This weekend I was working on my current project. This one requires qui
te a bit of machine blanket stitching and I decided it would be the perfect time to play with some variegated thread I've had hanging around. Plus, I had it here at the house and that would mean the entire quilt is from materials on hand. Good for me so far. That is until the @#!*&% thread kept on breaking on me. Every single seam. Every time I hit the lightest color. Ok, so, try a larger needle. The Sulky thread I'm using is pretty thick -- a 90/14 needle should solve the problem. Yeah, not really.I wasn't sure exactly what the problem was, but I boiled it down to either a) bad thread or b) I'm doing something wrong (always a possibility). So, ok a trip to the LQS. I can look for thread, ask a question or two, either way it should solve the problem. I am ONLY buying thread, I can stick to this month's budget and be able to get the Fresh Cut fabrics I've been drooling over. I started with the new LQS (why drive 45 minutes if I don't have to?). No luck. No variegated thread in sight. Ok, longer drive -- but, I can do this. I can still just buy thread.
Yeah, right. Where have I heard that one before. I was actually doing well until I went into the store's clearance section. Even then, I only found a few things at 65-75% off. Under $10.00 worth of items.
And for under $1.50 I just could not resist this lovely beaded fringe. I can think of a bag I've been wanting to make that is just screaming for some limey green fringe!
And for under $1.50 I just could not resist this lovely beaded fringe. I can think of a bag I've been wanting to make that is just screaming for some limey green fringe!But then -- not even in the clearance section, I found these. I've been eyeing these hand-dyed fabric panels since I saw them the first time last summer. 
The price has always made me go -- no, no not today. So why did three of them come home with me? Well...turns out they were on sale. They had the clearance "dot" but were in the main part of the store. When I asked about it, the owner told me to please take them as they couldn't get rid of them. Being as cheap as I am, I also realized that the next day they would be 75% rather than 65% off -- and said I would come back. They looked at me and said since it was 10 minutes to closing I could have the additional 10% right then. I ask you, HOW could I resist? I couldn't!! I really couldn't! Oh well, I will eventually get the Heather Bailey fabrics I want, but in the mean 
time I have some vibrant new colors to play with. I even had dh agree that at that price, they really did need to come home and play with me.
time I have some vibrant new colors to play with. I even had dh agree that at that price, they really did need to come home and play with me.And what did I NOT buy at the LQS? THREAD. They didn't have any of the color I'm using, but I did pick up a set of embroidery needles after talking about potential problems with the owner. Turns out it worked like a charm. I just needed a different TYPE of needle in addition to the larger size!
Oh, before I forget, I have a correction to make per dh. He clarified his position about my usual color choices for my quilts. He does not refer to them as "retinal burn." He much prefers to refer to them as "retinal fatigue." Isn't that much better? But hey -- in the interest of accuracy and all!
