Sunday Stash #219 – Pissing In the Wind
Jesus and Mary-Louise Parker! Some of you got a bit feisty about me shopping at Hobby Lobby! I’ll tell you what, if I came into someone’s house and said some of the things you said the way you said them I would not be surprised one bit if they kicked my skinny ass out the door. But I’m Molli B. Sparkles, and I find most of the time people can fall on their own swords without the slightest of a push from me. Sometimes though, if there wasn’t a screen and some virtual space in-between, I’d be slappin’ you upside the head.
I rehashed this in the comments of my previous post, but to be crystal clear I don’t condone shopping at Hobby Lobby, nor do I hold the same political viewpoints of their leadership team. I stepped through their doors at 7:30 pm for thirty minutes on my first night in Alabama directly after finishing a 23 hour journey from Sydney to see my Grandma Sparkles for the first time in three years. To be perfectly honest, I should have been more clear about my non-purposeful decision to shop there. Because it wasn’t until I got home to Sydney (two weeks later), and I was writing that post on the Sunday of its publication that I definitively remembered/realised hearing something about Hobby Lobby and a Supreme Court case from years ago. So I googled that information to find out exactly what went down so I could educate myself. Since I’ve been living in Australia for 12 years, US news is not always at the forefront of my life. This was my first trip to an area with a Hobby Lobby since about 2011 (which was in Oklahoma).
During that thirty minutes at Hobby Lobby, I spent approximately $25 USD. However, for some of you, this slight seems to negate the untold thousands of dollars I have spent at local quilt shops around the world, supporting independent businesses and their small business owners, with my cash, and free publicity on my blog for the past five years. So what I ask of everyone in all situations: Before throwing daggers at people, please assume positive intent. (Read that again. And again.) I live in a world believing that the majority of people aren’t trying to be dickheads, and are living their lives making decisions the best way they know how–myself included. You are more than welcome to offer me unsolicited life coaching anytime you like, but I’m more apt (as is nearly everyone) to respond positively if you do it constructively with kindness rather than with spite and disdain. Ire is allowed, just ensure you’ve got your sight set on the right target to make it count. Otherwise, you’re just pissing in the wind.
Whew, aaaaannnnd scene! This week I was gonna show off all of the fabric that I bought at A&E Fabric Store in Pensacola. However, I don’t want to colour any of it with any negative vibes, so I’ll save it for next Sunday. Instead, I’ll show the few pieces I pinched from Grandma Sparkles dwindling fabric stash; she keeps giving it all away! I always have trouble finding really charismatic reds, but these jumped out at me for being so bold. (I know a thing or two about that!) One is a simple polka dot, and the other a batik, that let’s face it is reminiscent–and unintentionally ironic–of the Target logo.
Well, and these two! For those that have been following my journey since the beginning, you might remember my third quilt finish, Rainbow Baby. It used an American Jane Pezzy Print jelly roll, so it was a blast from the past to see these fat quarters in Grandma Sparkles’s stash. I also found this Clover Finger Presser that she’d never even opened! I’ve been meaning to pick one up for myself as I hear they’re all the rage when paper piecing. Do you have one, do you love it? Tell me more! Okay, so next week, heart-eyed emojis for everyone, pause, reflect, we’re all good. Keep love in your heart, assume positive intent, and give someone a hug. Peace!
(P.s. Next week we definitely need to have a giveaway).
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Very well written!
Hope you had a great visit.
I love your comments. Whether you agree or disagree with Hobby Lobby or my philosophy is immaterial (pun intended?!!!!) I’ve appreciated what I’ve already learned this year by being involved in your quiltalong – your personal beliefs are neither endorsed or rejected cuz I’m here to quilt, not to throw darts! SO blog on, brother. very sincerely, mama.goddrdd
I don’t care if you shop at Hobby Lobby or not. That’s YOUR prerogative. You’ve still fabulous!
Those people were rude, and nasty, and inconsiderate… you don’t live in the states, you visit. You don’t know everything that has happened off the top of your head and especially after a very long and tiring trip! You had already told people you didn’t know when you went into the store about the issues, but people needed to continue to bash you for shopping there, excuse me… in my area we have Joann’s fabrics and a Hobby Lobby, and it’s closed on Sunday, the nearest decent fabric store is 30-45 minutes away in any direction sometimes I end up with Hobby lobby fabrics, I am ashamed of The responses you received last week.
You tell ’em Miss Molli!! 💥💥 ka-pow 💥💥
Good for you! I enjoyed your post and of course had to go read the comments on your previous post. It’s hard to believe some of your followers would actually scold you for going in and purchasing fabric, especially since you explained the circumstances. I would have done the same thing you did as we don’t have HL in Hawaii and although I travel to LA every year, I have never even seen one before. They should just stop following you if they object that much and keep their jaws shut!
Really? You think you’ve only spent “thousands” on fabric?? Grrrl, you are high. I’ve been following you for only a short time but I’m thinking it’s higher than that!
