tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91494483311352442652024-03-13T19:45:36.188-07:00Gramma's Linen ClosetPeggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-52298248561778081482014-02-03T05:18:00.000-08:002014-02-03T05:18:36.983-08:00Things I Love... and Things I Don't<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a brutal winter around here. Record breaking cold; steady snow and ice. And our own Pennsylvania weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, just forecast another 6 weeks of this nonsense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had another brief thaw yesterday, and Dear David headed south to the big model train show near Baltimore, so I decided to start at the flea market and then make the rounds of some antique shops I hadn't visited in a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were still patches of snow on the ground at the flea market, and not many vendors had turned out, but I still made some discoveries. "Guy Who Will Not Bargain" was there and I filled a box with linens, smiled sweetly, and paid up without a quibble (his prices are still good, despite the non-haggling part). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A great Farm and Chickens Theme Tablecloth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beautiful Salmon Pink with Flowers in Medallions</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the real discovery of the day was at another vendor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A big ol' stack of vintage greeting cards, including 30 1960s Valentines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kind we used to give in school to all our classmates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a re-seller, they would be much more valuable had they been unused, but these had been collected and saved by young Patty Ann Mowrey (or maybe it's Patti Ann--both spellings are represented), who was clearly in elementary school when she received these. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They brought back so many memories!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometime before Valentine's Day, class time spent decorating an old Kleenex box with pink and red construction paper hearts, and writing your name on it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lining up all the boxes on a back table, ready to receive classmates' Valentine cards?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Picking out just the right Valentine for each classmate, making careful distinctions among the messages so your friends got the "good" ones, and the cute boy in the next row got one that was just romantic enough to express your secret feelings--but not TOO mushy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bad Valentine puns?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using your newly learned cursive handwriting?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And no matter how hard the teacher tried to keep anyone's feelings from being hurt, there were the kids whose families could afford to buy the more expensive, impressive Valentines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, but the joy of receiving a Valentine from that special boy in the class, and imagining that he meant every word!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ySfGDdPIJQ/Uu-FjhxAZ3I/AAAAAAAAAr8/njzAkzm6RVM/s1600/IMG_0705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ySfGDdPIJQ/Uu-FjhxAZ3I/AAAAAAAAAr8/njzAkzm6RVM/s1600/IMG_0705.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast Forward to today, and I am still in the classroom, but on the other side of the desk, as a teacher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And today this incessant snow and cold has brought us another snow day. A day that will have to be made up by sacrificing another school holiday. At this rate, we may be in school until July!</span></div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-79050588615380119012014-01-12T08:17:00.001-08:002014-01-12T08:17:49.343-08:00Freezing at the Flea<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but we've had ridiculously cold weather here in Central Pennsylvania:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yeah... the windchill was 20 below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, this morning, when the temperature was a balmy 38 degrees, I got that flea market feeling again. I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful outdoor flea market that is open all year round (weather permitting, whatever that means). In the winter, you'll still find 30 or 40 vendors set up, many of them selling from auction box lots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I plied myself with coffee and a hot breakfast (thanks to Dear David), took plenty of cash, and a canvas bag and set out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was not disappointed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The usual suspects were there, and you probably have them at your flea market too: The gruff older guy who has great stuff, but absolutely will not haggle. The sketchy guy who is just a little TOO friendly. Lots and lots of guys with tools and 1980s electronics and DVDs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And lots of GOOD stuff!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZRp8sFWQpg/UtK6f28DFvI/AAAAAAAAApk/8cjufNj5gZk/s1600/WinterFlea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZRp8sFWQpg/UtK6f28DFvI/AAAAAAAAApk/8cjufNj5gZk/s1600/WinterFlea3.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The best stuff came from Guy-Who-Won't-Haggle (of course). I got nearly 7 yards of Irish linen with the paper label still attached! It's luscious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a completely GI-normous rayon damask tablecloth that I don't think has ever been used! Perfect for a vintage wedding reception head table.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wh_SXO6-CU/UtK7W-_y6uI/AAAAAAAAAqE/xj_d3y-5fqA/s1600/1049HugeDamask1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wh_SXO6-CU/UtK7W-_y6uI/AAAAAAAAAqE/xj_d3y-5fqA/s1600/1049HugeDamask1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And two sweet little shamrock hankies.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F44OWMHqMaQ/UtK7xH7zZ6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/L5shIbz5grY/s1600/1048ShamrockHankies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F44OWMHqMaQ/UtK7xH7zZ6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/L5shIbz5grY/s1600/1048ShamrockHankies1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">About this time, the cold had begun to set in and (as always), my nose began to run. I nearly bought another hankie just to blow my nose on it, but this was Guy-Who-Won't-Haggle, so I decided I could manage a little longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Along the way, I also picked up 8 gorgeous linen napkins, which also appear unused.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3eHBcmagPco/UtK8TlJyBdI/AAAAAAAAAqY/JriLBda8PaI/s1600/1043LaceCorners1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3eHBcmagPco/UtK8TlJyBdI/AAAAAAAAAqY/JriLBda8PaI/s1600/1043LaceCorners1.jpg" height="351" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a set of four with the paper tags still on them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpBhK1qAuqU/UtK8Tg4yt0I/AAAAAAAAAqg/dB-0ES_2vNU/s1600/1044FranceIrish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpBhK1qAuqU/UtK8Tg4yt0I/AAAAAAAAAqg/dB-0ES_2vNU/s1600/1044FranceIrish2.jpg" height="399" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They have a little bit of a split personality though. The paper tag on the linen part of the napkins says "All Linen Made in Ireland" and a second paper tag on the back of the lace corner says "Made in France." They are multicultural napkins, I guess.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrtrxSWK3uk/UtK8UAAaGMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ZCCCoJbAWMo/s1600/1044FranceIrish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrtrxSWK3uk/UtK8UAAaGMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ZCCCoJbAWMo/s1600/1044FranceIrish1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nearing the last few vendors, I found a laundry basket full of linens and starting digging. WAY down at the bottom, I came up with this Indian Head tablecloth still in its original packaging:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4T0j2RxZHM/UtK9PYCfSzI/AAAAAAAAAq0/V59mK3yuxs4/s1600/1047IndianHead2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4T0j2RxZHM/UtK9PYCfSzI/AAAAAAAAAq0/V59mK3yuxs4/s1600/1047IndianHead2.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J5bHFqpHAE/UtK9PiV04KI/AAAAAAAAAq4/9Q4F4tHtHjQ/s1600/1047IndianHead1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J5bHFqpHAE/UtK9PiV04KI/AAAAAAAAAq4/9Q4F4tHtHjQ/s1600/1047IndianHead1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I headed back to the car, where there was Kleenex for my drippy nose, and warmth, and went through my purchases. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And discovered that the Indian Head tablecloth had only ONE napkin included in the packaging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A dilemma.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MAYBE I had dislodged the other three napkins when I pulled the package from the bottom of the laundry basket. MAYBE they were still there, at the bottom of the basket, on the far side of the flea market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand, the aforementioned hot coffee had made its way through my system, and a bathroom break would need to come very soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Flea Market Port a Potty at 38 degrees?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The possibility of 3 additional napkins for this tablecloth?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I admit it. I wimped out and drove for home where there was a warm bathroom. What would YOU have done?</span>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-54944796212539531272013-12-28T09:44:00.000-08:002013-12-28T09:44:33.983-08:00Rolling Christmas!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like many families, we are spread out all over everywhere. David has family from Louisiana to Ohio, and my family lives from San Francisco to North Carolina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this year, we're doing "Rolling Christmas."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We started out by driving 650 miles south to Charleston, South Carolina for Christmas itself, where we stayed with David's brother while his father journeyed up from Louisiana. As a Northerner, I found warm temperatures and a trip to the beach decidedly un-Christmas-like.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzuUVrLsbco/Ur8I1ohWdsI/AAAAAAAAAnA/9-2U4XsFJO0/s1600/SCXMAS13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzuUVrLsbco/Ur8I1ohWdsI/AAAAAAAAAnA/9-2U4XsFJO0/s1600/SCXMAS13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">David's 91 year old father </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But a lovely evening Mass filled with Christmas carols, and precious little girls dressed up in their very best made things seem sufficiently festive.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MnXAu5IwSY/Ur8Jyy46AmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/z9dK11SGufI/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8MnXAu5IwSY/Ur8Jyy46AmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/z9dK11SGufI/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But we confronted "Christmas in the South" again: Palm trees decorated for Christmas!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS7iKf8dN4k/Ur8JyhpmiEI/AAAAAAAAAn0/rsm1Ya_J4aw/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS7iKf8dN4k/Ur8JyhpmiEI/AAAAAAAAAn0/rsm1Ya_J4aw/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xAgQtSg5-Q/Ur8Jyg9pDuI/AAAAAAAAAnw/P-F-K-DFF3A/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xAgQtSg5-Q/Ur8Jyg9pDuI/AAAAAAAAAnw/P-F-K-DFF3A/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT_qoiTU5MI/Ur8J6oOyfGI/AAAAAAAAAoI/PqJQ_cVwVK4/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT_qoiTU5MI/Ur8J6oOyfGI/AAAAAAAAAoI/PqJQ_cVwVK4/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And if that didn't convince us, consider what's on special at the local Piggly Wiggly!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_LDDv13Vx0/Ur8LTbA8lwI/AAAAAAAAAoo/jjxUmD1Jtis/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_LDDv13Vx0/Ur8LTbA8lwI/AAAAAAAAAoo/jjxUmD1Jtis/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Too soon, it was time to head north again, but we did make some time to do some vintage treasure hunting!