A 50 cent summer deal

I scored this big book of needlework stitches for 50 cents at the used book table at my library today. It was originally published in 1950, although this edition dates to 1964. The patterns are dated, and quiltmaking doesn't get nearly as much attention as embroidery, crewel, and other needlework styles, but it's a good reference for various stitches and techniques, especially at this price. Inside the front cover I found some more patterns and reference material. I'm not sure if I'll be smocking any time soon, but I might try that Jacobean embroidery pattern sometime.

When I was in St. Jacobs, Ont. earlier this summer, I went on the hunt for light and medium solids for a log cabin quilt I want to make in an Amish style. St. Jacobs is home to many horse-and-buggy Old Order Mennonites, and I found a small quilt shop run by a white-capped Mennonite woman where solids were $5 a metre. She cut very generous metres (about 42 inches) and now I have rounded out my solid stash.

Shopping in Saskatchewan

Here's some eye candy from a recent shopping expedition in four shops in rural and urban Saskatchewan. I found some $5/metre lipstick fabric for a cool pillowcase, and some more word and letter fabric for my word quilt. Here are my real finds from a thrift store, all for less than $5 total -- four embroidered blocks, a purse closure for 20 cents, a vintage quilt pattern book, and a tote crocheted from wool yarns, perfect for carrying small projects, and trendy in a retro sort of way.
These blocks are cross-stitched, and each are slightly different.
I stopped at Shirley's Sewing Room in Moosomin on the way home and found some 1930s prints to coordinate with the blocks. Maybe I'll make a small tablecloth. Anyone have some other ideas?