Repurposed

What was once a letterpress tray has now become my jewelry storage tray. When I found it at Brimfield last fall it was covered in layer upon layer of dirt, dust, and decaying paper. After quite some time with a rag I ended up a beautiful little piece and black fingertips. It was totally worth the $20 investment and an hour of time.

With all these compartments in varying sizes and shapes it is the perfect corral for my collections of earrings, pins, bracelets, and necklaces. In fact, there are so many little compartments that I just may need to do some more thrifting to make sure they are properly filled.

Flea Market Survival

I’m sad to report that Brimfield was a bust. Early in my adventure I found one decent pair of chairs. In the right place with the right paint and fabric they would have been awesome. But they were a little too feminine for what I have in mind for my space. Fast forward 3.5 hours and I found a pair of old, perfectly worn leather club chairs. I sat in them. I admired them from afar. I sat in them again. Then I asked the price and choked. $5000 for the pair! Not exactly what I’d been budgeting for chairs. Alas, the hunt continues.

Since I have nothing to show for my hours of wandering I thought I’d share my flea market survival kit instead.
(1) Cash, because it is king. For cases of emergency spending there is a check and a credit card but you’ll get the best deal with cash.
(2) A notebook and pen. When I leave home this book is filled with measurements for spaces I’m looking to fill, door jamb widths, stairway heights, and the space in the back of the car. A treasure isn’t a treasure if you can’t get it into your house.
(3) Measuring tape. See number 2.
(4) Camera. Sometimes it helps to snap a picture of something you like but aren’t too sure about yet. Also, write down the booth information in that handy notebook you brought so you know where to return to when you realize you can’t live without said item.
(5) Sunblock and sunglasses. I’m pale, really pale. The only way to survive is with sunblock and sunglasses. If it hadn’t been overcast with threats of rain you would also see my brimmed straw hat up there.
(6) Water. You can’t be dropping two dollars here and there every time you’re thirsty so I always carry water and refill at fountains as necessary. I’m stingy with the cash since that is what will make my deals even better.
(7) A big canvas tote to store everything you see up there. It’s also really convenient for those tiny treasures you find along the way.

Perfect Thrifting Karma

I found this awesome needlework the other day. I had a Chai in one hand and 9 minutes left on the meter but decided to pop into a thrift store I hadn't noticed before next to the post office. It's everything I like about Christmas decor, I love it so. According to the tag, this beauty had been there since 2007 and had been marked down to 75 cents. A dollar bought it along with half a roll of red and white striped wrapping paper. Score!

Shop SoWa & Brunch at Gaslight

Many, many Sundays ago I found myself as a lonely only. The dudely was away and friends were vacationing or otherwise engaged. I was bored and in need of some entertainment.

I found lots to entertain me at SoWa, Boston’s handmade, antique, and farmer’s markets held outdoors every Sunday spring through fall. The handmade market was fun, especially in the creative way all those talented folks displayed their goodies.

The antiques market was a really nice surprise. Whenever I see the word antiques I start thinking pricey collectibles. What I found, though, was more like a great flea market. My favorite was the tables of vintage jewelry to sort through. I ended up bringing home a fantastic red bead necklace. The woman even gave me an unsolicited $1 off the marked price. Nice, huh?

And isn’t it convenient that just next door is Gaslight? Well, I had to have brunch. I ordered what has become my go-to dish, moules frites. I cannot get enough of this dish. I did shake it up a little though and ordered myself a cocktail to accompany it, the matin martini. It was a delicious end to a morning of shopping.

Shop Brimfield

Elise and I first shopped Brimfield together five years ago. It was a Saturday in May. It was hot, with temperatures well over 90. And it was packed both with people and things.

Our experience this past May could not have been more different. The temperature was more in line with what you’d expect for May. So where were the people and where were the things? Once we got past the vendors lined up directly along the road we found that field after field was empty, of both shoppers and vendors. It was kind of sad to see it so sparse.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t manage to find a few small treasures. Check out my cool vintage tin! The bottom is stamped with Made in Holland. Its previous owner was using it to store hummingbird food, or so said the piece of paper taped to the outside. It will now either find work in my kitchen or den making boring storage more interesting.

My other little treasure is a sterling silver serving piece. In my book it’s a pie server but I don’t if that is technically correct. When I first found this beauty it was tarnished and sad, sitting in a wooden drawer of other neglected things. It cleaned up beautifully and is now ready for a summer of fruit pies.

What did I pay for these finds, you’re asking? A grand total of $7. They were originally marked at a total of $9, but I drove a hard bargain.

A Word of Caution on Dating

A consignment shop find: vintage postcard, copyright 1909 by Walter Wellman

Keeping Cool

It's humid! If it weren't for this great vintage fan I'd have my very own sweat shop going today.