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BLBJqJu12o/Ur8ItwzR0mI/AAAAAAAAAmo/e6Ur9QNWdtg/s1600/SCShopping4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BLBJqJu12o/Ur8ItwzR0mI/AAAAAAAAAmo/e6Ur9QNWdtg/s1600/SCShopping4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lovely Linens!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We couldn't pass up a stop at JR Outlets in Statesville, where the billboards promised "Everything from Brassieres to Chandeliers"!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttowQaqZK5Y/Ur8LBZOD1DI/AAAAAAAAAog/kgvXIiVblfA/s1600/SCShopping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttowQaqZK5Y/Ur8LBZOD1DI/AAAAAAAAAog/kgvXIiVblfA/s1600/SCShopping1.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it wasn't until we hit this Flea Market that we discovered the best in fine lingerie shopping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zE43mG3A7ew/Ur8LBVKFymI/AAAAAAAAAok/U2DpkVO-o3I/s1600/SCShopping2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zE43mG3A7ew/Ur8LBVKFymI/AAAAAAAAAok/U2DpkVO-o3I/s1600/SCShopping2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wJOBtleUa8/Ur8L5vN6SCI/AAAAAAAAAow/fmDtOP5Prpg/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" height="498" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The best bra you can get for $1.50!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And finally, we are now home in Central Pennsylvania, getting ready for the second half of our Rolling Christmas with a houseful of my relatives!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAevXIM6hqU/Ur8MXuXR1sI/AAAAAAAAAo8/saWUmy-JrMQ/s1600/Christmas13e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAevXIM6hqU/Ur8MXuXR1sI/AAAAAAAAAo8/saWUmy-JrMQ/s1600/Christmas13e.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!</span>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-5688282915084395982013-11-25T11:22:00.001-08:002013-11-25T11:22:12.575-08:00Things to be Thankful For<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have much to be thankful for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A wonderful husband who not only tolerates my junkin' obsession, but who encourages it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please? Can I keep him?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TuxS83lkSw/UpOft5M3T2I/AAAAAAAAAlY/c1Xi21NduTM/s1600/DavidatTims.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just a man and his 10 foot chicken</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Talented and loving children who are self-sufficient adults, leaving me with a little disposable income with which I fund that junkin' obsession.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zYYRh6I2jQ/UpOgZhXOOSI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ReJnnT6BumE/s1600/FleaMarketsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zYYRh6I2jQ/UpOgZhXOOSI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ReJnnT6BumE/s1600/FleaMarketsign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzDQVYva3D0/UpOfdgOcESI/AAAAAAAAAk4/g1Q5dgmFrNM/s1600/Antiques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzDQVYva3D0/UpOfdgOcESI/AAAAAAAAAk4/g1Q5dgmFrNM/s1600/Antiques.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ypbTg8LsY/UpOfy2znZQI/AAAAAAAAAlg/RpjKky8Lvl8/s1600/StoreClosingSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6ypbTg8LsY/UpOfy2znZQI/AAAAAAAAAlg/RpjKky8Lvl8/s1600/StoreClosingSign.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PU6YJCdVJQM/UpOft3b0ezI/AAAAAAAAAlU/2JgMvimtrQA/s1600/DeadPeoplesThingsSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PU6YJCdVJQM/UpOft3b0ezI/AAAAAAAAAlU/2JgMvimtrQA/s1600/DeadPeoplesThingsSign.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fact that there is a big wonderful world out there, full of boxes that are just begging to be explored!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nny_ecxkcJ8/UpOfnHurpWI/AAAAAAAAAlI/RkssHUOBbV8/s1600/Boxlots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nny_ecxkcJ8/UpOfnHurpWI/AAAAAAAAAlI/RkssHUOBbV8/s1600/Boxlots2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6izUbbgvC8/UpOf36Cm27I/AAAAAAAAAlo/Lbi9UiMVRRw/s1600/TraderJacksExcess.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is a REAL place: Trader Jack's outside Pittsburgh</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EI85XEClWIw/UpOgCW6YFMI/AAAAAAAAAlw/HWFmoYLwYps/s1600/TourEdFleatique4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EI85XEClWIw/UpOgCW6YFMI/AAAAAAAAAlw/HWFmoYLwYps/s1600/TourEdFleatique4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTf6y1jMrPk/UpOgRS2_DOI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Ua4I6fovq5Y/s1600/MorgantownHoarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTf6y1jMrPk/UpOgRS2_DOI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Ua4I6fovq5Y/s1600/MorgantownHoarder.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E98SXjHnI2E/UpOgLkv_tnI/AAAAAAAAAl4/MC08go48xno/s1600/FleaMarketRenniners2.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A PAIR of anorexic Art Deco floor lamps: Yes!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E98SXjHnI2E/UpOgLkv_tnI/AAAAAAAAAl4/MC08go48xno/s1600/FleaMarketRenniners2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And finally, I am thankful there is a place in the world where you can find a Bison wearing TWO sombreros</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVEha1vRgco/UpOfiWJni5I/AAAAAAAAAlA/s9cbjkfRDJc/s1600/Bison+in+Sombrero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1655980404"></span><span id="goog_1655980405"></span><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-74269410311238159042013-11-12T07:58:00.002-08:002013-11-12T07:58:54.788-08:00Flea Market Freeze Out<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This morning, the weather app on my smart phone gave me the bad news: "A Wintery Mix" is expected across Central Pennsylvania.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgwSMCs-3H8/UoJLbMGHLSI/AAAAAAAAAkc/d_eZZ6QMGZ0/s1600/WinterLandscapeGraphicsFairy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgwSMCs-3H8/UoJLbMGHLSI/AAAAAAAAAkc/d_eZZ6QMGZ0/s400/WinterLandscapeGraphicsFairy1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that can mean only one thing. Time for holiday shopping? Time for warm sweaters? Time to put out the electric blanket?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surely you jest! It means that outdoor flea market season is ending!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear David (the "Grampa" in "Gramma's Linen Closet") and I made one more trip out to Western Pennsylvania for the Fleatique at <a href="http://www.flea-tique.org/index2.htm" target="_blank">Tour-Ed Mine</a>. Lest the name confuse you, the Fleatique takes place on the grounds of an old coal mine that has been restored and is open to the public for tours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The morning dawned cold, and there was mud from the previous day's rain, but we were undeterred! And rewarded!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-W2OsXhUKM/UoJFiBgwSJI/AAAAAAAAAiA/erpUvzkfIyw/s400/TourEdFleatique1.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bph5lGAq7Uw/UoJFiZrK2JI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Vgb-XP29IoQ/s1600/TourEdFleatique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bph5lGAq7Uw/UoJFiZrK2JI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Vgb-XP29IoQ/s320/TourEdFleatique2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sd87-gbkwOk/UoJFiS5p4yI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Ukv1jbpOXeQ/s320/TourEdFleatique3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">LOTS of vintage Christmas!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we headed home, we spied some "Antiques and Artisans" signs by the side of the road, and set off in hot pursuit. We discovered the Whispering Pines Antique and Art show after a long winding drive through the near barren corn fields. It was worth the drive. Although the vendors were all high-end dealers, and we didn't buy anything, the grounds of the Whispering Pines farm are just gorgeous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLM8veuehvA/UoJGmgqQoeI/AAAAAAAAAic/rSMWPqWLZhA/s1600/WhisperingPines3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLM8veuehvA/UoJGmgqQoeI/AAAAAAAAAic/rSMWPqWLZhA/s320/WhisperingPines3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnNZrO1Sal0/UoJGmiHWH9I/AAAAAAAAAiY/gnkrLqo-xqY/s1600/WhisperingPines4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZ97Plerrg/UoJGnU5EslI/AAAAAAAAAik/6eCJzrJ79NE/s320/WhisperingPinesAntiques1.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78mi_hCVthg/UoJGmukevNI/AAAAAAAAAiU/dSzaXzMj7v0/s320/WhisperingPines2.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, taking advantage of the beautiful weather, we drove home via old Route 30, the Lincoln Highway. Once the primary East-West thoroughfare through Pennsylvania (before the Pennsylvania Turnpike), there are vestiges of another way of life: small, cottage-style roadside motels, abandoned gas stations, Mom and Pop diners, and...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYUwNTOIWbc/UoJIgP12sFI/AAAAAAAAAi4/GIWE_ovwgFM/s320/StoryLand1.jpg" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpmkfPbh6FA/UoJIgMp0JQI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cmifJ_DiQhA/s320/StoryLand3.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwTb8DSQrJQ/UoJIhO0o_6I/AAAAAAAAAjM/FfaycHd8Ess/s320/StoryLand5.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">An 18-foot Pied Piper! Once an early children's theme park, Storyland near Bedford, PA is now abandoned. The original owner's daughter maintains a charming gift shop just past the original entrance, but the park itself is off limits to the public. (The photos were all taken from the gift shop parking lot with the owner's permission.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what did we buy at the Fleatique?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnpBQeX0gYQ/UoJJurKR0RI/AAAAAAAAAjs/NPgVWGNWa7k/s320/1004StartexRoses3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Startex Tablecloth with Pink and Yellow Roses</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnpBQeX0gYQ/UoJJurKR0RI/AAAAAAAAAjs/NPgVWGNWa7k/s1600/1004StartexRoses3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aA9IAw-rzzg/UoJJ3qCivbI/AAAAAAAAAj0/SbOcVcVD1is/s320/1009CanadaSouvenir2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A Canada Souvenir Tablecloth</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aA9IAw-rzzg/UoJJ3qCivbI/AAAAAAAAAj0/SbOcVcVD1is/s1600/1009CanadaSouvenir2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVCL67YbNL8/UoJKDRmYr4I/AAAAAAAAAj8/LHRcSa1Yg-c/s320/1000CarrieWilson4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A Carrie Wilson signed Bridge Cloth</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVCL67YbNL8/UoJKDRmYr4I/AAAAAAAAAj8/LHRcSa1Yg-c/s1600/1000CarrieWilson4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ2F_ffn-ng/UoJKQetAjhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/8CwzyGrgJRI/s320/Christmastrio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A trio of unused Mid Century Tea Towels</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPt2q4g62mo/UoJKxnlPaoI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/8oc9Dup_sm8/s320/999LeacockChef+003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A Leacock Tea Towel featuring a Butcher and a Shopping List</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I DO have one Ace-in-the-hole: Our local flea market at Williams Grove is open ALL WINTER LONG! We'll bundle up and brave the colder weather in the name of vintage.</span><br />
