Connie and I had great fun today – my visit to the furniture store in Spencer is this couch:
I want a red check couch – 6’ long, 3 attached back cushions, not too deep or high, low arms, not puffy!Very traditional – nothing contemporary at all. Years ago I had a blue checked couch – it fit me perfect. So, this is the last couch I’m buying in my life – I’ve always picked up used couches because of the dogs but now I want THIS couch.
The store did not have red check fabric – it’s too old looking. Story of my life but this was my first shopping trip for my perfect couch. Onward!
We hit one thrift store and I got lucky – a cross stitch sampler for $20.
Also stopped at the garden center where Connie bought pansies and I bought 2 different varieties of miniature Hoyas.
This plumeria tree winters there – it was amazing – don’t know what you can really see but look how beautiful the branches are!
Then we ate at the all time favorite Taco House – Mom’s house was just down the road on the lake. We had a good visit – so fun to see all her stuff – I took pictures to share with you.
Connie admits to being a great starter – she’s got stacks of finished blocks here, there and everywhere plus so many little quilts for her Etsy store – waiting to be quilted however. I almost had to slap her!!
It’s so fun to see all her familiar things that I’ve known for years – I can remember where she bought many of them. We talked about the places we used to go – without GPS!!!!
Don’t laugh – here are the directions for the red, white and blue quilt. Haha!!
One jelly roll
Cut all strips in half – about 20-22”
Pair up two different half strips
Sew lengthwise
Press very carefully so it doesn’t distort into an arc
Cut 4-1/2” squares.
Set together in opposite directions and then in rows
Join rows – press
Stitch all around quilt top 1/4” from edge so seams don’t come apart
I’m quilting with straight lines – of course
Enjoy making this mindless, easy, no pressure quilt!
The wind is so strong we can’t even have the dog door open! Keeper was so happy to see me – I’m sure I’m responsible for his separation anxiety because I abandoned him at the shelter – unknowingly!! I can’t tell you how bad I feel about it – poor guy. Why, oh why, didn’t the shelter call me and tell me his adoption had fallen thru????
I had planned to get my chicks tomorrow but it’s so cold and the strong wind is on the side of the barn where the pen is so I don’t think I’ll go get them. Sigh
Mary I love the red check sofa idea! Check redeckers furniture in Boone. They have great furniture!
Jean – thank you! I’ll put that name on my list!!
Mary, I think you chose the perfect couch!❤️❤️❤️
I also had a blue checked couch in the past and loved it! Also, wanted a red checked after that! But, couldn’t find one!
But, last year, I bought almost the exact couch you just did and I love it!❤️
It is much easier to decorate for the holidays with the neutral fabric!
You will love it!!❤️❤️
I hope you find the perfect couch, but I like the idea of the neutral one and just add one of your creations to the back for color. I love seeing all the wonderful items in Connie’s home and yours. All those stitcheries are a gorgeous collection. Its still cold and rainy here so I will spend another day cleaning and organizing my quilting space. I hope to get something cut out this week, maybe your easy pattern with a jelly roll.
Mary, I totally agree with you about the crooked checks on the couch … that’s just wrong, and lazy! I feel the same about plaid shirts … the side seams have to match, as does the pocket. Aaand … I cannot have checks or stripes in a quilt that do not run straight, even if I have to pull the fabric into shape, or cut off-grain to keep the stripes straight. No criticism to those who don’t mind the wonkiness, it’s just not for me. The longer I quilt (or the older I get, lol), the more I like simple quilts and simple quilting. Years ago, I was always drawn to quilts with lots of appliqué, then I liked lots of pieces in each block … now, the simpler the better… like your new red, white & blue quilt! Well done!
I always enjoy seeing what you found at the thrift store. Love the saying on your latest sampler. Sounds like a you and Connie had a wonderful day together. Hopefully you can find the couch you’re looking for. As someone else commented, in these days of everything griege, the red and white checks would be refreshing. Hold out for what you envision for your home. Thanks for the pattern.
Love the simple quilt! Your sampler wall is amazing—did you make any of them? Sunny and 60-degrees here. Lots of people mowing their yards for the first time—smells so good.
Sara – nope, not a one – I started one and it’s still in the bag
Oh! Now you have me wondering what your unfinished sampler’s saying was and how it looks (and how far along you were when you set it aside)? Funny story— the only x-stitch I did was one of those pre-stamped designs from Woolworth’s. I was 7 years old and my sister was 12 years old, and we were going to embroider a baby quilt for our new baby sister. Baby sister is going to be 60 years old this year, the quilt never got finished, and we have no idea where it ended up!
Sara – haha! Sounds sorta like my only attempt!! I think it was a Home Sweet Home sampler
I thought the sampler wall was in the store! Yes, that is an amazing collection and I think of the thousands of hours it took to make those. Thank you for the pattern. I love one page instructions and I find happiness in simplicity. In a world of greige, a red and white checked sofa would be a winner. I think spring will arrive by summer this year.
Donna – mindless sewing is killing two birds with one stone – I can listen to a book or tv at the same time
Great post Mary, thank you! you are right nothing like shopping with a best friend!
Happy Spring!
Just wondering – did you or could you order that couch in that or similar fabric? Or maybe they don’t make fabric like that anymore, which would be a shame.
I know what you mean about the checks not lining up – I wouldn’t be able to tolerate that either! In fact, I bought a couch and love seat many years ago, had to order it – when it came, the plaids didn’t line up at all and even ran at a slant instead for being straight. I called the store and they said they would send new parts and someone to fix it – and also said “You can’t expect perfection”. WOW! After going around with them for a while and no satisfaction, the set went back. I ordered a couch from a different store and all was well – in fact, I still have that one.