It was on my first flea market trip to Grafton four years ago that I found this Diehl Junior fan. At just $2 and in perfect working order I had to have it. It has come in handy over the summers though the dudely is still convinced that at any moment it will burst into flames. Perhaps I'll ease his mind and have it rewired sometime.

For another way to keep cool I highly recommend ice cream. Today, this third Sunday in July, is National Ice Cream Day. In 1984 Ronald Reagan signed this important legislation. I think this is policy everyone can agree on. Agreeing on the best flavor, however, might be a different story.

Saturday

Summer cherries, consumed with much lip-smacking and head nodding by our youngest guest.

My favorite thrifted table cloth.

Apricot Dream Bars (gluten-free, of course) on my favorite vintage cake stand.

Homemade lemonade, sweetened just enough.

Add friends you haven't seen in a while, charming antics of a one year-old, some homemade ice cream and plenty of conversation and you have the recipe for a perfect summer afternoon.

How did you spend your Saturday?

The Year of the Owl

Last year it was the bird silhouette. This year it is the owl. These wise little creatures are showing up everywhere, from fabric to fashion to toys to home décor. A recent search of etsy showed just how big the craze is. Here’s a peek at some that caught my eye.

Clockwise from top left: notecards from polkadotshop, softie from rabbitsmoon, pendant from ItsAllAboutThePrint, onesie from veryKIKI

Clockwise from top left: vase from fruitflypie, print from yumiyumi, pillow from Cuore, paper sculpture from matteart

Without knowing it I was way ahead of the owl bandwagon. I found this owl cross stitch at the Grafton Flea Market last summer for the bargain price of a quarter. Originally, I just picked it up for the small wooden embroidery hoop but I liked the little fellow and decided to keep him. He now proudly sits above my sewing table, just over a painting of a wooded area. How appropriate.

That's better

I needed to counteract my first flea market visit of this year. I did that by heading to my local flea market this morning. It's not perfect. There are several imported goods booths near the entrance but over 90% of the market is good old fashioned junk. Just what I was looking for.

My first find of the morning was this vintage etiquette book titled Perfect Etiquette: Arlington Edition published in 1872, 1875. It was mine for $5. The book is divided into four sub-books the first of which is called Perfect Etiquette; or, How to Behave in Society. A Complete Manual for Ladies and Gentleman. This section contains helpful advice on such matters as making introductions, conversation, making and receiving presents, and courting.

The second sub-book is called Bashfulness Cured: Ease and Elegance of Manner Quickly Gained. It was from this section I pulled the illustration above with the helpful advice to bashful suitors "Rather than be a basful, blushing, stuttering booby, it would be much better for a young man to be over-confident and bold." Well, there you have it.

The third sub-book is Personal Beauty; The Whole Art of Attaining Bodily Vigor, Physical Development, Beauty of Feature and Symmetry of Form. Not only does this contain advice on the proper way to brush one's teeth, take a bath, and dress it provides recipes for home remedies. You will find recipes for face washes, wrinkles, hair-curling fluid and more.

Finally, the last sub-book is How to Write a Letter. A Complete Letter-Writer, For Ladies and Gentlemen. This is a lost art for sure that we'd all do well to re-visit. This section probably contains the most currently relevant information: grammar, spelling, punctuation. Also, a lost art!

My biggest score of the day was three pieces of glassware for $2. It included what could be a vase, a small glass, and sugar bowl. Or perhaps they are a decanter, pencil holder, and condiment bowl. The possibilities will only be limited by my imagination.

Next it was another book for just $1. This one, published in 1947, is Girl Alive! A book of helpful suggestions for girls who want to make the most of their teens. In Part I: Your Person, young girls are instructed in the proper hairstyle for their face shape, dressing for their figure, and appropriate colors for their complexion. Moving on to Part II: You and Your World, girls are instructed in dealing with friends, home life, and the all important subject of boys.

The final score of the day was two pair of vintage buttons for the price of $2. The lady selling these buttons was much sweeter than the first guy I came across selling buttons. I was rumaging through his bowl of buttons when he informed me he was not selling buttons, he was selling containers. Confused I asked him what that meant. It apparently meant that he was trying to sell the entire small container of mostly non-descript white buttons for the high price of $12. I thanked him and moved on. My patience paid off by finding the beauties above.

Rounding out the day were two finds that fall into the "if only" category. The first piece was small-ish pale blue painted hutch that I immediately envisioned in a little girl's room. It would make a perfect pantry for her play-sized kitchen or changing table for her doll collection. If only Miss Lou were closer or shipping were cheaper. The second piece was a vintage metal hamper painted in a pale green. If only my bathroom were larger this would have been mine.