<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-60060667810084535462013-07-19T06:45:00.001-07:002013-07-19T06:45:51.353-07:00Box Lot BUST! or not?<span style="font-size: large;">I have written before of my love of the flea market or auction "box lot." The mystery. The surprise. The possibility of scoring something amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess it's my version of playing the lottery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I played and I lost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">David and I went out to a local auction where they always have a huge number of box lots. I've done well with box lots there before.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">With box lots, it's best not to advertise your interest too much, lest the other dealer/bidders get interested too. Of course you need to examine the box's content, but if you spy treasure, sometimes it's best to leave it at the bottom of the box and hope no one else notices. Pulling out each of the tablecloths or kitchen towels, spreading them out and examining them closely is kind of out of the question. Besides, the crush of people circling the box lot tables would make that impossible anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I caught sight of a fairly big box of linens and fabric. I rooted around in it and saw a number of things that really caught my eye. I was definitely interested, and I mentally set a fairly high limit on what I would bid for the box.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv2IQcuOe1E/Uek0PyzmlGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/tsXCWWGtHk4/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv2IQcuOe1E/Uek0PyzmlGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/tsXCWWGtHk4/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Others saw the same things I did and the bidding went all the way up to my limit--more than I ordinarily pay for a box lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I got the box home, I had very high hopes for what I would uncover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And--thud. Bust. Bad box lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw a lovely aqua border on a tablecloth.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MjAEBTMj-Q/Uek0PFzXiMI/AAAAAAAAAf8/DbwBnLDvwks/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MjAEBTMj-Q/Uek0PFzXiMI/AAAAAAAAAf8/DbwBnLDvwks/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I got was hopelessly faded--except the border.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6pW2OhhIU/Uek0Po5XesI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Ye_GYxjG08g/s1600/IMG_1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6pW2OhhIU/Uek0Po5XesI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Ye_GYxjG08g/s1600/IMG_1980.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw linens carefully folded, pressed, and starched, and I assumed they would be well cared for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I got was full of holes and stains.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7qJdJ84ybU/Uek0MifVnBI/AAAAAAAAAfI/lAfIpjrGsj0/s1600/IMG_1972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7qJdJ84ybU/Uek0MifVnBI/AAAAAAAAAfI/lAfIpjrGsj0/s1600/IMG_1972.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNbmq2oDY8/Uek0MiWwfRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/hGVxtC67RVo/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkNbmq2oDY8/Uek0MiWwfRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/hGVxtC67RVo/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw some great bold colors on a tablecloth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I got was a "do it yourself" tablecloth made with fabric paint.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcvLZNZKYOY/Uek0LmmMaAI/AAAAAAAAAe8/AAgUSQl52DQ/s1600/IMG_1971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcvLZNZKYOY/Uek0LmmMaAI/AAAAAAAAAe8/AAgUSQl52DQ/s1600/IMG_1971.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did get a few nice things, but most of them are "cutters" and I'll have to bundle them with other linens that are past their prime and sell them to crafters at a discount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those are soaking right now in an attempt to freshen them up.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpjKYpf_s1M/Uek0OinaRCI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hjXEIWYP0J0/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpjKYpf_s1M/Uek0OinaRCI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hjXEIWYP0J0/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But in the process, I came up with a new idea for my online shops: the "Virtual Box Lot!" I can pull together a bunch of things with similar characteristics, and sell them as a group. Except I'll let you see them, in their entirety, warts and all. That way, your virtual box lot won't be a bust like mine was!</span><br />
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-8924513143059941222013-06-29T08:08:00.000-07:002013-06-29T08:08:18.897-07:00Hunting Vintage Textiles Abroad<span style="font-size: large;">David and I just returned from an amazing two-week trip to Switzerland. Although we were married the end of November, being a teacher meant the honeymoon trip had to wait until summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was worth the wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although we certainly spent the bulk of the trip seeing the usual Swiss highlights: the Matterhorn, the glaciers, the Alps, the trains; we also found time to doing some vintage treasure hunting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, the obligatory shot of the two of us with the Matterhorn in the background.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSlJjdFvpQ/UcyJLFIQaJI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4N5ZjAS6NVI/s1600/Photo+Jun+18,+8+35+33+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMSlJjdFvpQ/UcyJLFIQaJI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4N5ZjAS6NVI/s1600/Photo+Jun+18,+8+35+33+AM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now, on to the vintage textiles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We came perilously close to a flea market as we toured past the market in Locarno--I even saw a stack of banana boxes filled with treasure, but alas, we could not stop. We also found a vintage clothing store, but it was closed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PxFPLJ0zY0/Uc7qvIFPfqI/AAAAAAAAAbo/fgzfyA1XCNI/s1600/SecondHandEdith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PxFPLJ0zY0/Uc7qvIFPfqI/AAAAAAAAAbo/fgzfyA1XCNI/s1600/SecondHandEdith.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But finally, in Locarno, in the southern part of Switzerland, we did find a genuine second-hand shop, filled with junk and treasures. There were some very lovely linens, but the prices were--like everything else in Switzerland--very high.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lrgIRrOVE/Uc7tw51YWpI/AAAAAAAAAcs/v4ylEWNbuuk/s1600/Photo+Jun+20,+10+34+22+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8lrgIRrOVE/Uc7tw51YWpI/AAAAAAAAAcs/v4ylEWNbuuk/s1600/Photo+Jun+20,+10+34+22+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had lots of fun digging, and I did buy a pretty linen Kreier tablecloth and another embroidered linen table topper. Kreier is a Swiss company that specializes in table linens, handkerchieves and scarves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were textiles to admire, of course. </span><span style="font-size: large;">On our tour of Stockalper Castle in Brig, we found a lovely embroidered banner. It was hard to photograph under plexiglass without a glare, but here is a section of it:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We visited a tiny little village all the way up in the Valley Verzasca called Sonogno, where they had a museum and some lovely examples of linens and traditional clothing:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tId4fS7V010/Uc7rg3WATcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vcd24tlY8nY/s1600/2013-06-20+08.00.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tId4fS7V010/Uc7rg3WATcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vcd24tlY8nY/s1600/2013-06-20+08.00.18.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And on a hidden shelf in one of the little shops in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sonogno, I found these beautiful, hand embroidered pieces. Through a complex (and sometimes hilarious) exchange with the shopkeeper, during which we spoke German (David's contribution), French (my contribution), a little English, and a little Italian (which only the shopkeeper knew), we discovered that they are designed to be bedskirts for a baby's crib, and they are made from antique linen bedsheets. I think they would be lovely as valances in a nursery window, don't you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And lastly, we also visited a little museum in Grindelwald, a little village at the foot of the Jungfraujoch (the highest point in Europe, way up in the Alps), and found more gorgeous textiles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what I will never forget is the lace curtains that hang in nearly every chalet window across Switzerland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia563MIpk_Q/Uc707KHzBHI/AAAAAAAAAeo/tXuO60qGmUI/s1600/Photo+Jun+22,+7+42+42+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia563MIpk_Q/Uc707KHzBHI/AAAAAAAAAeo/tXuO60qGmUI/s1600/Photo+Jun+22,+7+42+42+AM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-do3LpNVfIqc/Uc7ts_1B6PI/AAAAAAAAAck/qxmpL0IR064/s1600/2013-06-20+08.15.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-do3LpNVfIqc/Uc7ts_1B6PI/AAAAAAAAAck/qxmpL0IR064/s1600/2013-06-20+08.15.27.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to have some for my own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We searched and searched, and finally found a fabric store that sold the lace by the yard. Or by the meter, actually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now, every morning when we wake up, we will think of Switzerland as the sun shines through our new lace curtains!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvEYbhS04QI/UcyLlMQwe1I/AAAAAAAAAbE/8jWmWZzNW2s/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvEYbhS04QI/UcyLlMQwe1I/AAAAAAAAAbE/8jWmWZzNW2s/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-83739215508935066092013-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:002013-06-04T10:43:07.006-07:00The Lure of the Banana Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRJxyLaoua8/Ua4kBQ9eZiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/IL6ed-URMbo/s1600/Botanical-Fruit-Banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRJxyLaoua8/Ua4kBQ9eZiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/IL6ed-URMbo/s1600/Botanical-Fruit-Banana.jpg" height="400" width="230" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't really like bananas. Maybe some banana nut bread, but just a plain banana? I'll pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But what I absolutely CANNOT pass is a banana box.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H67nAaaV8Bw/Ua4l4q-kt2I/AAAAAAAAAXo/-qhiZIAH3yA/s1600/dole_banana_boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H67nAaaV8Bw/Ua4l4q-kt2I/AAAAAAAAAXo/-qhiZIAH3yA/s1600/dole_banana_boxes.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure what trend-setting junker or flea market fanatic first decided that using banana boxes was the best way to pack and store her collection of treasures, but she should have patented it. She'd be sitting on a beach somewhere attended by an army of cabana boys with cold drinks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I digress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you have been to a lot of flea markets, or when you go to a couple regularly, you learn to be purposeful as you walk through the rows. Cheap sunglasses? Stacks of socks and underwear? Keep moving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there--THERE is a collection of neatly arrayed banana boxes! And that's where I want to be!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzGm1qfqVrk/Ua4jScpFWfI/AAAAAAAAAW8/SmLWTg14tKI/s1600/Photo+Jun+02%252C+9+47+30+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzGm1qfqVrk/Ua4jScpFWfI/AAAAAAAAAW8/SmLWTg14tKI/s1600/Photo+Jun+02%252C+9+47+30+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCNfjrg62Nw/Ua4jShbF-7I/AAAAAAAAAXA/B3Ba7xV1x88/s1600/Photo+Jun+02%252C+9+48+58+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCNfjrg62Nw/Ua4jShbF-7I/AAAAAAAAAXA/B3Ba7xV1x88/s1600/Photo+Jun+02%252C+9+48+58+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6dkVivwF_I/Ua4jS2j8pcI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MwTgcIjygeg/s1600/Photo+May+12%252C+9+07+22+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6dkVivwF_I/Ua4jS2j8pcI/AAAAAAAAAXM/MwTgcIjygeg/s1600/Photo+May+12%252C+9+07+22+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes vendors can trick you, and they fill their rows of banana boxes with cheap tchotchkes from China, and you beat a hasty retreat. But if you're lucky? Oh, joy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--N-gijXmYOE/Ua4jTTWh5yI/AAAAAAAAAXU/pKcCEThiFC0/s1600/amishauction1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--N-gijXmYOE/Ua4jTTWh5yI/AAAAAAAAAXU/pKcCEThiFC0/s1600/amishauction1.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Boxes of Schtuff. Junque. Auction flotsam and jetsam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HEAVEN!</span>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-51888935408412307302013-05-25T11:55:00.000-07:002013-05-25T11:55:52.015-07:00When things don't go as you expected...