Wednesday, August 06, 2008

my PYREX collection







I LOVE PYREX!! I've been collecting PYREX for over 25 years and I have found every single piece at a yard sale or thrift store. (I don't shop antique stores or eBay) I know that eBay has oodles of PYREX, but what fun would that be?
For me it has always been about the thrill-of-the-hunt... AND finding each piece for a song!











I can honestly say that I have never paid more than a dollar for any piece in the above pics... mostly a quarter or fifty cents... especially for the colorful refrigerator containers that I simply adore. These were used for left-overs in the 50's... before Tupperware.


Little did I know that the dishes we used while growing up were PYREX! They were the gray-rimmed dishes. Well, over the years I found out that they made three other colored-rimmed dishes from back in the 50's. My dear friend Joyce gave me two place-settings of the blue rim dishes for my birthday one year. Let me tell you, the blue is so hard to find! I was beyond thrilled! And then I find out that my Mom had two place settings left of the gray dishes and I later find two place-settings each of the red and chartreuse. My dishes collection is complete.




These are the nesting bowls that started it all.
When Randy & I married 30 years ago, we inherited Mamaw Bean's PYREX nesting bowl set. I instantly loved them. But what made them extra special? The first time I met Randy's parents on Mother's Day 1978, I also met Mamaw Bean. I barely knew Randy, but instantly fell in love with his parents and his Mamaw Bean. Two weeks after that visit, I moved back to WI for the summer. A week later Mamaw Bean died peacefully in her favorite chair. I am forever grateful to have met the one that mixed many meals in these beloved bowls.


Last but certainly not least is my PYREX cookware collection. Do you see that awesome stove-top percolator coffee pot? My Mom used one for many years back in the 60's when I was a kid.



Here is a photo I found of that Pyrex coffee pot, taken in 1961. (clic the pic to enlarge) That's my Mom (wearing glasses) to the left of the coffee pot. I love this picture!
The glass insides eventually broke and replacement parts were hard to come by in those days, so they just threw it away. I was thrilled to find one several years ago for $12.00. In perfect condition. All the other cookware pieces were no more than a dollar each.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my PYREX story!

55 comments:

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Linda, I'm so happy you are playing along with my party! I love your Pyrex, wow, that stuff goes way back doesn't it? That first pic is so pretty with all the colors. My mom had some Pyrex nesting bowls when I was growing up too. I bet she still has some of the old ones, I'll have to check her cabinets next time I'm home. I love your whole collection & the best part is, you can use it!

Thanks for the very sweet comments!

Rhoda

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Oh, I dig your pyrex! So colorful and fresh.

That second to last photo is gorgeous!

B. said...

Girl- you have got a seriously beautiful colllection! And I LOVE that Maw-Maw Bean story!!

Unknown said...

I have that same set of Pyrex nesting bowls. They were my mother's. They are my absolute favorite bowls! I was thrilled to get them.

I love your collection. Recently, I bought a couple of small Pyrex storage containers (the ones with the glass lids) for my fridge storage. I like using those so much better than plastic.

Thanks for sharing!

Darlene said...

What a colorful Pyrex collection....you have found some great things and all for $1.00 or less??? WOW!! I love it!!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

What a fun collection~
The colors are great.

Sue said...

I love your pyrex. I have a few pieces myself. I am new to blogging and this is what is so neat....seeing so many people and their wonderful ideas. I have just glanced down your first page and I see so many things we have in common....the gingham aprons were just like my mother used to make....I love the old galvanized watering cans....I will be visiting you often.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

This is awesome! There's a vendor who sells only vintage pyrex at a twice a year flea market near my house, and if you saw how much she sells them for you'd be soooo happy and would love your collection even more (she asks major $$$ for hers!).

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

You have a wonderful collection and even better that you found them at garage sales!

Debra from Bungalow said...

You have a wonderful, colorful collection. It's great that you found each piece by thrifting & your collection holds such sweet memories too!
I have a glass double boiler that you've inspired me to dig out.
Thanks for sharing, DebraK

Unknown said...

