattle of the buggy wheels and the click of my heels , I made my way to Mr. Pinker. 

"What does this tag say?" , I asked  Mr. Pinker with a quiver of excitement in my voice.  

" It says $6.00" said Mr. Pinker  totally calm , cool and collect.  

 "EEEEH!!" I started to jump up and down but I knew I had to contain my excitement!!  " I  just don't understand how this sweet piece can be just $6.00,but it's all  mine though! , I exclaimed to Mr. Pinker as I hugged it to my chest tightly.

  "I knew that as soon as we walked into the door. Mr. Pinker said. 

I looked it over. Just a few worn places and minor tears- Nothing that a little thread and needle and perhaps fabric could not repair. 

"We better hurry and check out !" I exclaimed. 

"What's the hurry?" Mr. Pinker asked.  

" Well, I feel like this is a steal" .

 Mr. Pinker just shook his head- "Well they priced it," he said.

  I calmly made my way to the cash register, and the pleasant young gentleman said $6.00 and some change for tax. I could not have whipped out the money  fast enough . I tell you, I did not even let him bag it before I ran to the door like a bandit. 

                

Mr. Pinker rolled his eyes, "She goes a little batty over quilts," he said to the young man who just smiled. 

At the 2nd honey hole, Mr. Pinker and I separated and meandered among the aisles each looking for treasures. I actually found Mr. Pinker a treasure -  a whole roll of barbed wire - what every farmer needs. Lol. And I swear I heard a squeal of delight from Mr. Pinker. 

 But soon I found my 2nd treasure- an Esmond cookie Jar.  

As I was placing the cookie jar into my buggy, Mr. Pinker rounded the corner. 

"Yoo Hoo, dear!" he said. "Are you buying another cookie jar?  "

 I batted my eyes and looked at him innocently " Who me? " I asked as I stroked the jar. 

"Didn't you buy a cookie jar the last time we were here? ", he asked  

 "Nope ! I said with great confidence. "It was a bean pot,!" I exclaimed with a smile and off I went of my merry way. 

At the 3rd honey hole, I finally made my way to the furniture section with fingers crossed that the ice chest would still be there. " Yes!" I said as I saw it sitting just where I left it a few short months ago. Surely they have discounted it because   who needs an old  wooden ice chest but me I thought. Lol.  😁

I went to check the price. Oh bummer; the price was just too rich for my blood.  My thrifting luck had run  out. So the ice chest stayed .

 Soon I found , Mr. Pinker and told him the news.  Then Mr. Pinker reminded me, " Well you made a good haul, today. "  

"You are right! I am still on a thrifty quilt high"! And with that I was ok that I did not get what I had came for.But that does give me an excuse to go back next month in hopes that the ice chest is reduced . 😄

Do you enjoy searching for thrifty treasures? I find it is always an adventure whether I find anything or not. 

 Well my dears, Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. Have a beautiful day and ...

As always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, ya'll

Melisa
All you need is love and some really cool junk.  😂😃
Hugs and Stitches!!!  
Dedicated to my sweet Baby sister, Amy  who was my thrifting partner in crime. Amy always had the same thrifty highs and would stop by to show me her treasures. I miss those days  . I love you, Amo. You are such a blessing. ❤  

These are a few more of my treasure that I purchased . I have never seen a doiley that I do not love. 
Happy Treasure Hunting, ya'll. 

57 comments:

  1. Yahoo for you! Isn't it the feeling to rescue quilts and needlework? I'm hoping to stop at our local thrift store if DH is up to it after his clinic appointment on Tuesday...and it's Senior Citizen Day! Woo Who! I just happened to mention that Mr. Pinker takes you out shopping and to lunch occasionally. We'll see how that all works out here. Good luck on the next trip to check on the ice box. Happy treasure hunting! Kris

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    1. Woops. I was so excited about the quilt you found I messed up. I meant to write, isn't it the BEST feeling .... Kris

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    2. Happy Monday, Kris. Oh yes .it is absolutely exhilarating when I find a quilt or any needlework especially at rock bottom prices. Lol. I so hope you find some thrifty treasures tomorrow and get to go out to eat as well. Let me know if you find any sweet deals. I just love hearing about thrifty finds so much. Hugs.