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyQIcdcdLnI/UaEBnA78QHI/AAAAAAAAAU8/BIgAcgIHDzU/s1600/340x_vintage_surprised_lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyQIcdcdLnI/UaEBnA78QHI/AAAAAAAAAU8/BIgAcgIHDzU/s1600/340x_vintage_surprised_lady.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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Sometimes things just don't go as you expected. Such was our adventure out to the flea market today.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's sort of a rule: I usually find more vintage treasure at the flea markets than I do at the antique mall. Of course, the antique mall has lots of wonderful things, but they are usually at "La dee Dah" prices, and not "Dirty Box Lot" prices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So Dear David and I set out at the crack of dawn this morning for Saturday's Market in Central Pennsylvania. Located at a defunct discount department store building, the inside includes regular vendors with booths, along with fresh produce, Amish baked goods (OMG, the smells are wonderful) and the occasional stand selling replacement gutters or carpet remnants. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUHXGt4tgVU/UaEHTiV5AwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/5DqeOdEyAlE/s1600/Saturdays+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUHXGt4tgVU/UaEHTiV5AwI/AAAAAAAAAWU/5DqeOdEyAlE/s1600/Saturdays+Market.JPG" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We0dWw2LBqs/UaEIONP_LvI/AAAAAAAAAWk/xWK5CM9aaaM/s1600/Amish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We0dWw2LBqs/UaEIONP_LvI/AAAAAAAAAWk/xWK5CM9aaaM/s1600/Amish.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Outside in the parking lot is space for the day vendors with their tables full of sunglasses, socks (who on earth BUYS all these socks and sunglasses?), garage sale leftovers, flowers, used children's toys, obsolete computers and electronics, and rusty tools. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1f_B4sgUsRE/UaEILI3iLNI/AAAAAAAAAWc/At2R9vpH5d4/s1600/Box+Lots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1f_B4sgUsRE/UaEILI3iLNI/AAAAAAAAAWc/At2R9vpH5d4/s1600/Box+Lots.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We start outside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here is where things don't go as expected. I did find a small box of gorgeous Irish linen damask tablecloths. Two of them with their 1940s paper labels, unused. On the ground. Next to the aforementioned rusty tools. At a very agreeable price.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhghVjnMg0o/UaEEbTgmQqI/AAAAAAAAAV8/E4omBsje7_8/s1600/2008-08-01+00.11.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhghVjnMg0o/UaEEbTgmQqI/AAAAAAAAAV8/E4omBsje7_8/s1600/2008-08-01+00.11.00.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oIm7Eyy3ds/UaEEbPuQJUI/AAAAAAAAAV4/F71wEtQ9so4/s1600/2008-08-01+00.10.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oIm7Eyy3ds/UaEEbPuQJUI/AAAAAAAAAV4/F71wEtQ9so4/s1600/2008-08-01+00.10.08.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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But we really didn't find much else, particularly given that both our sock drawers are already pretty full.</div>
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So, we headed over to a large antique mall we hadn't visited in a while. </div>
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And hit the vintage linens jackpot.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyWX4UrGDPM/UaEEYPZiiII/AAAAAAAAAVM/i9o4h8Z5XqU/s1600/2008-08-01+00.00.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyWX4UrGDPM/UaEEYPZiiII/AAAAAAAAAVM/i9o4h8Z5XqU/s1600/2008-08-01+00.00.51.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We found some great tablecloths, a Bates double sized bedspread, and some other goodies!</div>
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Sometimes you just have to leave yourself open to the possibilities!</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-34137828841175656952013-05-12T12:28:00.000-07:002013-05-12T12:28:13.927-07:00Mother's Day at the Flea Market<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A beautiful sunny Mother's Day here in Central Pennsylvania. Some mothers might want breakfast in bed. I had breakfast at the diner with Dear David and made it to the flea market by 8:00 am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Best things about the flea market? The sheer variety!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You've got your spring produce (we picked up some sweet corn for dinner).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You've got your incredibly tacky velour blankets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And there was this--whatever it is. The seller said it was a dollar, or two dollars if you could tell him what it was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And there is always the unexpected. You could have this fellow for just $80!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite is ALWAYS the dirty box lots. I love to root around for the unusual. Like these little boxes that were from an old pharmacy. One of them is labeled: "Sore throat. Dissolve in mouth every hour until third day."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here was my haul: A Quaker Lace tablecloth, a couple of table runners (which MIGHT be Russell Wright and Wilendur), some barkcloth, some feedsack, and a bunch of silk scarves and hankies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we finished digging, we also stopped for a little fortification:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because the next thing on the agenda today is pulling everything out of the garage to see what might be causing that awful smell... But that's OK. I had my Mother's Day fun at the flea market!</span></div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-91812968355300571442013-05-05T10:26:00.001-07:002013-05-05T10:26:27.682-07:00I love the Smell of Dri-Lock and Mulch in the Morning<span style="font-size: large;">If my eyes are open and it's not 40 below, I'd rather be out hunting for vintage treasure. But sometimes you have to stay home and take care of mundane things. Like basic home maintenance and such.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we started the weekend in the basement. Our house was built in 1961. It's a classic split level my children always referred to as "the Brady Bunch House." And with anything that's over 50 years old (ahem--present company included), it needs some ongoing maintenance. We put in several hours in the morning freshening up the walls with Dri-Lock paint, which is not so much actual paint as it is a paint-like pudding. But it's supposed to keep the concrete basement from leaking, so that's a good thing.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Note that Gramma's "closet" is more like a WALL of shelves!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, we also had a truck load of mulch delivered for the yard. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the house smelled of Dri-Lock paint and mulch. Mmmm!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6bgOZzvHuc/UYaTVT1076I/AAAAAAAAATQ/6CflVLczpqc/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6bgOZzvHuc/UYaTVT1076I/AAAAAAAAATQ/6CflVLczpqc/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But we couldn't leave the WHOLE weekend to chores, could we? So, we finished up with a trip out to the local flea market. It's one of the first warm, sunny weekends of the spring, and the place was wall-to-wall people!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We compromised. Several flats of flowers for the yard, and a small stack of linens for "Gramma's" closet.</span><br />
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-44595722686518733752013-04-23T04:07:00.000-07:002013-04-23T04:07:06.523-07:00Sometimes You Need the Right Equipment<span style="font-size: large;">When you love old things, and you want to use them, you also need to care for them. Clean them. Restore them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We live in an easy-care, no iron, no fuss world today. Everything gets tossed into the washing machine and the dryer, and it's so easy we wash everything each time it's used, even if it isn't really dirty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our fore-mothers didn't do that. Laundry was a chore that took up a full day, or more, of labor. Don't throw that blouse in the wash! You only wore it a few hours! Air it out and wear it again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But because they did take on the heavy work of caring for their clothing and their linens, they had the right equipment for it. Vintage irons are heavier and they get hotter, so they do a better job with </span><span style="font-size: large;">pressing cotton and linen. Nothing touches Fels Naptha for working on stains gently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today was one of those gorgeous sunny days of early spring. The air was cool, but the sun was bright and warm. A perfect day for hanging laundry outdoors in the sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a perfect day for blocking and stretching my vintage lace tablecloths. Because I have the right equipment for it. I own a genuine Quaker Curtain Stretcher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back in the early part of the 20th century when cotton lace curtains (often from the Quaker Lace Company) were common in every window, those curtains got washed, starched, and stretched at least once a year. Today, my lace curtains are mostly easy care and go straight from the wash to the pole and just hang to dry, but my vintage Quaker Lace cotton tablecloths have to be blocked or they don't fit my table anymore when they dry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just like a cotton sweater draws up as it dries and has to be blocked back into shape, cotton lace will draw up. My tablecloth will lose as much as 5 or 6 inches if I don't block it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I hauled out my Curtain Stretcher, which is really just a big wooden frame (helpfully marked off in inches) with rows of needle sharp nails all the way around. It's adjustable, and you impale the edges of the tablecloth on the row of nails, and carefully s-t-r-e-t-c-h the lace and across the frame until it's square and taut. And then let it dry in the sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, it takes longer than throwing the tablecloth in the dryer, or even hanging it on the line (where it's impossible to get it blocked and square), but nothing looks better than a real cotton lace tablecloth.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyhGbm_LFG4/UXWoRprdUUI/AAAAAAAAAQw/VhiIq00PboI/s1600/2008-08-06+20.14.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyhGbm_LFG4/UXWoRprdUUI/AAAAAAAAAQw/VhiIq00PboI/s1600/2008-08-06+20.14.05.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was worth it--if only because it gave me the chance to explain just what the hell I was doing to the houseful of college girls who live across the alley from me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love having the right equipment!</span><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-86PwyRbVYjE%2FUXWoRweSF-I%2FAAAAAAAAAQ4%2Fy4tBOgZY8xA%2Fs1600%2F2008-08-06%2B20.33.25.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86PwyRbVYjE/UXWoRweSF-I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/y4tBOgZY8xA/s1600/2008-08-06+20.33.25.jpg" -->Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-66866660944843101472013-04-20T14:09:00.000-07:002013-04-20T14:09:12.717-07:00Good Design is Good DesignMy passion is textiles. Fabric. Linens. Cloth. I love antique and vintage clothing, table linens, anything made of fabric.<br />
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But I also appreciate good design, no matter what the medium.<br />
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This weekend, I've had the privilege to spend three days with a group of high school students (my other job is as a teacher) participating in a youth government program at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.<br />
