Sammy's Jewels: Jo Anns Cross Stitch Haul

My family was very fortunate and came across some extra money. I was gifted some of the money and given the instructions "You must spend this only at Jo Anns." Hehe that isn't too hard for me. My main goal was to grab some cross stitch magazines, but I got some other goodies too.

Cross Stitch Magazines

I ended up grabbing all of the magazines they currently had, except for the Halloween one since I already have it. I am a sucker for the ones from the UK like cross stitch crazy because of the free gifts. They can be a little pricey, but I think the gifts and all the cute patterns makes up for it.

Pattern book, freebies, needles, and Thread Heaven

I have been eyeing up that Dragons & Unicorns cross stitch pattern book for a while now. I have always absolutely loved dragons since I was a child. Most of the patterns are a little bit above my skill level, but they give me something to look forward to. I also have my freebies from my cross stitch mags. From the various ones I got a fairy pattern, a mini fairy kit, a kit to make 8 gift tags(will be great for Christmas), and a pattern magnifier. I also grabbed 3 packs of size 26 tapestry needles. The needles really bother my hands as soon as they start to tarnish and with traveling with my work a lot I tend to misplace and drop needles. I have heard wonderful comments about Thread Heaven from fellow stitchers, especially when it comes to metallic threads or blending filaments. I haven't tried it yet, in fact I haven't tried metallic threads at all, but when I do I think I will feel a little more confident with this.

Aida, Lisa Frank Shopping Bags, and Magnetic chart holder

I got a huge roll of 14 count white aida; I just couldn't fit it into the picture. I also got oatmeal colored 14 count aida. I like the vintage look and feel aida like that has. In the bargain bins Jo Anns had these adorable Lisa Frank bags. I didn't see a price tag on them, so I only grabbed 2, but they rang up for $1 and I wish I would have grabbed more. They are a little bit smaller than most reusable shopping bags I have, but I was able to fit everything I got in the 2, plus they are the perfect size for caring my current WIP with me. And last but not least, I got myself a nice chart holder. It comes with a magnetic and 3 magnets to help keep track of where you are on your pattern. Will be mighty helpful since I tend to lose my place and end up wasting time counting and recounting.