Mending Monday

You all know I have a soft spot for orphan quilts, right? Perhaps not the prettiest, definitely not the much sought after antiques - though sometimes vintage, those wonky first attempts, those gifts given that were perhaps not to the taste of the giftee, or those that have been well used and loved, yet still ended up orphaned on the racks at the local thrift.

The other day I needed a little pick-me-up and wandered into my local thrift store, my girl needed some new blue jeans and I needed to wander amongst the cluttered shelves for a look-see.  There on the rack of dodgy flannelette sheets was just such an orphan quilt. A plaid 9 patch number, "Well hello funny face!" said I. I noted it's hundreds of loose threads, it's random corner of floral patches, and the occasional open seam.

Of course none of these things deterred me, in fact they only served to endear me even more.  And so into my basket went the orphan quilt and then it came home with me.  It has gone through a good washing and a close inspection.  No matter the iffy nature of any quilt one finds at the local thrift, I know all too well how much work goes into each and every one.

So today is mending day, and as I clip loose threads and mend ripped seams, I think about the making of this quirky little quilt.  Sometimes I make up a story about the person whose hands toiled to craft it, a story about the quilt's life.  The quilts I find may not be the prettiest or the most well made, but I love them all the same.

Oh, and those blue jeans need hemming and maybe a bluebird or two and some butterflies.  I'd better get to it!

Happy Monday!

Hello Monday - A thrifty weekend

I've been seeing some lovely thrifty treasures around blogtown lately and was reminded that it has been a while since I spent a leisurely hour or two strolling the aisles of my local thrifty emporiums. So this weekend when the Engineer said to me, "Why don't you go off and do something you enjoy for a little while" I jumped at the chance.

I wasn't expecting much as the local second hand shops are all-a-halloweeny from floor to rafter, but still a little meandering amongst the castaways might do me a bit of good. In an aisle dedicated to bathroom fixtures and corroding curling irons, I spied a flash of "Vintage Blue" and there it was, a wee vintage toy iron! Oh yes, popped that in my trolley straight away! Then perusing the jumbled toy aisle looking for wild horses for Pony Girl, I found the vintage Fisher Price airplane, a wave of nostalgia washed over me and suddenly it was sitting in my basket as well.

A spot of yellow Pyrex and two decaled enamel pans still in need of some scrubbing to shine them back to their true selves, as well as a pretty flowered tablecloth.

Lastly, a sweet bed sheet and some vintage crafty books! I'm a sucker for a vintage crafty book, I don't know why. I certainly do not need more vintage crafty books, as my shelves are already spilling over. Ah well, they make me happy.

So there you have it, a thrifty weekend gone swimmingly! How was your weekend? Did you find any treasures, or spend some time doing something that you enjoy? Do tell!

P.S. I forgot one more item! A 1971 edition of the game Battleship (sorry no photo)! We had a great time playing it this weekend too! "You sunk my battleship!"

Second Hand Hand Made

On my travels this last weekend, I managed to pop into a couple of second hand stores, 'Junk Shops' my mother used to call them. It was she who introduced me to the pleasures of thrifted goodness way back once upon a time. And rather than subject you to a multitude of macro shots of mint, lavender, and yarrow with the occasional wee spider thrown in (as I wait for my new camera lens to arrive), I thought I'd show off my finds using a clunky old lens from days of yore. I don't think camera lenses are meant to make a "ka-chunk" or a "rattle-clink" and also a "wheezing-grind" - still I did manage a couple of shots.

In Lafayette I poked my head into a funny old place with racks of 1980's clothing, overpriced black wrought iron bar stools (also from the 80's I think), and various doo-dahs in ramshackle piles. My eagle eye spotted something delicate and lacy way back in one corner, and there in a basket shaped like a gondola was a sweet collection of vintage hand made doilies, runners, linen napkins, and table cloth. So, for a very satisfactory price they made their way home with me.


At the beach my first stop is always the local thrift, where at first I despaired of finding my usual weekend sweater and book of pulp fiction. Then I spied a flash of red peeking out from the used towel section. Lo and Behold! A beautiful hand knit shawl made from the most gorgeous of crimson wool, be still my heart! Oh and did I mention, $2!

All in all a nice bit of treasure. Hurrah for second hand hand made!

Have you found any treasures recently, I'd love to know!

Other People's Wonk

Let's just say I can appreciate a little 'wonk'. Especially if we are talking quilts. I love quilts, different shapes, sizes, colors! I used to make quilts back in the day; in fact I can recall my first truly satisfactory (brimming with pride really) sewing project was the first quilt I ever made, I was 13 at the time. It was full of wonk. The last quilts I made were just before Pony Girl was born, small hand tied crib quilts that now keep her dolls cozy on cold nights.