Seriously though, I can understand not knowing about Hobby Lobby and their evilness. I am Canadian and I didn’t hear about it in the news, but rather when I was googling fabric stores in the area I was about to visit in the States. Besides, can all of the people who chastised you truly claim to never have shopped anywhere but a non-chain independent store? Like, including for groceries and clothing? Because those stores, while perhaps not stomping on women’s rights via health care, sure do oppress people in developing countries (i.e., source material), not to mention further benefiting the 1%, and a whole host of other nasty things.
I just want to sew and create beautiful things for those I love. I honestly try not to support businesses or people who mistreat others….but this whole political scene in the US is terrible and terrifying! I just want to go hide in a cave with my stash….and sewing machine…….and favorite blogs to read…like yours.
I read a little…YES, just a little about Hobby Lobby and the court case, as all of it was too legal, and at the end of the day, the lawyers for either side probably made more than any of the fabric purchases you have done!!! Where you shop is your choice. I do like the way you write, and for us out here, how dare anyone criticise where you shop, ( previous history either known or unknown, after all how can we know everything?) the choices you make, and if they do not like it, they should leave well alone and read / move,/ travel or visit… elsewhere. Love the fabrics you have shown today. I am slowly making the QAL freefall leaf blocks, the 150 Canadian Women blocks are taking a very back seat right now, the crutches are still handy in case I need them , maybe you could use them to whack someone over the head!! Let me know, as they might be a spare pair soon if my knee continues to VERY slowly seem to be in less pain. We had a sunny day, a cool morning, not quite a frost ( unlike some people’s words that are very frosty). flowers are blooming, and I am so thankful for so much right now. Have a wonderful week.
As a Brit who holidays regularly in the southern states and who loves a bargain, I shop where I find the best fabric for my money. Hobby Lobby infuriates me but when I want 5 yds of Kona Snow, Im there!
I also love A&E in Pensacola but its not as close to where we stay.
If people have strong political or religious views they can protest by boycotting the store not ranting at quilters.
I agree completely with you last sentence!
Well I’m from the UK and had no idea about Hobby Lobby, and I can understand people boycotting for ethical reasons (personally I do not buy certain brands here because of their policies) but come on people, read the post carefully, get over it, get a life and appreciate the pretties Molli is showing us. Fab fabric Molli, enjoy creating with it!
Thank you for your articulate blog about your trip to Hobby Lobby. I like you because you are so honest. I think it is important to call people on their behaviour – some of the comments to you were very personal. I look at this type of post as educational. It brings back an older story and has several messages – think about where you shop; be kind and watch the tone of your replies, and remember behind the electronics of the internet are real people with feelings.
My newest friend Molli
I have some advice – keep doing what you are doing because you got that chemistry right ! The proof of this is in your following members. I Love what you are doing i know i am not alone. The keyboard warriors can get off stroking their keyboards somewhere else. Delete and Block . xxx Amanda
Geez, it seems with the invention of the internet people think it’s open season on sharing their opinions and beliefs…ahem, here’s mine: If someone doesn’t ASK for your opinion, keep it to yourself!!
You are damn well pleased to shop wherever you like, whenever you like and you don’t have to justify it to anyone!! I’m just so sick of these ‘trolls’ thinking they have to right to crap on someone else’s party…move on trolls!
Molli, I just recently found you and am glad I did. You response was great! I can’t believe that “some people” feel the need to dictate what others do. Everyone is entitled to their own choices, if that is shopping at a store that has some views I don’t agree with that is their choice. Make your choices, live your life and F the trolls.
Well said. Now…..can I come and steal that fabric??? YUM!
I love you Molli Sparkles!
I am so sorry for the vitriol that was directed at you. I am glad to see that you addressed it head-on. I am sure that you will take it in your stride, brush it off and sparkle on. Pour me a cup of your truth tea, cause I am parched.
Hugs,
Preeti.
OMG, A&E Pharmacy in Pensacola!!! Just discovered them on my last trip to Perdido Key, and next time I’ll take a list for some serious fabric shopping. They have everything! And then some!
I hear you about Hobby Lobby’s politics, and I strongly disagree with their position. However, while I much prefer to support small businesses and LQS’s, sometimes I’ll pop in to HL to pick up some Kona, or notions in a pinch. No judgement. Just careful budgeting of my quilting funds.
Thanks for your frankness as well as your sense of humor – I like the way you write.
Yeah, I stopped shopping at Hobby Lobby with their whole fiasco. It pains me very much because they have this one yarn that I love. And I would find interesting fabrics here and there. Don’t even get me started about all the little chatchkes that I love to look through. But it is my choice to boycott them and it is personal. I would NEVER chastise you or any other friend for their decision to consider shopping there. Love you, Molli. xoxo
Ahhh Pezzies! I love that darn fabric… I can’t believe you pinched it from GS. I really can’t believe people sometimes… seriously! Hug your neck! Bye!