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It's one of the most beautifully decorated buildings of its kind in the nation, and I have not been able to resist photographing some of its beauty. From the enormity of its rotunda, to the smallest detail, the building is an exemplar of beautiful design.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of the dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decoration on the dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorated Railing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A back staircase</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Fire Hose Cover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statuary overlooking the Rotunda</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevator Button</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door Handle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Good Design is Good Design</span></div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-47169286015653743992013-04-15T09:43:00.000-07:002013-04-15T09:43:38.590-07:00"Ramps 'R Up!"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Ramps 'R Up!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Junkin' Trip to West Virginia</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">30 Years Later</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I headed to Morgantown, West Virginia this weekend for a wonderful reunion with two women I worked with at my first "real" job--over 30 years ago! While Melanie, the woman who had been my boss, still worked at the University in a position similar to the one she held when we all started, Betsy and I had gone in very different directions. We had not all been together for 30 years, and it was wonderful to share stories and realize how strong an influence we had had on each other's lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I digress from the focus of this post--Junkin' in West Virginia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sigh... it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I had imagined it would be a wonderful opportunity to discover some real vintage treasure at rock bottom prices, but it was not to be.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They love Christmas,<br /> but they don't love Cheap</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday, after several hours spent on Google Maps trying to find antique and thrift stores along my route to West Virginia, I stopped at several. Here's a hint: If you're going to charge Lah-De-Dah Antique Store prices, you should probably make sure your inventory isn't caked in accumulated dust and dirt and faded from sitting in the sun. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eye Candy, but Too Expensive for this Junker!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bright spot in the day was a stop at "Bubba's Garage." Bubba's got himself a little bit of a hoarding issue. The store is nearly ceiling high with furniture and electronics and Junque (which Dear David, my husband, pronounces "Joon-a-Q"). Sadly, Bubba isn't much into fabric and textiles, but if I had a panel truck and my own shop, I'd have filled up with Mid Century Modern lamps and furniture.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Junque As Far As You Can See</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bubba's Got a Bit of a Hoarding Problem</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had high hopes for Sunday morning, having found an advertisement for the Blue Horizons Flea Market just north of town. I followed Route 19 as it curved through the countryside, and then up a very steep grade to a location sitting at the top of a hill. If you know West Virginia, you know that EVERYTHING is either straight up or straight down, and that setting your parking brake when you leave your car is ALWAYS a Good Idea. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't forget the parking brake! It's straight DOWN!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coming around a corner in the outside vendors' area, I saw a young man sitting next to a huge cooler with a sign proclaiming "Hillbilly Lilies." At first I was puzzled, but then I heard him cry out, "Ramps 'R Up!" And then I remembered. Ramps are a very pungent (they STINK!) kind of wild leek. They are actually a member of lily family, botanically speaking. In the Appalachians they are a particular delicacy, with Ramp Festivals a Big Deal. I was going to snap a picture of the Hillbilly Lilies sign, but the young man sitting next to it did not look like he'd take kindly to some Flatlander Woman taking his picture. Instead, I took a picture of this sign I found at the next Flea Market I stopped at.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8prcr8PI30/UWwoZ74W8JI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/HnWpPjG1L08/s1600/Photo+Apr+14,+8+36+53+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8prcr8PI30/UWwoZ74W8JI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/HnWpPjG1L08/s1600/Photo+Apr+14,+8+36+53+AM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ramps 'R Up!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sadly, the only interesting thing I found at the Blue Horizons Flea Market (other than the aforementioned ramps) was a wonderful collection of architectural salvage. I was sorely tempted, but the vendor would only deal with me on price if I bought the whole lot. He wanted more cash than I had with me, and the nearest ATM was about 5 miles away. I'm still kicking myself on that one. Note to self: ALWAYS bring more cash than you think you will need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back on the road, I came across another, smaller flea market, and faced bitter disappointment once again. While I was trying to get a shot of the Ramps sign, I lagged behind a bit, and let another woman get to the vendor with the vintage tablecloths mere moments before me. You know where this is going: She picked up a mint-condition gorgeous Wilendur tablecloth, held it to her breast, and paid for it before I could even get my hand on it. She paid Three Whole Dollars for that baby. I was THIS CLOSE.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy26qrB7GWY/UWwoYgYj9AI/AAAAAAAAAN4/gO68VjqbxKI/s1600/Photo+Apr+14,+10+39+44+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy26qrB7GWY/UWwoYgYj9AI/AAAAAAAAAN4/gO68VjqbxKI/s1600/Photo+Apr+14,+10+39+44+AM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Always a GOOD Sign!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was able to stop at one more flea market on my drive home Sunday, and picked up some vintage boxed greeting cards for 50 cents, and a stack of linen napkins for a dollar, but neither of those buys are keeping me from replaying the loss of that tablecloth and that pile of 75 Victorian decorated hardware hooks over and over in my head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The "Ramps 'R Up," but my Junkin' Luck was definitely Down!</span></div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-31106177152684349532013-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:002013-04-04T08:27:13.437-07:00But It's Too Nice to Use!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYJHUphD4Wc/UV2Vg82bsjI/AAAAAAAAAMg/E_tvlMZPuFo/s1600/672FineLinenFlower01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYJHUphD4Wc/UV2Vg82bsjI/AAAAAAAAAMg/E_tvlMZPuFo/s1600/672FineLinenFlower01.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>We are so very casual these days, aren't we? A quick fast food dinner, right out of the paper bag, eaten in a hurry while we watch the news. Self service lunch--grab something out of the fridge and eat it standing up at the kitchen counter. Breakfast? Pick that up at the drive through on the way to work.<br />
<br />
If we have nice dishes, they are artfully displayed in the china cupboard. If we inherited lovely linens from our grandmother, they are folded in a drawer or a closet. We don't use them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPCc4jcx98o/UV2VcUYMyuI/AAAAAAAAAMI/kDAf6Ne1XEk/s1600/Photo+Apr+04,+10+58+34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPCc4jcx98o/UV2VcUYMyuI/AAAAAAAAAMI/kDAf6Ne1XEk/s1600/Photo+Apr+04,+10+58+34+AM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Every time I go to an auction or estate sale, I find gorgeous china at astonishingly low prices. I even picked up a set--service for 8, perfect condition--at an auction for $12. I had a terrible time selling them. No one wanted them, despite the fact that it would have been cheaper to buy this lovely china than it is to buy generic dishes made in Asia at the local Big Box discount store.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I picked up a huge box of fine table linens at the flea market--damask tablecloths and matching napkins, all in very good condition, and ended up paying less than a $1 a piece for each item. We don't want them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwC7PuF7MoU/UV2Vg4yVSJI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aSriZSxb9ic/s1600/655ecru05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwC7PuF7MoU/UV2Vg4yVSJI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aSriZSxb9ic/s1600/655ecru05.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
So I ask, rhetorically and otherwise, why not? Why don't we use them? Why don't we want them? The answer is usually something like, "They're too nice to use!" "It's too much trouble!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv1XkXvGH0M/UV2VgHf1boI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1Adg1E0gia8/s1600/629rayondamask05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv1XkXvGH0M/UV2VgHf1boI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1Adg1E0gia8/s1600/629rayondamask05.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
Well, I'm here to say, "Use them! That's what they're for!" Who deserves to use and enjoy fine things more than we do? What is accomplished by having them sit, gathering dust and tarnish, in a closet or drawer? If you're preserving them for your children, they won't want them if they have no memories of having used them. If they get stained, what has been lost? At least you will have enjoyed them and the nice table you set.<br />
<br />
At the very least, try some lovely cloth napkins at dinner! They're more environmentally friendly than paper napkins, so you can congratulate yourself on going "green."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmVknZK3At4/UV2VhU8h4jI/AAAAAAAAAM0/W3P2lMidOw0/s1600/675mintdamask2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmVknZK3At4/UV2VhU8h4jI/AAAAAAAAAM0/W3P2lMidOw0/s1600/675mintdamask2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>If your family is really grubby, consider a piece of tempered glass cut the size of your tabletop. Doesn't cost much, and then you can use that lovely tablecloth and keep it protected. Buy some coordinating cheap placemats and use them on top the tablecloth to help guard against stains. If a plate gets chipped or broken, it can probably be replaced fairly affordably using one of the on line replacement services, or by checking on Ebay or Etsy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrutwPEP4GY/UV2VgO8c6XI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jCUOkWZx8ss/s1600/640Richelieu09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrutwPEP4GY/UV2VgO8c6XI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jCUOkWZx8ss/s1600/640Richelieu09.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>We know that families who sit down together to a meal regularly reap many benefits. Why not sit down to a nicely set table while you're at it?<br />
<br />
Of course, no one is suggesting we return to the days when Emily Post directed which uniform the Butler should be wearing for your luncheon, or how many forks are proper for an afternoon tea (<a href="http://www.bartleby.com/95/">http://www.bartleby.com/95/</a>), but for heaven's sake! It's NOT too nice to use! Indulge yourself!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-77677446132797812892012-05-09T06:36:00.003-07:002012-05-09T08:48:29.345-07:00Go Ahead--Rip My Heart Out.<br />
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Gramma has a problem. She gets emotionally attached to her treasures.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sS7roALuvic/T6fod9H1wdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/r78Y20ct1hY/s1600/vintage+woman-+free+clipart-sad-blues-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sS7roALuvic/T6fod9H1wdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/r78Y20ct1hY/s200/vintage+woman-+free+clipart-sad-blues-blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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You understand, I’m sure. I’m out on a thrifting trip, and I
unearth something amazing. And even better, the price is amazing. That
instinctive “hunter-gatherer” hormone kicks in and I buy it. I buy it
because I know I can offer it to you in Gramma’s Linen Closet and make a little
of that “pin money.” I buy it because it’s amazing and I love it. And I buy it
because it’s just such a thrill to have found it and then to know that I OWN it.
