Hi! My name is Brenda and I'm a Shopaholic

As I posted last, I hit the Going Out of Business Sale at Creative Stitchery & Frame in Richmond, TX this week.  I hit it hard.  I hate that they are going out of business, but it is time for Chris to retire and I don't begrudge her the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and relief from stress that I have had since quitting work.  The doors will close December 22, 2012 or sooner.  Of course they have cross-stitching supplies on sale, but they also have some pre-made frames, hand-dyed wool and felt, punch-needle supplies, and supplies for embroidering with ribbon and beads.

A fellow stitcher from the store had a gift shop that just went out of business as well and her items are in the store too.  So, I stocked up on some birthday gifts I was behind on while I was shopping for myself.  I can't post those photos because I don't want to blow the surprise for my friends - oops, now they'll know I gottem' dirt cheap, ha!

Various threads, findings, and Boo-Boo Stick

Skip the pumpkins, I want my Christmas present!

I have just discovered what I want for Christmas this year.  Usually I don't figure it out until I get done shopping for everyone else's gift, about one or two days before Christmas, and then get upset with the DH for not reading my mind and running out to get exactly what I wanted before I knew I wanted it.  It's a wonder he puts up with me sometimes.

Anyway, about my early epiphany...I just stumbled across the Lap Stitch Dutch Treat frame for perforated paper by Images Stitchery Designs.

Lap Stitch Dutch Treat Frame for Perforated Paper

As I have mentioned before, I love Brooke's Books Publishing designs, but I have had difficulty working with the paper freehand because of arthritis.  I am hoping this frame will solve the problem and let me zip through her work much faster than previously.  It's on order through my local cross-stitching store and I'm very excited to try it out. I can't wait until Christmas!! Yippee!

WIP, Finished Projects, Local Shop Closing

I'd like to say that I am working on "X" project and that be the nice and neat story, but that would be a lie.  I'm one of those people that starts and stops 100 projects because I love to buy craft and sewing supplies.  Hello, my name is Brenda and I'm a craft-a-holic.  I believe in the motto "She Who Dies with the Most Stash WINS!!!"  And...I've inherited stash!  Plus...at one time I had an Etsy store so that gave me a reason an excuse to buy more stash.  So you see why I'm motivated to actually complete projects without actually purchasing more supplies.  Trading good, buying bad.

Unfortunately, in many ways, my local cross-stitching store is going out of business.  December 22, 2012 Creative Stitchery and Frame in Richmond, Texas will close their doors unless they can find a buyer beforehand.  This has prompted me to take a closer look at all my cross-stitching pattern horde and see what supplies I will need.  I've special ordered a few items, and am making a list of some that I want to purchase during the clearance sale.  I've heard from several of my fellow stitchers at the weekly Tuesday night "Wine & Stitch" that they are planning the same thing.  The shop also carries wool fat quarters if you know anyone that quilts using wool, or uses it for any other craft.