I definitely improved upon my first flea market visit of the year. I had a glorious morning for only $10 and two hours of time. I can't wait to do it again!

What happened?

Growing up our yearly pilgrimage to the Shipshewana Flea Market was a much anticipated summer tradition. Up and out the door early, we’d use the hour and a half car ride to plot our wish list. As kids our wishes mostly ran toward, what I know now to be, cheaply imported goods. We didn’t come across a $3 or $4 T-shirt proudly displaying a logo that we didn’t like. We were also embarrassingly fond of scrunchies and all other manner of hair accessory. On the practical side we might even have picked out a new backpack for the upcoming school year.

While there were certainly a fair number of these types of booths they were greatly outnumbered by what you’d traditionally find at a flea market. Many booths were dedicated to selling what was one man’s junk to those who could see the treasure. You could find old windows, vintage plates, glassware, Pyrex, old signage, books, tools, and the list goes on and on.

A good portion of the flea market was even dedicated to handcrafted items. You might find candles, hand painted pieces, and crocheted items or dried flowers and plants from local growers. One handiwork that sticks out in my mind were the booths selling handcrafted pine furniture. A lot of years found us taking home inexpensive yet quality bookcases, tables, or wall shelves for various rooms of the house.

Many years have passed since our last family Shipshewana trip and the years, at least eight of them, have not been kind to the flea market. The number of booths selling true flea market wares were outnumbered at least 10 to 1 (but probably more) by imported goods. There were knockoff bags and purses, luggage, and a never-ending list of what you could get for just $1.

Then there was what I can only describe as the truly strange. What do scooters or all-terrain vehicles, sunroom enclosures, and in-person infomercials for car wax, mops, and jewelry cleaner have to do with a flea market? In my humble opinion, that would be nothing.

Flea market, where have you gone?

Stitching time

Cute, aren't they? I've decided that embroidery is the perfect take-along craft: all the supplies fit into a zip-lock bag and scissors are the only equipment required. Plus, assuming you pack enough fabric, it can keep you endlessly occupied. These four Stitchettes were completed during my recent trip. The umbrella and gardening girls were done on cotton sateen and the fishing and skateboarding girls on linen. It was my first experience embroidering on linen and I was surprised how much I liked both the look and feel of it. My linen came from a dress that I got for $5 at the Salvation Army last summer. I've found thrift stores to be a great source for affordable linen; this particular dress also yielded enough fabric to make two smocks. Next up, the Tulip Fairy.

Shaken, not stirred

The dudely and I have a house cocktail. It is a dirty gin martini, shaken and served straight up. The dudely’s preparation is perfect and cannot be reproduced by me no matter how hard I try. In fact the only dirty martini I’ve had that was better than his was at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center four years ago. He would agree with me. I think the view and location created an advantage that had nothing to do with the actual cocktail though.

About a year ago I added these great vintage cocktail napkins to our martini gear. The napkins are in the shape of painters’ palettes and feature hand applique and embroidery of a shaker filling martini glasses. I picked them up at a local consignment shop for a song, just $5 for a set of five. Because they are white, and I love them so, clear cocktails are all I can bear to use them with.

Over the weekend we added another fabulous consignment shop find to our collection. This time it was a vintage glass cocktail shaker with a very mid-century mod kind of strainer lid. I think we both honed in on this one at the same moment. Although we both were playing it cool there was never really a doubt that it would come home with us. At just $6 how could it not?

Project Wednesday

So, who thinks that the above photo is:

(a) My mom headed to a dinner party circa 1975?
(b) Me wearing my mom's clothes from 1975?
(c) My new lounge pants made from one of my recently thrifted sheets?

It all started out so well. Project Runway re-runs were on the TV, my In Stitches was opened to the lounge pants page, I had just unpacked my new and awesome toy (hint: it's the dawn of a new age of crafting around here) and had my awesome Echino print ironed and ready to cut. Then I read the directions (for the first time) only to discover I needed 2.75 yards of fabric rather than the 2 yards that I had purchased (fiddlesticks!) With Tim Gunn in the background encouraging me to "make it work," and happy that I at least got to use fabric rather than candy wrappers, I rummaged through my fabrics to find an appropriately sized piece. This retro forest print is a sheet from my recent thrift store tour of the lower mainland.

I used the hemmed edge as the cuff and cut each leg out as a single piece. Five speedy seams and a package of elastic later (I hate drawstring waists) and I had myself a pair of lounge pants. However, as comfortable as they are, I fear that they may be somewhat, shall we say, un-hip. In fact, my first horror-stricken thought upon seeing myself in a mirror was that they looked like hippie patchwork pants. I'm a little surprised that I am showing them, but alas, here we are. Me in all my un-hip glory..