Oh Linda this collection is such a treasue! It took me back to my mother's pyrex collection. She had the blue and white rooster set. I have no idea what ever happened to it so the next time I talk to her this week, I'm going to have to ask her.

Great collection!

BailiwickStudio said...

My mom has had a set of the mixing bowls for as long as I can remember! When one broke years ago, her neighbor suddenly had a garage sale, and there was the replacement! The bowls are still in the cupboard - used practically every day. Great collection! ::Jill

Sarah and Jack said...

Awesome collection.

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

So colorful and fun--what a great collection! I really like how you have them displayed. And a special story about Grandma! :)

Anonymous said...

I love your Pyrex collection. The colors make collecting them a fun and delightful display. You set is a real bargain collection. Thanks for sharing. Keep that thrill of the hunt going!

Jeanne

Blogger said...

That's a nice collection!

About 10 years ago I bought a 70's set of 3 nesting Pyrex mixing bowls for $7. They were brand new in the box, lol. I bet someone got them for a wedding gift and never used them.

Had I known about ebay at the time, I probably could have made a couple of bucks. Instead I gave them to my mom :)

Nice to meet you,
Bella

Sue said...

Well, that is just the cutest collection I've seen in a long time. What a clever and useful collection.
Hugs,
Sue

Kristen said...

Kennady says "wow those are beautiful"

Anonymous said...

My mom had the same set and we at Christmas we used the big yellow one to make choc/chip cookies. Now mom is gone and my sis gave the bowls to Salvation Army, not realizing they were a set. I've got one :(

nikkicrumpet said...

Not only are they functional but boy do that make one pretty awesome display! All the bright colors just make you feel happy!

Southern Lady said...

Linda, thank you for stopping by Southern Lagniappe and for taking the time to leave a note.

I'm so glad it led me to your blog. I, too, love Pyrex, and enjoyed seeing your amazing collection.

I noticed that you have one of the old glass double boilers. They're almost impossible to find these days, and mine is one of my most treasured kitchen items.

I enjoyed visiting your blog and will be back again soon.

Sincerely,

Janie

Missy Wertz said...

Linda, what an awesome collection! Great job on collecting and don't you just love the thrill of the hunt? Now I am getting fired up about yard sales and thrift stores. Well, I do love going to thrift stores...

3CHEERS4MOM said...

Hi Linda, Oh I love Pyrex! It is so bright and Cheery. Thank you for visiting my blog. -Cheers, Amy

Ashley said...

I love your collection. It is so cheerful, bright, and useful.

Michaelle said...

I love Pyrex colors! I have some of my own, but not near as many as you!

Angie said...

Now everytime I see pyrex..I will think of MawMaw Bean! I love your collection...so many pieces I have never seen!

~Angie

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your Pyrex collection! I recall using lots of it when I was a kid, too. I have my Mom's pink Pyrex mixing bowls. I don't recall when she got them, but I took them when she passed away. I use them, too. She would be mad at me if I didn't, cuz she, too, mixed many a wonderful meal in them! A fun, fun post!

Picket said...

Oh girl I love your pyrex...I have a collection of the shenandoah pattern & the brown mushroom pattern...oh and mama use to have that big nesting set and always made banana pudding for the family gathering in that big yellow one! Pyrex just brings back so many memories! Thanks for sharing!

Rue said...

I love, love, love your Pyrex collection! It takes me back to my grandma's house :) I think my mom has some she's hoarding... hmmmm...

rue :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda! Oh, I can remember some of these pieces. My grandma, aunts and mom had some of these. I always loved the colors and they still look good.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

WOW! Awesome collection. :)

Anonymous said...

That first picture is beautiful! I never knew that Pyrex made so many different colors! I do remember my Grandmother using the Pyrex Coffeepot, and my Mom having lots of mixing bowls! That is a fun collection!

Anonymous said...