I hope the people who left those nasty comments actually read your reply … but it seems unlikely to stick. The problem with asking people to be kind is that some folks just don’t understand ‘kind’. Sigh. So sad, but there are chronologically adult folks who are pretty much dysfunctional.
Keep doing what you are doing – the vast majority of us who read and follow your blog are happy with you.
so sad that you got bombarded with comments from ugly people – makes me even sadder to think that they are part of our quilter family. I am so sick of politics and how everything political is sucking the life out of what we have come to enjoy. As a side note, I have about 1/4 yard left of every pezzy print made – that is after completing 3 lap quilts with my pezzys and coordinated solids. Loved that line.
*goes to read the comments on last week’s Sunday Stash*
Oh. Hmmm. I hope those declaiming from atop high horses never find the saddle slippery. That’s a long fall…
Seriously, what would have been wrong with something like, “That was indeed rather regrettable, but thank you for your honesty and integrity in owning your (hastily made, without full background info) decision and clarifying why it was regrettable.”?
Does seem to be a microcosm of how politics seems to be going currently, though. I’m starting to take major issue with the seemingly prevalent attitude of, “If you’re not with us on every single point, you’re AGAINST us!!!! Oh, and forbid you make a mistake just ‘cos you’re a fallible human!” There’s often overtones of, “Do as I SAY, not as I do!” as well. It can be seen all over and it’s really depressing if what you’d actually prefer is nuanced debate on different aspects of each side. But who’s got the time or patience (or, sometimes, wit) for nuance, eh? Much easier to hoick the Pants of Judgement +5 and move on.
Nice fabric, though! Grandma Sparkles has killer taste. 🙂
Note to self: Blog comments eat things in angle brackets!
Linking up today … because it is all about the fabric. Thanks for hosting!
I use a paper folding bone tool when paperpiecing because I already have one. The Clover tool looks very handy.
Have fun with your pretty fabrics and sparkle on … 🙂 Pat
This response is better then the Penis Quilt one! You tell em! …you keep on being you and let the other idiots slide off the edge. Your my favorite blogger/quilter/all around good person.
I don’t use a paper piecing tool…I use my fingernails.
Hi Mollie: I just went back to the last post and read the comments and I want to thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Not being American, I didn’t know anything about this. I’ve never even hear of the store but now I know to avoid it if I’m in the States.
I was so happy to hear that you normally don’t shop at Hoppy Lobby. I don’t shop there either but last year I had been looking for something to fill a space in my house and could not find anything that would work. I happened to be driving past a Hobby Lobby and thought I would check it out. Low and behold there it was that thing I had been looking for. I bought it and haven’t been back since. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Have a great day!!!
You go girl! I am sick of everyone being so high and mighty! Can’t we all just try to be nice to each other?
Well that sure stirred the pot!! Looks like Hobby Lobby is right up there with politics in USA.
And not everyone working at a Hobby Lobby endorses the company’s views/politics, just folks trying to earn a living.
So sad that people feel the anonymity of the internet gives them the right to be rude and/or nasty rather than simply unfollowing your posts.
You have to love the US, we are free to be idiots. I personally love Hobby Lobby and buy form them all the time. Love their willingness to draw a line in the sand. The store is clean, bright, cheery and the staff is always courteous. Our local quilt shop is rude and I will never shop there. Ignore the grumps. Love that red fabric.
Live and let live! And I am lucky to now some talented wood and potter couple and i have an awesome wooden presser!
Dear Molli, some people need to get a life. Love Judy.
I just stopped to comment that you and my daughter share the same name, spelling and all! We even call her sparkles sometimes because she is attracted to all things sparkly!! She turned 2 this past Veteran’s Day and her full name is Molli Kay aka Sparkles aka Sillywhim(super double bonus points if you know where this name comes from) 😊 Until I found your blog today I had not known anyone with the same spelling as ours, so cool! I don’t quilt (yet) but I love watching others journeys and learning so that one day when I have a house with more than 10 sq.ft. of work space I will finally be able to quilt myself(for starters a t-shirt quilt for each of my kiddos made from their favorite clothes from birth to graduation)!! I am loving your journey and will be following it from now on!! I hope you have an amazing week, lots of love from Kansas!!
Good lord. I’ve not visited the blogosphere for a bit but had to go back to see how bad the vitriol was. Unlike those horrible, gag-inducing fish oil supplements urged on us by doctors, no one should be forced to swallow the pills folks were chucking at you. I am sorry so many chose to waft the aroma of their ignorance in your direction (i.e. fling their poo). You certainly did nothing to earn it. People make choices. Some choices affect others in powerful ways. Your choice to write openly and honestly – not just in these posts but throughout your public life – has been a joy and an invitation to authenticity. It’s easy to hide behind biases and assumptions. Congratulations on taking a higher road and writing with integrity.