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  2. You found very good treasures.
    Have a happy week!
    Hugs

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    1. I was over the moon, Isabel and was very surprised. It was a good day to treasure hunt. Have a great week and thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs.

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  3. I'm with you, Melisa; I too, have never seen a doily I didn't love. The quilt is amazing! And the price ......unbelievable!

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    1. Aren't doilies just sweet treasures? I was over the moon when I scored the quilt. Thank you so much for the sweet visit, Kim. Have a great week. Hugs.

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  4. That beautiful quilt was a huge score! Seriously $6.00!!!! Sweet cookie jar.

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    1. I still can not believe it Darlene. I often wonder about how they determine the prices ,but I definitely scored on this one. Thank you for the sweet visit. I hope you had a great day. Hugs.

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  5. Amazing quilt! Melisa! You sent me off looking up when fridges were invented etc! 1805! Wow, so how old must that chest be? 😂🤣 Fascinating! I think that ice chest wants to come home with you. 😆 The photo shoots you’d be able to do! Hugs, Barbara (The Flashing Scissors). 🤗🙋‍♀️🙂👍😘xx

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    1. Oh , Barbara I want that ice chest so bad. It does need to be restored ( someone painted the wood) but I think I could bring it back to its glory and it would be a great piece to decorate with . I love older prim furniture like that. I didn't know that fridges date back that far. Wow that is interesting. I hope you have a great week. Hugs.

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  6. (Little Penpen) I love this story! And I love your $6 quilt! Omg, what a beauty! That ice box will be yours; I just feel it. 😁

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Penny. I think I am still on a thrifty high. I think this quilt will be the deal of the year for me. Lol.I still have my fingers crossed on the ice chest. I look forward next month to see if it is still there. If not I would love to find another quilt. Lol. Have a great week. Hugs.

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  7. You had a great day. That is a lovely old quilt. Reminds me a bit of your strippy tulips.

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    1. I am so excited to add it to my quilt collection . I hadn't thought of that- but it does remind me of the strippy tulips too. I have been working on some more today. Thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs.

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  8. I do love your thrifting tales. So funny. The price on that quilt would have made me squeal with delight too. Our thrift stores don't have that around here - either people know the value of an old quilt or no one donates them - even quilt tops!
    Blessings

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    1. I couldn't believe that it had not been snatched up, Donna because it was displayed right at the door. I guess it was meant to be and it was all in the timing. Lol. I used to find quilts, and quilt tops at my thrift store often , but they are few and far between now. That is why when I travel I hit every thrift store in search for them. It was indeed a great day to be thrifting. Thank you for the sweet visit. Hugs..

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  9. The quilt definitely was a steal but that is the shop's problem. She's a beauty! Happy stitching!

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    1. I was amazed , Gretchen. That is why I had to get my hubby to check the price for me because it was a steal. Lol. It was a great day to be thrifting. Thank you for the sweet visit. Hugs.

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  10. Oh we sound like secret sisters, Melisa. I have recently taken up thrifting and I have found a few treasures. I cannot believe $6 for that quilt. I would have snatched it up too!! Come to Decatur one day...we have three or four good thrift stores here. I will take you to them!

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    1. Oh how fun, Arlene. Don't you just love to search for thrifty treasures? And the excitement is all in the hunt as well. Oooh I may have to take you up on the offer someday. Hubby and I used to go to Huntsville a lot to shop, but it has been a few months. Have a great week and happy treausre hunting. Hugs.

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  11. What a find in the quilt. WOW $6 It is gorgeous. Happy thrifting.

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    1. Lol I was over the moon, Linda. It has been a ages since I have found a quilt as low as that. And with it being a red and white quilt made it even more special for me. ( I love anything red.:) Thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs.

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  12. What a beautiful quilt find (and score), Melisa! Too bad the ice chest was still pricey. Maybe next time you could give them an offer. Have a marvelous Monday!

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    1. Every time I go to this little thrift store, I always walk out with a little treasure , but I could have been knocked over with a feather when I saw the price on this quilt. It was a great day to be thrifting. Have a fabulous week, Robin. Hugs.

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  13. Too much fun!!! I love reading your story, Melisa!!! Yes, that quilt is priceless, so you definitely got a deal!!! And that ice chest is bound to come down in price in the future.... PS--I want to see a photo of the roll of barbed wire!?!