I have been itching to make full size quilts again for ages, but it seems time, space, and other things get in the way. In the mean time however, I have started a little collection of quilts made by other people. I have a few amazingly beautiful vintage quilts from my grandmother, some she made - some given to her for gifts. I also have another growing collection of quilts made by people unknown and picked up for next to nothing at thrift shops and yard sales.

Some of them are slightly vintage, or at least make use of some vintage fabrics, others are not vintage in any way; but all of them were made with love and care.

Sometimes the colors are a little strange, the stitches uneven, the binding twisted, and there is always an element of wonk. Some are small - odd shaped and sized, some are large and crooked.

When I spy such a quilt in the thrift shop, my heart skips a beat as I go to investigate. Some are a pass, left for someone else to discover. Then there are the sweet few that have made me look around in fear that someone would grab it out of my hands. Those lovelies come home with me to stay.

Some are worn, most have small stains, and some need repairing. I almost whisper to them, "You are coming home with me and I am going to take good care of you." The first thing I do when I get them home, is to give them a good once over. If I determine they are tough enough for a hot soak and a trip through the washing machine and dryer, down they go to the laundry. Once they come through looking brighter and smelling daisy fresh, I thread my needle for any repairs. During my repairs I get to spend some quality time with my new wonky quilt, getting to know it better - acquainting myself with it's personality and quirks.

Once any repairs are complete, I lay out the quilt on the big bed, I run my hands over the stitches, I stand back and admire the big picture, and I am happy. I think about all of the time and care that went into making these quilts. The cutting, the piecing, the sewing, the hand quilting! Hours of time and love! I wonder about the maker, the recipients of these quilts...sometimes I tell myself a story about them. I always wonder how they landed in the thrift shop or the yard sale; certainly I would never give up these beautiful wonky treasures. Though I will admit I am a little happy that someone did give them up so that they could come home with me.

Another really great thing about these quilts - I am not afraid to use them. They make our beds cozy, get thrown on the ground for a picnic, wrapped around us on cold nights, and they make the most spectacular dens and forts! From time to time they cover 'the couch that mocks me' for a burst of extra bright and cheerful.

Thank you to the makers of these happy quilts, your work is appreciated and fills me with joy.

Treasures

When last I spoke of my adventure to Seattle, I mentioned a little thrifty shopping I think. I thought I might show off my treasures from that trip along with some other treasures that have recently come into the little green cottage.

That beautiful old mirror in the photo was from my trip to Seattle. It runs the width of my mantle and is quite heavy. It was a crazy steal for $4 and a special treat from my friend Tif. The blue bottle is from the Engineer as a thoughtful replacement to a similar bottle that was broken some time ago. Good man!

Also from Seattle, a couple of vintage crochet lacy bits. All freshly laundered and looking so pretty.

From another thrifty outing a little bit of 'vintage spring' in the form of sheets. The yellow ones keep whispering "curtains" to me.

This next treasure was a sweet gift from the very kind and also amazingly talented Jess of Teddy Bear's Wednesday.

An amazing red work blanket. My photo does not come close to doing it justice. It is so gorgeous! Her stitching is beautifully done and I can't believe I am now the owner of this heirloom piece. Thank you Jess!

The last treasure I will share with you is neither vintage, thrifted, nor handmade... though it will assist me in hand making. It is something I have wanted for a long while and finally screwed up the courage to purchase. Ta Da!

Aww Snap! That's right folks, I bought myself a professional snap setter HOORAY! Many thanks are owed to the kind Sara of Willow and Moo for giving me some sound advice on this purchase, thank you! And yes, I suddenly have the urge to 'besnap' (besnapping is much like bedazzling only with snaps) everything!

Right, well thank you for letting me share my treasures with you. Do you have any new treasures?

Have a grand weekend all!

The 'little sisters' and a big secret sneak peek revealed!

I just happened to be about in the outer limits of my city when I recalled a certain thrifty spot I had long ago discovered. I thought that since I was not often in this neck of the woods, I ought to take advantage and have a wee perusal. As I sidled up and down aisles my hopes were slipping for there was nothing of note in sight, not a pillow case, not the red enamel pot I had imagined, nor any handbag of interest...I was just about to throw in the towel and call it a wash. Then, as I shuffled past the shelves of wooden misfits, I spied a flash of red coming from under a heavily lacquered burl-wood clock. "What's this?" thought I.

"OH, Hello little one I like you a lot, what's that you say, your sister?" Oh goodness me oh my - at the opposite end of the aisle there she lay, a bit befuddled behind a rather ugly breakfast tray. "Yes, you two will be coming home with me for certain! Now what was that you said about some babies, or was it pets? Can you speak above a whisper? No matter, I will see what I can do. By jove, I think I've spotted them!" And we all walked purposefully up to the register and paid the little money required, then all of the 'little sisters' and I went straight away home for a bit of clean up and a tea party!

