The other day, when I said we haven’t had any really cool thrift finds, it wasn’t strictly true. We have tried to be more discerning in our purchases…. really questioning if we need something or not – and as a result, we definitely haven’t had as many finds. But some have been very cool…

Our Value Village frequently has some good quilting fabric finds. Like the above Halloween print. Each is a 1 yard cut and I got them for $2 each. Do I need more quilt fabric? Absolutely not. But at that price, I’d be crazy to leave it behind.

It was just $4 for 4 yards of the construction flannel above, and $2 for 2 yards for the fire truck flannel. They will both become baby quilts at some point.

These fabrics are all part of a quilt kit.

The whole quilt was just $10!!!

But the real find….

For my non-quilty friends…that is two yards of Moda Grunge. It generally goes for about $20-$24 a yard here in Canada. So two yard for under $4… well that’s an absolute steal.

Grunge also happens to be one of mom’s preferred blenders… so that’s where this piece is going. Gotta share those great finds when you can!

The hoop has been moved up and a little progress made on the left witch.

I didn’t realize how big this part of the sampler was. These witches are going to take some time!

At long last… its done…

At least the first one is. I plan to make a second (in different colours). It looks a little oversized here, but my model, Roxy, actually has a really small head. It should be just perfect for the recipient.

I need to work on my pompom making – I never wind enough on to make them full and lush. I may remake this one, but I’d like to make a scarf with the remaining rainbow yarn so I might not have enough. We will have to see.

Details of the knit

Pattern: My Bakers Hat for the cast on, and crown decreases, Deathflake for the chart. The deathflake was repeated three times around the hat.

Yarn: Black – Brava from Hobbii (almost one full ball) and Rainbow – Universe XL also from Hobbii. (maybe 1/3 of the ball but probably less.

Needles: 3.75 mm… patterns calls for 4mm, but I couldn’t find mine and I was too lazy too look to hard. The 3.75 worked out just fine.

Now, this one goes into the gift box and I have to get started on a second.

Some of you may remember the unique little squirrels I discovered when we first moved here… little black squirrels with partial or completely red tails.

In truth, I haven’t seen them for quite a while now. In fact, it’s just been solid black squirrels this summer. The last grey one I saw was in spring.

But then this little one showed up.

Not just a full red tail – but a red streak from nose to butt!

And as cool as it is, it’s not magic – there is an explanation. Here’s the science: Black squirrels sometimes have red or rusty-colored patches of fur due to a mix of genetics and natural coat changes. Black squirriels are actually a melanistic form of the gray squirrels (so grey and black squirrels are the same species) but if they carry genes for lighter or reddish coloring, those can still show through in areas where the black pigment is weaker. Sun exposure and seasonal molting can also affect their coat, causing the fur to fade or grow back with brownish or reddish tones. It’s a completely natural variation. Because nature is amazing!

Halloween has passed – we had a very good night with over 100 kids – and now November is here.

Over the last week, I’ve woken up to frost on the ground several times.

Those beautiful nasturtiums are no more. The frost has taken out most of the annuals.

Including the amazing bunch of pink zinnias.

With the exception of the African Daisies which are holding up very well.

Several of the roses are still going. And both Chrylser Imperial and Chicago Peace have put up new buds. I don’t think they will get a chance to bloom fully, but they will try.

Locked between the concrete path, and concrete driveway, the driveway garden holds a little more heat so it’s not a total to surprise to still have things blooming – Left to Right – Armeria, Gaura, and Lavender.

My Chinese Lanterns are glowing bright.

And my Burning Bush isn’t quite on fire – but it’s getting there.

And we are still picking raspberries. Though they are fewer and smaller each day.

Not only is it Hallowe’en.. it’s also Lemmy Purrmister’s gotcha day!

Yup. It was three years ago today we went out for lunch and came home with empty bellies, but full hearts.

Lemmy continues to entertain us.

He really is one of the silliest cats we’ve ever had.

He’s also one of the sweetest!

He remains the best Hallowe’en Treat I’ve ever received!

I will admit, my work schedule lately often has me working in the evenings, or just too tired to craft. As a result – I don’t have anything fun and crafty to show you today,

Even our thrift finds have been somewhat mediocre…so nothing fun to share there.

But you know who has been productive… My mama!

Here’ a look at all the quilty things she’s finished since the beginning of August

Can you believe it? And she still finds the time to walk the dogs, knit and cross stitch too!

Several of the quilts have been gifted or will be. And I know she’s keeping a couple (including those awesome cat placemats). But I know for a fact that Halloween quilt is in the shop! And on sale until tomorrow!

It’s been a little more than a week since we started bringing Furby in at night. And I when I say “bringing in” I really mean “letting in”… because I just have to hold the door for him.

It didn’t take long for the “Fur Man” (Dave’s name for him) to realize what we were offering. Generally, every night around 8 pm – I just have to go outside. If he doesn’t come running when he hears the door open – I just have to call his name. Within 5 minutes he’ll be running down the driveway, right up the porch steps and in the door.

He still wants to go out as soon as Dave gets up. But he’s content to spend the whole night inside with us. He’s already come to bed with us a few times.

The boys have taken his sudden presence in the house surprisingly well. And Furby is tolerant of them all too. Burton and Rupert treat him with mostly indifference. Burton is not going to give up his lap time just because there’s another cat there. One night he laid half on top of Furby, and neither cat cared much.

Lemmy is still a little put out. As soon as Furby comes in, Lemmy has to stick his nose right up his butt. But as soon as Furby turns to smell Lemmy – Lemmy turns into a hissy pants. He will settle down and ignore Furby for the rest of the night after that. We are trying to make sure he gets little extra love so he knows he’s not being replaced.

And it’s not just night that Furby comes in…

He comes in randomly throughout the day… generally following Dave inside after he’s been out in the garage or yard.

He’s explored most of the house, including the office.

I am hoping, eventually I’ll get him used to the catio… and won’t have to let him wander. He has been out there once, but wasn’t thrilled that he couldn’t get to the rest of the yard.

Maybe the colder weather will make him realize the house cat life is really where it’s at.

Regardless.

Sir Furbsalot the Orange is definitely one of the Bearbottom Crew!

Stitching went as planned this weekend and now both the witchy bottoms are complete. Not only does this mean I get to move my hoop up… AND I get to start the next chart!

Obviously, this is not getting done for Fright Night… but I don’t mind – I am loving every stitch.

I’d hope to show you a finished hat today, but I didn’t quite get there.

I did get through the full deathflake chart though. It looks even better than I thought it would! With the chart complete, I can start the decreasing. It will definitely be finished this week!