Next week I'm making a pincushion. Sigh.

Piled high and deep

I'm back from Vancouver. What a great trip; lots of time for visits with my family, two sleep-overs with my oldest girl friends, Mom's cooking and endless cups of tea, you get the picture. Good stuff.
Since I arrived with a suitcase stuffed with presents (including a quilt) I had anticipated that I would return a little lighter. Instead, I nearly had to pay an excess baggage charge at the airport for my overflowing suitcase. What sort of retail escapades did I get up to, you might ask? As is usual on my trips home I stocked up on Murchie's tea, new Canadian literature and Australian Women's Weekly cookbooks. But a half dozen paperbacks, 2 pounds of tea and a handful of magazines doesn't take up that much space. There were a few lovely gifts that added a little bulk but there was still room for a small child (a fact that I mentioned to my 3 year-old nephew, much to his consternation).



In fact, I had so much room in my suitcase that I thought I would make a quick trip at the local Sally Ann to check out vintage linens. It was pretty tiny and I didn't find anything, but I had the taste so I kept going. I think I hit every branch within a 20 km radius of my Mom's condo. My mom kept telling me I had "interesting tastes" when I would pull out yet another vintage sheet from the endless racks of linens. All told I came home with 5 bed sheets, 4 pillow cases, 2 table cloths and 2 large pieces of fabric (check the Flickr page for details). A good haul and there was still plenty left for others.



We also finally made it to one of the many Punjabi fabric stores listed in the Surrey yellow pages. Gorgeous stuff. There were bolts and bolts of fabrics for Punjabi suits, saris, men's clothing, blankets and bedding. And then I found the remnant bins. Six dishwasher-sized cardboard boxes overflowing with scraps of up to 3 yards in length for $1.99 per piece. At least, that was what was marked on the boxes, but it turned out it was a "buy one, get two free" deal. I paid $4.24 for six large pieces of fabric. This was seriously the best fabric deal I have ever gotten and you all know I love a bargain.



I now officially have a lot of fabric. As in need more storage space, cannot possibly find more room, must place an immediate moratorium on new purchases, this is getting embarrassing "a lot of fabric". Guess I'd better get sewing.

I need Pyrex - STAT

I think it's time to make the rounds again. I need a small table to hold my new serger - I'd love to find one of those old enamel typing desks. Hard to find, though, I might end up going to IKEA instead. Maybe this will be the weekend that I finally find a set of lunch plates. At least I think that's what they're called; they're elongated and have an indentation to hold a cup of tea next to your cucumber sandwich. More vintage brooches and buttons, I can't seem to get enough of either. And then there's my on-going quest for Pyrex. You know those refrigerator dishes; square, bright colors with clear glass lids? I really want a set but am not willing to pay EBay prices. Recently I scored these at the Sally Ann. Love the turquoise and they cost $5 for the pair, what a steal. Yes, tomorrow is shaping up to be a busy day.

Instant Entry

Home is a 642 square foot, 2 bedroom condo. I've packed a lot of functionality into that space. Helping me do that is a $4 wooden shutter complete with chipped and peeling green paint. With the addition of several S hooks it has become command central in our "entry". It holds our keys and sunglasses for quick dashes out the door in the morning. It also provides neat and convenient display space for the cards we get.

Just below the shutter sits a basket now awaiting its yearly fill of assorted mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats. I'm currently in denial winter is imminent. Therefore, this task will wait as long as possible perhaps until December. On the adjacent wall hangs 3 giant double hooks. This is the perfect amount of space to have an assortment of coats and bags at the ready.

The key to living in a smaller space is keeping the necessities from appearing to be clutter. Thankfully flea markets, consignment shops, and thrift stores provide an ever changing array of possibilites to do this in a funky and delightful way. Keep your eyes open. Nothing has to remain as it first appears.

Saturday

Saturday finds
Originally uploaded by Me, Elise

The weather has finally changed here in New England and the crisp fall air was just the inspiration I needed to think about some patchwork scarves. Super soft wool was purchased: these are going to be cozy. I can't wait to start pulling fabrics for the patchwork. One new print was purchased that might find it's way onto a scarf, but I managed to restrain myself. Fortunately there was a thrift store next door that distracted me, very convenient. I think there should be a law enacted mandating that all thrift and fabric stores be within a block of each other. I always head straight to the bed linens section. It's usually a pretty disappointing array of cartoon prints, but today was my lucky day and I found a lovely vintage pillowcase to add to my collection. And the bird tin - isn't it fabulous? A glorious fall day, successful thrifting, new fabric and a walk in the woods with my husband - a perfect Saturday.