I guess we all have a little hoarder hiding inside, don’t we?</div>
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But the Linen Closet is only so big. And I can only use so
much for myself. So I know I have to put it out there on Ebay or in my <a href="http://etsy.me/IH5okQ" target="_blank">Etsy Store</a>. And that means someone else is going to buy it
(because their shopping hormone kicks in too!) and then I’ll have to box it up
and send it away. There are times when I’m actually grieving when I send off a
package.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhFneseCY24/T6fptDB2UjI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zj6teoUddQQ/s1600/129LoneStarQuilt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhFneseCY24/T6fptDB2UjI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zj6teoUddQQ/s320/129LoneStarQuilt7.jpg" width="320" /></a>It happened this weekend. A wonderful quilt I had found at
an auction went to a new home. I loved that quilt. I photographed it on the bed
in the guest room and it looked so nice. But I had three other quilts on that
bed (all made by my grandmother), and I didn’t need another one. So it’s on its
way to a new home, and I will miss it.</div>
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I would be TERRIBLE at fostering shelter dogs. I
would never want to let them go. Right now, my favorite "strays" are a set of 7 wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96854788/retro-blendo-rocks-glasses-west-virginia" target="_blank">Mid-Century Modern Blendo glasses</a> in yummy pastel colors (OK, so one of them is missing--that's what made them a stray in the first place, I'm guessing).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQsTm28EiUw/T6f2n0DHJlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/RLHMcneKDzg/s1600/lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQsTm28EiUw/T6f2n0DHJlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/RLHMcneKDzg/s200/lady.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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Head over to my Etsy store or my Ebay auctions and find
something you like. Go ahead—rip my heart out.</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-86731556500135705682012-04-30T16:54:00.000-07:002012-04-30T17:16:03.254-07:00Today's "To Do" Pile or Tomorrow's Vintage Treasure?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gramma hit
the jackpot this weekend but was nowhere near a casino. After an early
breakfast at the diner with Grampa, she dropped in on the local flea market and
noticed a tattered cardboard box that everyone else had passed up. And—voila! She
found some treasures to share with all her fans.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDMSNyxMENE/T58k6G_m6JI/AAAAAAAAAJc/StV8bX3Yvxc/s1600/174quiltpattern5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDMSNyxMENE/T58k6G_m6JI/AAAAAAAAAJc/StV8bX3Yvxc/s200/174quiltpattern5.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqFQSzxnVrU/T58klxlYeUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/UWCJOPntB1Y/s1600/174quiltsquares2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqFQSzxnVrU/T58klxlYeUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/UWCJOPntB1Y/s200/174quiltsquares2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Think for a
moment about someone discovering your sewing basket 50 or 60 years from now.
What would they find? Gramma’s digging produced a McCall’s quilt pattern
from the 1930s and a quilt-in-progress. There were 25 strips of vintage
quilting fabric ready to be stitched up and some just <u>fabulous</u> finished
quilt blocks with traditional newspaper backing used to help hand stitch them
together. <i>The real surprise is that the
newspapers were from the 1930’s!! Oh my!</i> Unfortunately she couldn’t read all of the
articles because the owner hadn’t put “continued on next square,” but had to
settle for bits and pieces of news stories. (Did that man ever go to jail? . .
. .hmmmm.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz3xRYFyuik/T58kpx5lnpI/AAAAAAAAAJE/1pANrK8rZxc/s1600/174quiltstrips2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz3xRYFyuik/T58kpx5lnpI/AAAAAAAAAJE/1pANrK8rZxc/s320/174quiltstrips2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTF7P4qLHyU/T58k4sKwOHI/AAAAAAAAAJM/HUxh3GSrk0c/s1600/174collars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTF7P4qLHyU/T58k4sKwOHI/AAAAAAAAAJM/HUxh3GSrk0c/s200/174collars3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And you
should see the delight on her face when she discovered—in the same box--several
hand-stitched collars (some with really nice adornments) that would add the
perfect touch to plain cardigan or sweater, or serve as the centerpiece of a
girl’s special-occasion dress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It pays to
dig. At the bottom of Gramma’s cardboard jackpot was the cutest little apron
complete with a <i>Raggedy Ann</i> tag sewn
in. Remember those little dolls we had back when? They weren’t Barbies; they
weren’t Bratz with all kinds of accessories. They were simple and loved and
cherished Christmas gifts from Santa or a birthday gift from your favorite
aunt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGPW9Bv83pc/T58k5aX_JKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Sap_UOtg1PY/s1600/174pinkblanket5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGPW9Bv83pc/T58k5aX_JKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/Sap_UOtg1PY/s320/174pinkblanket5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And finally,
Gramma also came across a <u>beautiful </u> pink wool and cotton cabin-style blanket from
the 1940s or 50s! This delicious looking “spread” would brighten up any
cottage-chic décor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I now know
what Grandpa means about finding “the honey hole” when he goes fishing. What
looks like rag remnants just might be worth another look and some digging.
There are nuggets of gold out there - - you just have to <i><u>prospect</u></i> at some places you’ve never tried before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To see Gramma’s treasures, click the links to
her Etsy shop; Facebook page; and her eBay items online.</span>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-44321447460286088212012-04-10T10:06:00.002-07:002012-04-10T13:15:32.299-07:00Business or Hobby? or "How to Make PIN MONEY at home"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWSVc5jkNDw/T4ReKBlIfkI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Tm7XeVJtvu8/s1600/jobsforgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWSVc5jkNDw/T4ReKBlIfkI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Tm7XeVJtvu8/s320/jobsforgirls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the winter, I've given a lot of thought to whether Gramma's Linen Closet is actually just a hobby or whether it could become a business--a <i>real</i> business that actually generates<i> real</i> income.<br />
<br />
There have been disappointments: having clothing and accessories on consignment at a vintage shop, and selling practically nothing. Working a craft show with similarly poor sales.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I've picked up several things at auction or flea markets, or at very low prices at antique malls, and been able to resell them at significantly higher prices. A couple of mint-condition dish towels out of a $5 box lot at the auction went for many more times than what I paid for the whole lot. A vintage unused steam iron in its original box I got at auction for 50 cents sold for $20.<br />
<br />
So maybe my sewing needs to take a back seat for awhile while I discover vintage items that can be resold?<br />
<br />
David has lent his considerable energy to the idea, and is helping me build a business plan, and get organized. I know I have a good "eye," and I've certainly been able to generate enough income so far to pay for the fun I have hunting for vintage treasure.<br />
<br />
But is it enough to actually generate <i>real</i> income? Income that might enable me to retire from full-time teaching a little early? Cover expenses if the cuts in school funding in my state lead to a job furlough?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEto6Ecgsw4/T4RicC_tg-I/AAAAAAAAAIY/yhIN2Sh8ByM/s1600/Photo+Apr+10,+12+34+35+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEto6Ecgsw4/T4RicC_tg-I/AAAAAAAAAIY/yhIN2Sh8ByM/s320/Photo+Apr+10,+12+34+35+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Coincidentally--or maybe not, depending upon how you feel about such things--I picked up a wonderful little booklet at an antique store north of Ithaca this weekend. It's called "How to Make PIN MONEY at Home." There is no copyright date, but it looks to be 1950s. It's chock full (as in 100 suggestions) of ideas for housewives who need to make a little extra money. Although the language is dated, the sentiment seems somehow appropriate these days:<br />
<br />
"Today, almost no man has a large enough income to satisfy the demands of his family. Expenses have distanced salaries in their rise, and men and women are hard put to find the necessary funds to do all they wish to for their children and themselves. Naturally, the women are looking about for ways to increase the family income....<br />
<br />
"The first thing to consider before undertaking part time or home work is: How much time can I give to such employment? If you hope to make your work pay, you must so arrange your household duties that you have several free hours every day.... If your home tasks are so engrossing that you cannot do this, you should not undertake any additional work. It would not only prove unremunerative, but would tax your strength beyond its endurance."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And so the experiment begins....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help me decide by visiting my Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrammasLinenCloset" target="_blank">"Gramma's Linen Closet,"</a> or searching Ebay for my sales under "GrammasLinenCloset."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-88062344769253086862011-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:002011-10-01T14:14:14.164-07:00Color Me Vintage!When I am digging through a pile of linens in a thrift shop or antique store, it's often the color of a piece that attracts me first. Do you find that there are particular colors that you are drawn to immediately? Can you date a vintage textile by its colors?<br />
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We certainly associate certain colors with the eras in which they were popular. In fact, there are those whose profession it is to predict and shape the colors that will be popular in the consumer world. That's why "avocado" will always remind us of the 1970s, and why you will NEVER be able to match that three year old sweater you bought at the GAP by looking at this year's fashions. The subtle shades of color affect us almost subliminally, but affect us they do!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9dsxXCtJtE/Tod2DIGtvMI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oNWjrj2FkfU/s1600/oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9dsxXCtJtE/Tod2DIGtvMI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oNWjrj2FkfU/s320/oven.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>I got to thinking about vintage colors this week. First, right in the middle of baking a pan of chocolate pecan brownies, David discovered that our circa-1967 Harvest Gold wall oven had finally gone to appliance heaven after 44 years. When I bought my 1961 split level house about 12 years ago, it was a veritable treasurer trove of bad 1960s and 1970s decorator kitsch. Shag carpeting, flocked wallpaper, astroturf on the back patio, gold-flecked mirror tiles and faux barnboard paneling... But the absolute apex of the horror was the Harvest Gold kitchen. There were gold Formica countertops. Harvest Gold appliances. Brown, gold and avocado carpeting.<br />
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And the wallpaper!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEUH64WJBYk/Tod2BWySVgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Bb1bGiko2bg/s1600/wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEUH64WJBYk/Tod2BWySVgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Bb1bGiko2bg/s320/wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Over the years, I have taken down the wallpaper, replaced the Harvest Gold dishwasher, replaced the countertops, and now... the last vestige of Harvest Gold--the wall oven--is waiting to be picked up by a local Freecycler who wants to give it a good home! Hooray.<br />