Over tea I told them of my super secret, super exciting news. It was such a treat to able to tell somebody! We discussed it and decided that it was time to share it with you all and to give a sneak peek!

Mollie Makes is a new craft magazine coming out of the UK and Lola (yours truly) is in it! I am a bit beside myself with excitement! I have also come to find out that my dear friend Tif, Dottie Angel, will have a spread of her own in the magazine, so you know I am in good company. There is no doubt a gaggle of gifted folks sure to show up on the pages of this very pretty publication.

The magazine is due out in the UK May 12th and in the US June 9th. Mollie Makes will be available at Barnes and Noble and Joannes here in the states. If you go over to the Mollie Makes blog, you can order 3 issues for £5 for you in the UK. If you want to find out the latest, checkout their Facebook Page. Goodness, I'm so glad I am able to share the news, I was ready to burst! I am anxiously awaiting my very own copy.

I am wishing you all a very sweet weekend!

Thrifted Thursday

It's been a rather barren couple of months in the thrifty treasure department around here. I haven't been going to my local haunts much, and when I have given in to the impulse, there hasn't been anything to get excited about. I have walked out empty-handed more often than not. Still, there are a few little things I have collected that I am quite pleased with.

These lovely blue glass canning jars, complete with lids that have the unbroken glass inside...very rare to find that these days. And this super cool old industrial looking hand-held lamp, quite "Steampunk" if you ask me. The curved handle is made from wood and it has a great feel to it.

I had been wanting a food dehydrator for some time. This one in "mint" condition came home with me for a mere $5! The dried apples came out perfect! We used 'Honey Crisp' apples and they have a wonderful flavor when dried.

Then I came across a pile of these! I started collecting 'The Family Creative Workshop' Series last year. They are these awesome craft/art/self-reliant type books from the 70's and they rock! The information and how-tos they contain are varied and fascinating really. I now have over half of the series, hooray!

If ever the rain stops falling...it should be close to yard sale season soon. I wonder what treasures may await. Until then, what has been your favorite find of late?

Scrap Iron

Someone gave me a bag of mostly vintage fabric scraps, how nice! They had been in their mother's damp basement for years and smelled so very musty, less nice. After two very sound washing/drying cycles with extra vinegar in the rinse, much better indeed. Now that they were fresh and clean, there was just the massive tangle of threads and wrinkled up balls to contend with.

I spent a very meditative evening with my steam iron and at least a hundred lovely scraps...

...all the time imagining their possibility.

Lola in the Big City

This last weekend, the family and I packed our cases and hit the road. We rolled up North and crossed the border into Washington. Our destination was "The Emerald City" of Seattle. As we pulled into town the sun was shining and there was a brilliant blue bird sky. After all the rain we have been having, it was an instant mood lift and we all had smiles ready for the adventure.

It's been years since I had been to Seattle, even though it is a mere couple of hours away. The city has such a different feel from my own home city of Portland, it reminds me a bit of the San Francisco of my youth.

We stayed at the historic Moore Hotel downtown. If you are looking for an affordable option and aren't wanting to get too fancy, I can recommend this hotel with a vintagey feel. The suite we had was lovely and clean with peek-a-boo views of the Puget Sound.

One morning, we went to Le Pichet for breakfast, a wonderful French cafe. I had the best croissant I've had in years, possibly the best ever...served with an amazing rhubarb preserve and an excellent cup of coffee. It was heaven. You may think I exaggerate but then, you may not be aware of my fierce love of good pastry. Let me assure you, it is no frivolous matter! This croissant and I were meant for each other and I dare say it will haunt me with it's memory for a long time to come.

image from here

Oh dear, I do believe I am getting ahead of myself. When we arrived in the city the first order of adventure was a meet up with a blog buddy of the 'utmost kind'. A woman whom I first made acquaintance with when I was searching out chicken coops on the internet. I came across her blog as she herself (and her Mr.) was in the midst of building a hen house of her own. Since that time, we had struck up one of those sweet acquaintances that you do from time to time in blogland. And now we had made arrangements to meet face to face. Yes, I was about to meet my friend Dottie Angel!

image from here

We had arranged to meet up at the entrance to a certain thrift shop, we recognized one another (from the knees down) immediately. What a lovely time I had! We thrifted, she took me to a Japanese bookstore that had me quite faint with it's plethora of gorgeous craft books, we had lunch and we chatted away the hours. It was such a joy to meet in person and get on so well. Thank you Dottie, for your kindness and for sharing a bit of your time with me.

