Our friend Allyson is getting in touch with her inner crafty girl, thanks to a sample sale bargain!

The other day, I reluctantly went to a Paul Smith sample sale, thinking I wouldn’t find anything worth buying. Until I found this cute needlepoint! I was a textile major in college, which means I used to spin and dye my own yarn, weave blankets, felt wool, use knitting machines, silkscreen fabrics and even once-silk screened a needlepoint canvas. After college, I put all my crafting behind me — space and time were no longer available like they used to be. But when I saw this great needlepoint kit — FOR ONLY $5 !!! — my craftster started surfacing again. Angela keeps telling me I need to find her and celebrate! Well, here I go — me and my ‘lil Dodo bird needlepoint. Honestly, I am very excited to get back into it. I can’t wait to finish this one and choose some sassy fabric to back it with to create a great pillow. Unlike the Dodo bird, my inner-craftster is not become extinct! — Ally T.

Angela’s Note: I found the same kit on eBay for $123. Or you could buy a finished version at Fine Cell Work — stitched by prison inmates in England, for about $100! Ally, you totally scored!