I’m always looking for unique items to add to my arsenal of art supplies. I say “art” because I consider quilting, no matter what method you use, to be an art. On several recent occasions I had the opportunity to add an item or two. I know I’ve made a commitment to down-size through consumption but sometimes I just can’t help myself!

In June, while attending a class at the QSDS (Quilt Surface Design Symposium), I fell head-over-heels into the snare of a pop-up vendor called Fiber on a Whim. This vendor knew exactly what she was doing when she stocked her tiny space. Being in the creative mindset, brought on by the school’s atmosphere, probably didn’t help my cause. In spite of the mantra, “I will not buy supplies,” circulating through my head, I fell victim.

Purchased from this vendor were many of these items.

I say many because some of them I won while participating, on the last night of the school, in the door prize event. I don’t have a specific plan mapped out for each item. Some may simply remain untouched, acting as decorations for my studio. Who knows!

Lets unpack the basket. Inside are the following:

Also purchased from Fiber on a Whim, but not included in the basket, was these two stacks of Hand-dyed burlap and the small roll of wool. The gingham burlap, sitting behind the wool, was purchased from Vintage Bliss.

One of my favorite places to snatch-up vintage items, among other goodies, is Vintage Bliss. Purchased from their store were these two items

The crocheted table runner and the burlap will be cut into sections and incorporated into my art pieces.

I made a trip to a local fabric store looking for solids and came home with these two packages of charm squares.

Last but not least was this stack of Kona solids, four fat-quarters a cheery button and a small pile of colorful zipper pulls acquired from the Electric Needle.

You can obviously figure out how I might use the solids as well as the fat-quarters. The button was just for fun. I will add it to my fabric name tag.

As I browsed the Electric Needle I spied a small container holding a stash of pastel colored zipper pulls. I couldn’t help smiling when I saw them. Who but me would have a light-bulb moment. I’m always on a quest to find unusual items suitable for attaching to art quilts. Once I saw these zipper pulls I just knew I had to add them to my bead and button box.

They will someday make a wonderful addition to an art quilt.

Well that’s the end of my confession. I bet you thought it was never going to end. Me either! That’s what I get for waiting so long. At least I have a clear conscience now. 🙂 LOL!

Time to make something with all these goodies!

Cindy Anderson