Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Thrift Store Finds

I rarely find wonderful deals at thrift stores, but one day, I was able to get these cross stitch pieces for under $5 each.  When you think about the price of the pattern/floss/cloth/kits and the amount of time to make these with impeccable workmanship, and the cost of the mat and frames, I feel like I stole these!


One of these has initials (J.G.) and a date (1991), and the other one does not, but I am pretty sure they were made by the same person.



Back when I made cross stitch pieces, I wondered whether people would value the time and energy it took to make them. I suppose that if they are made from a kit, or if someone followed a pattern exactly, there would be other similar work, and would not be considered "artistic." I tried making my own patterns, but that is really hard to do when you can't draw, and gave up completely. I do have some older kits and patterns that need good homes.

10 comments:

Kyle said...

I had some cross stitch pieces that I parted with via Goodwill. One day not to long after I saw them on someone EBay page and had titled them vintage. It made me laugh, but hoped they went to someone who might enjoy them.

Cathy said...

Yes, I used to do cross stitch. Then I figured out I couldn't afford to have them framed. Eyesight is not that good either. So I have a bunch that need framing in the attic ((probably mouse eaten) along with crewel embroidery from mail order kits from Lee Wards which I think turned into Michaels? I still do little things like ornaments or bread cloths or bookmarks from time to time.

Those were a steal! I love the subject matter. Wonder how they ended up in the thrift store. I always think someone crafty died and no one in the family, if they had one, wanted their stuff so gave it to thrift store. That's better than throwing it out.

Ann said...

Things come and go in fashion. My sister made a similar cross-stitch for our mother. I have it now but doubt anyone will want it after me. Thrift stores are good for passing things on.

Libby in TN said...

When you add it all up, quite a steal. I love the quilts in each scene.

Jenny said...

It's such a shame when no one in the family wants these things when mothers and grandmother's pass on. Good on you for giving these two beauties a new home.

Joyful Quilter said...

Nice find! So nice to know they have a home where they are appreciated.

Cathy said...

The pictures are beautiful. I used to cross stitch and then mat and frame them. Took a lot of time. It's good to see her work was not in vain and that you found them. Hugs

Elaine Adair said...

Two lovely cross stitch projects, wonderful that they are finished and even framed! Great for your sewing area - lucky you. I got carried away with counted cross stitch and fortunately got "the cure" by getting carried away with quilting! LOL

Thanks for visit to see my Garden Party quilt. elaineadairpieces.blogspot.com

Kate said...

I remember seeing those patterns somewhere. Very pretty, both of them. Have you got a great place to hang both of those?

Emily said...

These are beautiful! I love that there are also quilts in them. I had to learn cross stitch in middle school home ec and I really liked it, it was my craft for a while. Then I discovered quilting in college! I did find a project from my middle/high school days a few years ago and finished it, but I haven't picked up any new cross stitch. I do enjoy seeing what others finish, though.