What a great day you and Connie had – what fun!
Two thoughts. I was able to order a fabric I liked for a dog’s made by Smith Bros. If it’s not available have your old one rebuilt and reupholstered. If they don’t have your fabric look online. That will take awhile so order a cheap one from Wayfair and use it in the meantime. I bought one over 2; years ago and it’s still fine. Someone will j have tohelp you put it together but it was around $350 delivered
. Put a nice quilt on it and change the look often
The snow is all gone but it was cold yesterday. Today we might hit 70. There is still hope.
I am off to retreat tomorrow in Cook, NE for 4 days. I have my sewing stuff already in my car. I have a quilty friend going with me so I have to pack a certain way. So need to pack a small suitcase. Then away we go and hitting two quilt stores on the way. Rockport, NE and Needle’s I in Auburn, NE, two great quilt stores!
What a fun day! I love the picture of the living room with the red check couch and chair. It looks so cozy.
Good luck furniture shopping. I bought new furniture for my family room last fall and should have brought a friend along. I kept texting pictures to my son and niece so they helped me decide.
Mary I don’t recall seeing your wall of samplers before. What an impressive collection. I would stand and just read them all first, then find my favorite sayings, then go back and admire all the stitches and colors. Like I say, I am impressed to see so many treasured pieces all on one wall. I have a few I’ve bought through the years to add to my family ones. But you have me thinking I need to group them all together somewhere.
I agree with Sandy that a neutral couch might be where you can display some of your colorful quilts and see them. If you like the way the couch feels, I’d go for it. But then again it gives you and Connie a reason to get out and shop some other places so don’t settle for one unless you’re happy.
Kathy – really? You’ve never seen this wall? The other side has more – I’ll take some good pictures and post. There are more thru the house as well. I’ve collected for many years and was shocked when I found one yesterday as they’re “scarce as hen’s teeth”! Haha!!!
Mary I think I’ve not seen the whole wall with them all. Seen snippets of various ones you had around but not all grouped together like this picture. It looks like an art gallery! Like I say, I’d be standing back and admiring them each day with my coffee cup in hand.
I forgot to mention earlier that our local thrift store is next week upping the price of patterns from .25 to $1.00 each. With JoAnns gone, people are seeking patterns for costumes, doll designs, wall quilts and I’ve listened to girls in there who make their own clothes so kudos to them. Many quilt designers only offer digital copies to download so I can see why people seek out a paper pattern and I’m glad I have a lot. Thank goodness you offer them to us as well.
It makes me happy that you and Connie had a day together! There’s nothing like old friends, is there? I visited a friend on Saturday. We’ve known each other since kindergarten. It’s fun to think back over the different phases of our lives. School, nursing school, then living in the same giant old house in apartments, etc. Some years we visited often, some years- not at all. But we could always pick right up!
Mary – Connie and I have lots of “history” – haha! And yes, we can pick up as if we had just seen each other yesterday – so fun – I will drive out there more often now that I feel good.
That is great.
There’s nothing like a spending a day shopping with a good friend. So sorry that your favorite couch is not available in the red check pattern. Most of the things I like best are not being made anymore-too passe! Now I know why you get so many quilts finished. I see that you always have a furry helper available to eand a hand.
There is nothing better than a fun day spent with an old friend. So glad you and Connie had this time together. Hope you find the perfect couch. I bought a sofa chaise when we moved into a smaller house. I can sit with my feet up on one end and it is long enough for me to lay down the other direction- I’m short. It has been perfect for me. Hope your weather warms up soon so you can get your chicks!
Looks like you and Connie had a great time thrifting! So many samplers, I would love to find a place here that has a nice selection at a fair price!
Thanks for the directions, I have many jelly rolls, this pattern will be perfect to use them up!
What a delightful day you two had! Such fun- thanks for sharing your adventures! Looking forward to seeing your couch when you find it! I, too, need s new couch and went looking for a “traditional ” one – ha! I will have to try another store…..
Love the jelly roll quilt – I’m in need of a mindless one. I remember once I had this great idea of sewing jelly roll strips and cutting them- didnt check for arcing – that s mess 😳
Crazy weather here- 22 this morning, 60 this afternoon!
Happy Wednesday everyone! 🥰
Hi Mary, l would get the couch you found comfortable and draped one of your red quilts along the back,and maybe some red quilt block cushionson it.The frangipane flowers are beautiful and scented, used for making leis etc. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
I loved hearing about your shopping trip with Connie; you girls had the best day!
Mortie is adorable; she looks so cute sitting next to the red, white and blue two-patch. 🥰
What a fun day! My neighbor used to have a blue and creme checked couch years ago-loved it. She’s since replaced it. Loved looking at all of the trinkets and treasures. Did you buy your pattern? I’m always on the look out for Country Threads patterns and books when I go thrifting. They’re getting hard to find. Like I need anymore-I’ll never get all of them done that are in my bookcase now. I’m working on a quilt for my grandson who is graduating next month. I’m sick to death of it. I’ve been working on it since January and I’m ready to move on. Can’t wait to get it on the longarm and get it bound-guess I need to slap myself! LOL!!! Love that APQS longarm!
Cindy – a good slap to finish the quilt will make you feel so much better – I am going to finish mine today and immediately load something else so I don’t quit. Self discipline!!!
What is Connie’s Etsy shop!
i was wondering that as well. I checked Etsy by looking under her name but found nothing. Hope you find your dream couch Mary. I loved the picture of the living room that you posted. so cozy.
Sew It Goes By Connie
SewitgoesByConnie is the name of Connies shop on Etsy. She posts some really cute items
Mary, you and Connie are sisters, correct? Does someone live in your Mom’s house?
I love the red checked couch!!!!! I hope you find one.