Wednesday, April 11, 2007

vintage finds

I love anything vintage! I have always been drawn to fabrics, notions, dishes, fashion, Pyrex, furniture and music from the 40's and 50's. Invaribly I will fall in love with something and find out it's from those decades. I even wore my Mom's 1949 class ring for many years. I always want to know the story behind whatever it is that I have found. The item means so much more when it has a story.
Take for instance, this vasoline glassware... I went to a yard sale several years ago and saw this breathtaking piece of art. I asked the elderly lady about it and she said that she was selling it for 35 cents. I told her that I would have to pay her more cuz it was worth a lot more than 35 cents! She went on to tell me that she had gotten it from her brother for her 13th birthday... over 65 years ago! She was sad that no one in her family wanted it. I immediately knelt down beside her and took her hand... and told her that I would cherish it forever and that I would think of her every time I looked at it. And I have... to this day.
That's why I prefer yard sales to thrift stores, because I can get some history along with my find. I feel such a sense of responsiblity to pass along that history. Have you ever noticed on "The Antiques Roadshow" that when they disclose what the item is worth, that it's always worth a whole lot more when it has a personal story associated with the item.


I got these linens over the weekend at my little thrift store. I wish I knew who made the two doilies and who wore the pink & aqua apron and what was talked about over the meal that was served on the table that this aqua tablecloth graced... and who made up this chenille bedspread each morning...




... and oh my gosh, this was a little girl's apron! Could you just cry, it's so dang sweet! I think I might have to frame it. You've got to enlarge and check out the detail! Oh and btw, 99 cents!

16 comments:

Amy said...

I too love watching antiques roadshow, both the english and american versions, the things people bring in on there are astounding!

Anonymous said...

I really like the aqua tablecloth...and that little girl's apron...wow!

Anonymous said...

Awesome finds! That apron is just adorable. I know what you mean about liking to know the history behind the pieces, it makes them even more special.

An Odd Duck said...

Hey, great linens and apron. I need to post the tablecloth that rebecca just gave me once it's laundered.

NanAZ said...

Great treasures! I love the story about the lady and her dish. It made me cry to think that no one in her family realized the value of it to her.

So Linda, when are you going to open your vintage store? Just think of the fun you would have in stocking it?

deb said...

You always find the good stuff! The little girl's apron is so sweet.

Nonie said...

I love a things old too. I sit a wonder about the history of them.. How could her own family not want her dish.. makes me sad...

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, what pretty things, Linda...I love your stories about them. I do better at yardsales too, but I don't always ask about things. I tend to grab them, pay, & run, LOL. That little apron is very sweet. I don't tend to collect a log of linens, but I can see the appeal. I remember my mom making some things just like that. It's getting to be a lost art.

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

Anonymous said...

Linda, these treasures are just that, TREASURES! I love each one of them.. oh the vasoline glass is just beautiful.. and the child's apron! Yes, that is SO special!
xo,
Kim

Becca said...

We love the same things, Linda...that's why I like your blog so much, I think. The little girl's apron is definitely frameworthy. Even when I buy at a thrift store (most of the time), I think of the stories behind the beautiful treasures I find.

Becca said...

Do you know about this website?

http://www.pyrexlove.com/

Anonymous said...

No way, 99 cents?! I want to steal that little apron!!!

Peta said...

That apron is adorable. Definitely, it has to go up on a wall!

Anonymous said...

Linda do you know that bowl is what is called Uranium Glass. It has a small amount of radioactive uranium oxide in it and that is why it glows under blacklight.

Not enough radiation to hurt you unless you collected large amounts of it.

I've always wanted to find some.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

What a wonderful bird, Shaquille Chenille is. Lucky find!

Thanks for visiting my spot, you are entered in the drawing!

Beth Leintz said...

That is the CUTEST apron ever! You definetly need to find a way to keep it on display- and it goes so nicely with your pink & aqua Pyrex. I used to collect the pink Pyrex, too but then it got awfully pricey- and instead of redecorating my kitchen in a vintage 50's pink and blue- I went straight to a 1990's French Country!