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Never fear! I still have my classic grey and pink bathrooms (yes... that's pink boomerang Formica), so the 60s have not been vanquished completely...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBZU_EzyvB8/Tod2CA16RfI/AAAAAAAAAGs/0o106vq4qtk/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBZU_EzyvB8/Tod2CA16RfI/AAAAAAAAAGs/0o106vq4qtk/s320/bathroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So while I am not a huge fan of these vintage colors as part of my home decorating scheme, I am drawn to vintage colors in fabrics.<br />
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For example, I picked up these amazing mid-century kitchen curtains recently. Aqua was trendy for kitchens in the early 1950s.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vix0pAfN1k0/Tod27Ps7E5I/AAAAAAAAAG8/VlE2a-uHjwQ/s1600/curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vix0pAfN1k0/Tod27Ps7E5I/AAAAAAAAAG8/VlE2a-uHjwQ/s200/curtains.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br />
I combined the fabric with an aqua linen hand towel and made this tote.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beLtH9U_67A/Tod3B6SD-6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/Nj_ebSng4vE/s1600/kitchencurtains2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beLtH9U_67A/Tod3B6SD-6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/Nj_ebSng4vE/s400/kitchencurtains2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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And the other experience that got me thinking about vintage color this week? Two amazing finds. First, some new fabric in wonderful colors reminiscent of feed sack material that I found on sale for 99 cents a yard at my local fabric outlet (and yes... there's the aqua, the avocado and the harvest gold in there...):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s08hioFbi68/Tod2CjRDcKI/AAAAAAAAAGw/hn2Uec90O2A/s1600/newstack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s08hioFbi68/Tod2CjRDcKI/AAAAAAAAAGw/hn2Uec90O2A/s400/newstack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and a pile (16 of them!) of vintage pillow cases with great printed borders that I got for $5 at a thrift store. And yes... $5 for the pile! The white portion of many of them is yellowed beyond use, but the borders are in fantastic shape, and will be perfect for trim or accents, and will coordinate with some of my vintage tablecloths.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdpZ9pGe7Do/Tod2DVZQstI/AAAAAAAAAG4/PeO6zEeXgRI/s1600/pillowcases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdpZ9pGe7Do/Tod2DVZQstI/AAAAAAAAAG4/PeO6zEeXgRI/s320/pillowcases.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Are there vintage linens in your closet with colors that evoke memories from the past? Why not let me transform them into something that you can use again!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-27929054093204576492011-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:002011-09-24T10:20:20.769-07:00If this makes me a shoemaker, where are the elves?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V71UdhD49fw/Tn4KksZqoWI/AAAAAAAAAGg/WF-69V9AzUQ/s1600/shoes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V71UdhD49fw/Tn4KksZqoWI/AAAAAAAAAGg/WF-69V9AzUQ/s320/shoes1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've been doing baby booties for awhile, and love their tiny adorableness, but recently, someone asked, "Could you do adult-sized house slippers?"<br />
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Never ask me if I can do something... Now it's a challenge, not just a question!<br />
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I started out with a baby shoe pattern I already had (thank you, www.littleshoepattern.etsy.com), and then I looked at several pairs of slippers and simple shoes I owned and thought about how they were constructed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDoa3OFF9eU/Tn4JxAzgS8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/RJlxAEilkGQ/s1600/booties3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDoa3OFF9eU/Tn4JxAzgS8I/AAAAAAAAAGY/RJlxAEilkGQ/s320/booties3.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upcycled from a vintage embroidered dresser scarf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had some scraps of tapestry-style upholstery fabric (got it FREE from my local "Freecyle" on-line group. If you don't Freecyle, you're missing out on a Wonderful Thing.), and I bought some remnants of soft vinyl at the fabric store for the soles.<br />
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Here's my first attempt:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XwyFa6xtkM/Tn4Jv5vQ6CI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3Vzp-bgWBgg/s1600/shoesred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XwyFa6xtkM/Tn4Jv5vQ6CI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/3Vzp-bgWBgg/s320/shoesred.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapestry slippers with vintage buttons as trim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Encouraged -- I tried them on and they were comfortable! -- I pulled out some pieces of an old "cutter" quilt and tried again. I also added some fusible fleece to the sole lining so they'd be a little softer. This time, I got more of a shabby chic look, I think:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNAN0QDW8L0/Tn4JxsKzzjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-vHKsKOX1Fo/s1600/shoesquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNAN0QDW8L0/Tn4JxsKzzjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-vHKsKOX1Fo/s320/shoesquilt.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old cutter quilt with some cotton tatting lace trim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So I finished off with a little more of the quilt scraps and pulled together another pair of baby booties:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPNVgIA2FuU/Tn4OXm51ReI/AAAAAAAAAGk/OX5o8CkUEXI/s1600/bootiesquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPNVgIA2FuU/Tn4OXm51ReI/AAAAAAAAAGk/OX5o8CkUEXI/s320/bootiesquilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So now that I'm a shoemaker, I want to know: Where are the elves who come in the night and finish all my work?<br />
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Can I make some slippers for you?Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-68041559499125055502011-09-05T08:42:00.000-07:002011-09-05T08:42:11.788-07:00That Retro Look--Using Vintage Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fnKfeFwkzE/TmTiW2yDLQI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gEsS2tx0wIM/s1600/makedoposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fnKfeFwkzE/TmTiW2yDLQI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gEsS2tx0wIM/s400/makedoposter.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>Our "fore-mothers" sewed regularly. Ready-made clothing was more expensive (relative to family income), and making clothing was part of what most women saw as their "job."<br />
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Note: We'll save the rant about what constitutes "women's work" and what it means to be a "working mom" for another day...<br />
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Many of us are discovering sewing again, and our love for vintage styles may lead us to making clothing using vintage patterns.<br />
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On my latest dig through antique stores (this time in Somerset, Pennsylvania), I found some wonderful vintage patterns... hence, some thoughts about retro and vintage clothing patterns.<br />
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First, many pattern companies (major companies like Vogue, Butterick, McCalls and Simplicity, as well as independent ones) are issuing new "Retro" patterns based on fabulous clothing from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. I've used several of these myself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdhkyhWv0wQ/TmTe30PgKrI/AAAAAAAAAFk/YrG6-rVIbWc/s1600/modernretropatterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdhkyhWv0wQ/TmTe30PgKrI/AAAAAAAAAFk/YrG6-rVIbWc/s320/modernretropatterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can find them in fabric shops and through the companies' websites. They come with updated instructions and updated sizing (more on that little issue in a moment)...<br />
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However, you can also find vintage patterns in antique shops, at flea markets and yard sales, and on a number of websites like Etsy, Ebay and specialty sites.<br />
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Here are some of my recent finds:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3043Om_zcE/TmTe4kC-P6I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jTJqFIL8Btc/s1600/simplicity8000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3043Om_zcE/TmTe4kC-P6I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jTJqFIL8Btc/s200/simplicity8000.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late 40s </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mvOo6A4gII/TmTe5Ha77dI/AAAAAAAAAFs/sOz9RwPKjZ8/s1600/Simplicity8247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mvOo6A4gII/TmTe5Ha77dI/AAAAAAAAAFs/sOz9RwPKjZ8/s200/Simplicity8247.jpg" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXYkYqoCEiw/TmTe5-XRwBI/AAAAAAAAAFw/eI1PBwgJHl0/s1600/simplicity8295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXYkYqoCEiw/TmTe5-XRwBI/AAAAAAAAAFw/eI1PBwgJHl0/s200/simplicity8295.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9q3JrsRizA/TmTiXYDDMCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/O9325aViTKQ/s1600/mccalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9q3JrsRizA/TmTiXYDDMCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/O9325aViTKQ/s200/mccalls.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1964</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJYo8QtVTkE/TmTiZOsR-1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/UpAPPKGiivY/s1600/1088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJYo8QtVTkE/TmTiZOsR-1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/UpAPPKGiivY/s200/1088.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1954</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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And how about these adorable kids' patterns?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1J9_plNVyY/TmTiZuYg2YI/AAAAAAAAAGI/7Undozaenxk/s1600/kidspatterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1J9_plNVyY/TmTiZuYg2YI/AAAAAAAAAGI/7Undozaenxk/s320/kidspatterns.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
When looking for vintage patterns, it's important to know if the paper pattern has been cut by the original owner and whether all the pieces are still there. Standing in an antique shop, it's difficult to open the pattern out, spread out all the paper and count the pieces, but you can get a rough idea of the general condition of the paper pattern and instructions with a quick peek. One of my "finds" is missing a piece from the bodice; I'm guessing I can draft a replacement using other patterns and the remaining pieces, but that's a decision you'll have to make for yourself.<br />
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When I'm ready to use any of these patterns, I will copy the pieces to grid fabric (find it at your fabric store), so I'm not using the original pieces themselves... after all, some of them are older than I am! I'll also make a photocopy of the instructions, as the paper can be brittle.<br />
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Note also that the instructions on vintage patterns usually have less detail than current patterns. Our foremothers were more accomplished sewists than the average person today and didn't need quite as much instruction.<br />
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Finally, a word about measurements. Clothing manufacturers have caved to our vanity, and have slowly changed the sizing of women's clothing over the last 50 years or so. Women also wore more "foundation garments"; no nice girl went out without a girdle in those days! What is considered a fashionable shape has changed too. Today, we're not used to wearing our clothing at the waist, but rather a little further down. Therefore, you must NEVER rely on what you consider to be your dress size when using sewing patterns.<br />
