Confessions of a Shopoholic: Week of May 16-21

I can't believe I found one of these at Deseret Industries. Any ideas on what this is called and it's purpose? You couture experts ought to know. According to Threads Magazine it is one of the top five tools a seamstress needs. Read all about it h e r e. I once had one, I believe Matt threw it away at one of my clutter low points, (meaning high volume of clutter). He didn't know what it was, and it looked as if it could be used as a weapon of some sorts, possibly against him, so his thought was to just eliminate the temptation from the pile. A $35-$45 mistake. I hate buying things twice. So glad this mistake only ended up costing me $2 and no tax. If you want to learn how to use one of these really well, go to The Finishing School and take one of their beginning or intermediate adult night classes from Sarah. She is an amazing teacher, extremely gifted, and very knowledgeable about the fashion world and textiles. I learned so much about quality constructed clothing. This is a whole other topic...

Below is another find at the D.I., very "grandma-like" I realize, but such a great piece for a bridal shower, wedding or tea party.

An Italian raffia hat. Gosh, another $2 price tag. Be watching for this in my 4th of July display and quite possibly used in a themed party I'm dreaming up for summer. My mother wore a similar style hat in a picture my dad took of her years ago.

I love Salt Water Taffy. All those colorful bins at the grocery store just whispered sweet temptations to me. I started thinking ahead for my big 4th of July barbecue candy jar line up. Sweets Candy flavors pictured: vanilla (white), red licorice (red swirl) and cotton candy (pale blue)

Sprinkles, sprinkles, sprinkles. I can't have enough choices in my baking storage. In a time of crisis, someone could be found smiling if their solar oven cooked cupcakes were peppered with red, white and blue stars or red pearlized dragees.

I know these have made the rounds on blogs, but they are still keeping their fun factor. The stripes just feel like a party is right around the bend. I use the twine in multiple colors for about everything. Cheap for the yardage you get out of it.

I love polka dots too. These are some wooden spoons I painted up for maybe a hostess gift or a future bride. They wil be packaged with other kitchen miscellaneous, such as one of those darling striped tea towels I've appliqued in the background.