THREADS

Thrift stores can be the beginning of adventure and discovery.  You may not be looking for anything in particular, but many times you will come across an unexpected or unique object that you realize you must bring home.  For some, it’s a piece of clothing or jewelry that reminds you of an earlier time.  For some, it may be furniture to fill in the spaces of an apartment or house. Remodelers can find new sinks or bathtubs, left over from a contractor’s last job, or leftover molding that would be perfect to repurpose as picture frames.  Yogurt makers, crock pots, bicycle helmets, and golf clubs are yours for just a few dollars, as are plates and cups from every tourist spot you’ve never been to.

            My favorite section of the store holds craft items.  If I’m lucky, I’ll discover some yarn.  If I’m really lucky, I’ll discover more than one skein of the same color and weight yarn.  Sometimes the yarn will still be encased in its wrapper.  Other times, it may be rolled into a ball as if it had been readied for a project.  I might find material, perhaps left over from a drapery or upholstering project.  Sometimes the material will only be a yard or less.  Sometimes, I’ve hit the bonanza and found enough yardage to make a pair of drapes or redo several worn-out chair seats.  There may be a plastic box with discarded lengths of ribbon or lacey edgings. Sadly, you come across half finished or half started, depending on the way you look at it, holiday decorations or quilts or crocheted items; a blanket, doll clothing, or a silly, squishy animal that never had its limbs attached..

            Why are these items on these shelves and bins?  Did the owner buy too much material or yarn for their project?  I hope that’s the answer.  Did they just give up because the project became too burdensome or time-consuming?  Well, you bring your stash up to the counter and pluck down a few dollar bills, and walk out, 

            Home, you spend a few quiet moments taking your finds out of the plastic bag and sorting them, deciding what potential project you see before you.  That large ball of pink yarn catches your eye, and you unroll a yard or so and stop!  A red dot, no, more than one dot!  Could this be blood?  Another skein of a different color has a crochet hook nestled inside.  This ordinarily is not uncommon, but paired with what you definitely think is a bloodied skein of yarn, is looking pretty suspicious.  Was the hook used to stab the crocheter, or did the crocheter use it against someone else?  Why is Santa’s head missing from the unfinished Christmas tree skirt?  Is it a clue?  Why is the name Anne embroidered into a quilt patch?  Was that perfectly good crockpot used to simmer a poisonous substance?

            After all items are examined, you put them away for the time being.  Eventually, you’ll find something to do with your newly acquired craft items, but first, you need to sit down and start writing the story of the murdered or murderous crocheter. 

                        Maybe change the yarn. Pink is kinda sissy.

                        Would a steel knitting needle work better?

                        Who the heck is Anne?

Did I really need that crock pot?

   Fiction writing can be challenging but crafty.

   Sharon