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    1. Lol. I was about to take a photo of the barbed wire, but refrained. Hee Hee! Lol I was grinning from ear to ear when I found this quilt. It is hard to come down from such a thrifty high like that. Thank you for dropping by for a visit, Nancy and for the giggle. Hugs.

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  14. Oh I feel just like you Melisa! I get very excited and happy over great deals like that! Good for you! Are these antique shops or thrift shops? Our Goodwill shop has a lot of ahem, junk. The antique mall we have has lots of good stuff, but no bargains like that. Ever!

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    1. I have to admit I do excited every time I find a good deal. I am always on the search for quilts or sewing related pieces. The one where I got the quilt is a mom and pop thrift store and the others are consignment/ thrift stores, but everything is pretty cheap and reasonable in all of them. I think the Goodwills are a hit and a miss. Fortunately my Goodwill usually is pretty cheap and has great items, but I have gone to a lot that do not have a thing or are real expensive , but lol I still keep going to look for a possible treasure. I truly appreciate you stopping by to hear about my thrifting adventure. I wish you luck in finding a great deal yourself. I just wish you had some honey holes like I do. Hugs.

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  15. that quilt! SCORE!!!!!!!! :)

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    1. Lol I am still doing the happy dance over this quilt and eeeh ! It was a red quilt too. Lol. Thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs.

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  16. I used to enjoy going to thrift shops, but the Covid pandemic closed all but the SA & GW stores.

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    1. Aaah I hate that you don't get to enjoy thrifting anymore. The pandemic truly did make a change in the thrift shops and shopping even in the SA & GW. Ours do not have as much as they used to and they quit having sales, but I still enjoying looking especially when hubby and I travel. But I completely understand I used to enjoy shopping in general a lot more before the pandemic. I so appreciate that you stopped by and visited me today, dear. I wish you a very lovely week. Hugs

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  17. I loved reading about your thrifty finds, Melisa! I am weird--I actually prefer watching people thrift shop on YouTube over watching Flosstube. Ha ha! I do love a good bargain myself and really enjoy hearing about others bargains as well. Hope that ice box gets discounted for your you very soon :)

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    1. Aaah thank you so much, Carol. I am still on a thrifty high after scoring the quilt. I am the same way, I watched more thrifting videos than Flosstube. My favorite is Jean E. on youtube ;she has the most amazing collections and finds some amazing things at yard sales plus she shows how she decorates with her finds. I still have my fingers crossed on the ice box. Lol. , but that is ok if it doesn't. Have a great week. Hugs.

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  18. Well, that was a fun read! You certainly pounced on that quilt as soon as you saw it, what've bargain. I must admit that I'm not much of a thrift shopper at all, perhaps I should give it a go sometime.

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    1. Lol, Jenny pounce is the right word. I was all over that quilt when I spotted it . It was a great day to be thrifting. It is a lot of fun to thrift shop. It is like a treasure hunt; sometimes you find something; a lot of the times you don't. Lol. Thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs.

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  19. That quilt was a great find and I'm sure that it's going to look fab after you work on it. I hope you'll get your ice chest soon, fingers crossed!
    Hugs

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    1. It was an amazing day of thrifting; I feel very fortunate that I was able to get this quilt and will treasure it forever. Lol.I still have my fingers crossed on the ice chest. We will see next month. Hee ! Hee! . Thank you for the sweet visit, Diana. I hope you have a great week. Hugs.

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  20. Love to see your junkin hauls. I have become obsessed with online estate sales. A few weeks ago I won a big tub of what looked like old fabric scraps and a few old tote bags. Well when I went to pick it up the guy who carried it out to my car said that I would be pleasantly surprised. When I got it home and started to go through it I was beyond pleasantly surprised I almost cried. Bunches of quilt blocks and then this incredible hand piece almost finished quilt top! I paid $10 for it all! I wish I could put a picture in here to show you.

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    1. Oh my gosh!!!! I know you are on a thrifting high yourself !!! What a treasure not only to get the fabric but hand pieced blocks and top. Wow!!! I bet you have been pouring over each and every piece. Hubby and I used to go to estate sales and live auctions and would find treasures. I have not tried the online estate sales. I am going to have to see what is in my area. Will you be finishing the blocks into a quilt and finishing the quilt? I was watching Beth Shipley on Youtube at "My Sewing Room" and she was working on blocks that she bought while thrifting. Some blocks were finished and some she was going to create more to go with the others. Enjoy your thrifty high, my dear. It brought a smile to my day to hear about your haul. Hugs

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  21. It is all about the hunt.