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For example, here's the sizing on my late 1940s pattern:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Ij8V9VKFs/TmTiYYstIiI/AAAAAAAAAGA/U0M8MEnXadU/s1600/vintagemeasurements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Ij8V9VKFs/TmTiYYstIiI/AAAAAAAAAGA/U0M8MEnXadU/s320/vintagemeasurements.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's the sizing on my "Retro" modern pattern:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFIYXp6MKXw/TmTiXzE-beI/AAAAAAAAAF8/30FMU5aF5Sw/s1600/retromeasurements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFIYXp6MKXw/TmTiXzE-beI/AAAAAAAAAF8/30FMU5aF5Sw/s320/retromeasurements.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and here's the sizing for a well-known women's clothing line today:<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: center; width: 430px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td colspan="7" style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misses Sizes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Size<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XS (4)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S (6-8)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">M (10-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">L (14-16)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XL (18)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XXL (20)<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bust<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">34<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">35-36<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">37-38</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40-41</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">46</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Waist<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-28</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-31<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">32</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-34<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High Hip<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">34<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">35-36<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">37-38</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40-41</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">46</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Low Hip<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">37-38<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39-40</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">42-43</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">45</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid #D8D4CC 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #D8D4CC .75pt; padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">48</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2</span><span style="color: #4d3926; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
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So, if we look across these three charts, we see that in 1949, a 34-inch bust makes you a size 16. In the modern, retro pattern, a 34-inch bust makes you size 12. But in ready-to-wear, the 34-inch bust makes you a size 4!<br />
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The motto of this story is: Know your measurements, and use them to adapt or purchase patterns or vintage clothing accordingly. I always cringe when I have to pick a modern pattern... the size seems outrageous. But what matters is the fit. My vanity is not served by what size I pick, but how great I look in a well-fitting outfit!<br />
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I'd love to make YOU look great in something special!<br />
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<a href="http://www.grammaslinencloset.com/">www.grammaslinencloset.com</a><br />
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-55988200353226266282011-08-30T06:41:00.000-07:002011-08-30T06:41:12.110-07:00It's Back to School Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't you love "Back-to-School" days? As a full-time teacher, I have mixed feelings about my summer ending, but it always gives me new energy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KicokHsjJlg/TlzjgoyPR0I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/LajUSeIZz7U/s1600/VintageSchool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KicokHsjJlg/TlzjgoyPR0I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/LajUSeIZz7U/s200/VintageSchool.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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When I came across this vintage image, it also reminded me of the days when children had three sets of clothes: "church" clothes, "play" clothes and "school" clothes. Today, all that seems to have morphed together into a uniform of jeans and t-shirts.<br />
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Well, I still think a little girl should have a few special outfits, and enjoy using vintage linens to create them.<br />
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This dress was made from an appliqued card table cloth, using the napkins as the sleeves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy3U_4dl8i8/TlzmXZLs7VI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pry0RVNIy9w/s1600/brown3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy3U_4dl8i8/TlzmXZLs7VI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pry0RVNIy9w/s320/brown3.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>And this very special dress is made from a silk embroidered tablecloth and uses an antique hankie for the sleeves. The remainder is of brown taffeta.<br />
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And this last dress uses two different vintage tablecloths and some left-over drapery lining.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm43KULxvh8/TlzmXz3RO3I/AAAAAAAAAFc/G_T7GBoCHfQ/s1600/Blue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm43KULxvh8/TlzmXz3RO3I/AAAAAAAAAFc/G_T7GBoCHfQ/s320/Blue2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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If you'd like to look at more of the dresses I've made from upcycled materials, please go to my website:<br />
<a href="http://www.grammaslinencloset.com/">Gramma's Linen Closet</a><br />
You might find a dress or a purse that would help ease you into another school year!<br />
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Happy School Days!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-7205464760913494682011-08-24T14:02:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:02:26.922-07:00Hunting Vintage Fabrics in the SouthI've just returned from a week in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia! While the purpose of the trip was spending some time with my parents, David and I took some extra time to visit antique shops from Asheville, NC and northward on our trip home, with stops in Erwin, Tennessee, and Bristol, Wytheville, Lexington and Harrisonburg, Virginia.<br />
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Although the Internet has certainly made hunting for vintage items more convenient, I think it has also made it more difficult to find bargains. It seemed wherever we went, the prices were pretty uniform. We found one shop with the most amazing collection of feedsack material I have ever seen; sadly each piece of fabric was either $12.50 or $14.00 (for about a yard of material)! Vintage printed tablecloths run between $18 and $30 pretty much everywhere too. And that's just too much money when I know I'm going to be cutting it up and using it for projects!<br />
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But, I did make some discoveries! A great shop in Asheville with piles and piles of stuff to dig through (my favorite!), and the owner just said, "Make me an offer!" I got a wonderful lap quilt in great shape:<br />
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a cute apron (which I think had been made from an old tablecloth originally),<br />
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some feedsack fabric,<br />
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and the sweetest little baby pillowcase.<br />
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A tiny little shop in Erwin, Tennessee had an entire 6-drawer cabinet of vintage sewing patterns... for 50 cents each! To be honest, many of them were from the 1980s... not my favorite time period for clothing... but I snagged a bunch from the 1960s that I think will be fun to experiment with!<br />
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David and I were amazed by the number of advertising signs that we saw--reminded us of one of our favorite shows, American Pickers. We couldn't resist this little coffee sign for the kitchen:<br />
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So the lesson for us: Head for some of the little tucked away places where you can dig through the dirt and find some treasures!<br />
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Back to the sewing machine for me! Let me know if I can make something special for you!<br />
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-82245402310440687112011-08-07T09:59:00.000-07:002011-08-07T09:59:03.735-07:00From the ordinary to the treasured...Wouldn't our grandmothers and great-grandmothers be surprised at how the things they saw as the most ordinary now fetch high prices in antique stores and are treasured by collectors?<br />
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Feedsack fabric is a great example. Beginning in the late twenties, through the depression years, and even up into the 1950s, flour, sugar, and other staples were sold in cotton feedsacks. When manufacturers realized that frugal housewives were saving those cotton sacks and making quilts and clothing out of them, they began to create more attractive patterns and colors to entice buyers to select their brands.<br />
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Today, feedsack fabric, and old quilts and aprons made of feedsacks are highly prized by collectors, and bring big money online and at antique stores. For fabric in good condition, a half yard can cost $20!<br />
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But, as you can see by the picture of my small "stash" of feedsack fabric, the colors, motifs and general look is hard to resist. Because I know that I will be cutting whatever fabric I buy into pieces to use it in my clothing or accessories, I look for pieces that have holes or stains I can work around. That makes the piece more affordable! Most of what I find is no longer strong enough to use for clothing, but if I combine it with a lightweight fusible interfacing, it works very well for lining or trim.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This skirt is an exception; the turquoise feedsack fabric was strong enough to use. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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This purse (shown under construction), which also incorporates portions of an embroidered dresser scarf and an upholstery sample square, uses feedsack fabric as a lining, as does the purse below.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wonder what ordinary items in our lives will be treasures to our grandchildren? Maybe we should hang onto a few old cereal boxes, soda cans, and magazines; they might fund our kids' retirement!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Contact me if I can make something for you from my stash or yours!</div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149448331135244265.post-86438591428497389362011-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:49:38.206-07:00Oh! How cute!What is it about baby things that seem to make us all turn to mush? My two wonderful children are adults now, and although I have three charming grand-dogs, their clothing needs are minimal. But I can't seem to stop drooling over adorable baby things (NO pressure, kids!).<br />
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So while I wait (so patiently...) I've been making some baby booties out of upcycled fabric and scraps. The back two pairs are made from vintage table runners and doilies. Front right came from a wonderful old wool blanket I found at an antique store, and front left from the scraps left over from a dress I made for my daughter-in-law's new niece.<br />
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To give credit where it is due, the booties on the right are from Simplicity pattern 2397 and the booties on the left are from www.littleshoepattern.etsy.com.<br />
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More of my children's clothing can be seen at <a href="http://www.grammaslinencloset.com/children.html">www.grammaslinencloset.com/children.html</a><br />
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So, doting grammas and aunties... can I make something for your most precious one?Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17892766364320386962noreply@blogger.com3