I have one Pyrex nesting bowl in 70's orange and I put it in the dishwasher and the orange has faded right away...I didn't know they nested, I will look out for more

I can't believe your collection it is fantastic, and you know it must be worth a fortune, my fave is the white one with the blue dots

thanks for poppying by me blog...

Sarah

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic collection. I always have loved Pyrex, and your is displayed so well.

Victoria said...

Linda ~

Love, love, love your Pyrex collection! It looks like you have had fun collecting the pieces...the story is half the fun, right?

I have a few of the same pieces and the BIG yellow nesting bowl.

Thanks for stopping by mine & Christina's blog today.

~Victoria~

bj said...

Well, I am just beside myself over your FABULOUS collection! Just amazing and I love that you have MawMaw's bowl set. Priceless...
Thanks so much for sharing...and I know I will never....EVER see a piece of Pyrex without thinking of you!!
xo bj

Gabrielle Mader said...

that is a wonderful collection..those bowls are so cheerful and how special that you have them..my mom also had a coffee pot like that I can still see it on our Merrit stove.

Sandy said...

Linda, I've always loved your pyrex collection. It just looks sooo cool :)

Nicole said...

Your pyrex collectins is incredible. I love all the colors and how you have si displayed in your beautiful red cabinet. This has been so fun too see everones treasures.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Linda -- love seeing your great Pyrex collection and hearing the stories behind the pieces!

I have some Pyrex from when we got married. You know you have been married a LONG time when things you received as wedding/shower gifts have become "collectibles"! Eek!

Laurie S.
Laurie4567@aol.com

Tricia said...

I love your Blog. It was fun to look at and reminisce! I just had to go and snap a picture of my Hoosier and post it too. Thanks for sharing. I will be returning!

Ann and Billy said...

I love your Pyrex collection. It gets me thinking. My mom had the nesting bowl set when I was growing up but I think she only has the big yellow one now. She doesn't use it so I will try to find it and a few other pieces she has and start my own collection.

Marie said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I enjoyed this 'favorite thrift store party' and all the links. Your Pyrex collection is very impressive!!! I used to work for Corning/Revere (who owns Pyrex) and I brought home quite a few pieces during my time with them. I love all your fabulous colors!

Cathy said...

LOVE that pyres collection! So cute and colorful!

Faye said...

I love pyrex too. man, we have a lot of the same interests. well.. so far. I do not have the room to store all the pieces i want so i leave them for others to enjoy. i do have a few that are to die for i will get a pic up soon. great collection!

Jodi Ohl said...

Wow!! Your collection is a work of art itself!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Wow...what a collection. I am beyond impressed. I love all your little fridgies. Thanks for joining Junkin Finds Friday!!

Rebecca said...

What an awesome collection-you should join my best friend Tete's second hand collection party for Sunday-she will have it up tomorrow at 8:00-tete-beyondthegardengate-your collection would be perfect!

Ames said...

I met a Linda from Tempe when I took a class with her in Maryland. We went antiqueing together and she bought pink Pyrex for her kitchen. I know you are not her but I think it's a funny coincidence. Love all your Pyrex!~Ames

Elaine said...

This is so nice..what a great collection... I still have some pyrex bowls that we got for a wedding gift fifty years ago. I hope you use them also.

Nancy H. said...

I just found your blog and I love all of your collections, but especially your Pyrex Collection! So nice and colorf! Where do you find it? I live in a small beach community and I can tell you there is no Pyrex to be found here!

Debbie~ said...

I looove Pyrex, I have quite a bit,(not near as much as you though)! I use it mostly in the summer with my 40's & 50's table cloth's...it's so colorful and handy too! Thanks for sharing your AwEsOmE collection with us! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

Marigene said...

You have a fantastic collection of Pyrex!

The Joyful Thrifter said...

My heart got so happy to read this post. I am such a Pyrex collector and love using it at parties or dinner for two!

Smiles,
The Joyful Thrifter

Jill said...

Love all those fridgies, you can never have too many fridgies!!

The colors are beautiful in your pictures!