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    1. Lol isn't that right? ! I think half the fun is the anticipation of what you may find and then when you do find something it is all that much better. Thank you for the sweet Monday visit. Hugs. and Happy Treasure hunting.

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  22. My grandmother and mother crocheted. When they pasted away I inherited all the doilies they made! Love them lots. I also have a full sized bed spread and some table cloths that my grandmother made. The funny thing is, she couldn't make anything following the published patterns. She made everything by looking at the pictures.

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    1. What a treasure to have your mom's and grandma's crocheted doilies; . I bet the bed spread and tableclothes are spectacular. Did your grandma teach your mom to crochet? That is amazing that she crocheted by sight rather than using patterns. She was very talented and sounds like she was very prolific. What a sweet family memory, Lorraine. Your reminded me that I have my great grandma's crocheted bedspread. I will have to share it sometime. It is so heavy . Have a wonderful week, my dear. Hugs.

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  23. I think I would have offered him what I was willing to pay for it. I bought an amazing sewing machine when I did that. Sometimes, they just need the floor space. You got some good pieces anyway, though! I really wish TN had places like your thrift stores. When my friend and I go across the northern states the next couple of months, we're keeping our eyes open for thrift and antique stores. My budget is miniscule, but maybe I'll find a quilt or some lace or something that will be a great souvenir of the trip - maybe a cookie jar or a bean pot! =) Thanks for sharing all your great finds!

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    1. I should have done that, Susan. I wish my Nanny was here for she was a great haggler and would have got it for a song and a dance. ( I got my love for thrifting from her. Lol) Everytime I go to East TN , I struggle in finding great thrifting honey holes. It seems like the small rural towns have better thrift stores that the large towns or cities. West TN has some good Goodwills or they did a couple of years ago. I hope you do find some treasures as souveniers when you travel and go thrifting. Maybe even some fabric to add to a new quilt to remind you of your trip . Hugs.

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  24. What a great haul, Melisa!! Sorry the ice box was not discounted as yet. I remember my grandmother had an old ice box in her bathroom that she had painted yellow and she used it to store towels! I wish I had it now...and her enameled kitchen cabinet that had the flour bin in it! I loved that thing!

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Brenda. It was a good thrifting day despite not getting the ice box. What wonderful memories of your grandma. I can imagine the ice chest painted a sweet buttery yellow and what a great idea on storing towels in it. I have my great grandma''s hoosier cabinet . It is amazing how much storage the older cabinets had. Thank you for the sweet visit. Hugs.

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  25. I, too, love thrifting and get my highs that way, and I especially enjoy your storytelling. Thanks for the grins this morning.

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    1. Aaah thank you so much, Kim. It was a great day to be out thrifting. I still can not get over my luck of finding the quilt. Have a beautiful day and thank you again for the sweet visit

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  26. What wonderful finds! You scored with that lovely tulip quilt AND the cookie jar. I haven't been junking in so long. Maybe I will take your cue.

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    1. Lol I was over the moon, Ginny. I still can not believe my luck. I thought the cookie jar will look good with my Easter decor and then on the hutch in Autumn as well. I adore old cookie jars. I hope you do go out treasure hunting. You never know what you may find. Happy Tuesday. Hugs.

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  27. I hope you get your icebox the next time you visit that shop, Melisa. Your new old quilt is beautiful! I do love red and green together. A steal, indeed!

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    1. Lol thank you so much, Nancy. I do too. I have my fingers crossed, but I certainly am over the moon with this quilt. Thank you for the sweet visit. Have a great week.

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  28. Melisa, so excited for your quilt; I love an old quilt; they are the best. Hope you get your ice chest soon. Do you mind sharing your junking stores; I visit upper Alabama to see my mother-in-law; and we love going junking.

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    1. Aaah thank you so much, Deb. I agree old quilts are the best. It was my lucky day on this one. Alabama has some good thrift and junk stores. It is always a treasure hunt to see what we may find. Have a great week. Hugs.

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