On Sunday, we headed to The Fremont Market where I picked up a few treasures.

Then we stopped off at Alki Beach to let Pony Girl play at the shore. We parked a ways from the main beach lane and not 20 steps from our car I came across a rather sweet roadside find! Two dandy chairs for the big people and a wee chair for the smallish one's dolls. The Engineer and I will be giving the granny rocker an overhaul and the yam colored industrial is a perfect fit for my "by the roadside" desk.

As we headed home with the sun still shining, we all had a feeling of tired contentment. A mini family holiday adventure was just what we all needed. The rain has returned but, we have some wonderful memories to carry us through.

Discovery Monday

Ah, the feeling of discovery! Heady stuff really, enough to make the pulse quicken and the heart to leap. Unless of course it's the other sort of discovery; like what the neighbors cats left in the veg garden (more of a pulse quickening, stomach lurching) - let's not speak of it.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few of my latest discoveries with you on this fine Monday.

Discovery #1 Shop:
The other day I was feeling a little smudged about the edges so, I took myself on the rare adventure known as, 'Lola on the Town'. I made my way to one of my favorite French bakeries and took a very long time to eat a pastry and sip a coffee. It was heavenly. As I was going to leave, I saw this little shop that I had noticed and wanted to go in for years. Well, no time like the present. Hollywood Senior Center Handcraft Shop – Golden Treasures & Thrift...doesn't it sound exotic? (Hollywood is the name of a NE Portland neighborhood, not to be confused with the one in California with the movie stars)

As I walked in the door I was greeted by two very lovely seniors whom I would come to find out, were volunteers Shirley and Gladys. The tiny shop was filled with handcrafted items and a few thrifty treasures, all on consignment from folks at the senior center. Now I know just where to go for a lovely and very reasonably priced crochet or knitted baby blanket, sweater, hat etc. Wooden trucks at half the price of the fancy toy store and all hand made. Had I more cash in my pocket I would have undoubtedly walked out with more loot but, I did end up with a bundle of 8 vintage handcrafted hankies for a steal, a red crochet pot holder and a very ingenious crocheted pot scrubber all for a song.


I also had a chance to chat with the very sweet Gladys and the super spunky Shirley. We talked about tatting, embroidery, the senior center...which is behind the shop. They gave me a tour of the offices, kitchen, and large room where a group of seniors were in the middle of a yoga class. I left with a smile in my heart and wishing I had stopped in earlier (the shop has been there for 30 years)!

If I were you, I would check out the senior centers in your area and see if they too have a shop, or many will have seasonal bazaars or craft fairs and some run thrift stores (or op-shops). Not only will you find handcrafted treasures at bargain prices but, you may get the opportunity to chat with some folks who know a thing or two.

Discovery #2 Music:
Have you heard of the band Black Prairie?

Unless you are a deeply devoted fan of The Decemberists, it is quite possible that you have not...yet. No, I didn't just discover the band, for our long time and very dear friend, Jon Neufeld is the guitarist. Jon has played with my brother in-law for years. He, along with a couple members of The Decemberists and a couple other major local talents, make up the band. They play wonderfully interesting music, many instrumentals...think Gypsy, Appalachia, Folk...

What I did discover, is that along with a small feature on NPR, they have just been signed to Sugar Hill Records! I am so pleased for them, they are all deserving incredible musicians. Hooray and congratulations! Go check 'em out.

Discovery #3 Food:
I discovered just how much Pony Girl loves sushi!

I do hope you have enjoyed my tour of discovery today. Next time I will tell all about what I found by the side of the road! Suspenseful no?

So my dears, what is your latest discovery? I'd love to hear.

On The Thrift

I promised tales of thrifting goodness, and I have some thrifty goods to share, but first, a little bit of rambling on the subject...
While I have felt no real struggle yet, to keep up the brave work of the 'utmost challenge', I have discovered an unforeseen side effect. As I have been perusing the adventures of fellow challengers, I have been exposed to their clever, crafty, and thrifty ways. I've been letting out little oohs and ahhs over their lovely finds, I have been on the edge of my seat reading stories of all the treasures they have hunted and the bounty they have brought home.
The effect this has had on me, is one of re-igniting a spark within, re-awakening my love of the thrift store haunt. Feeling that pull again, that sweaty palmed, itchy fingered anticipation, to search for 'the best find ever'! Oh, it is a dizzying sensation...to be 'On The Thrift'.

I come from a long line of second hand sleuths. My mother began teaching me the ways of charity shops, estate sales, yard sales, flea markets, and overlooked antique stores when I was knee high to a grass hopper. Her mother before her, had an eagle eye for jewels amongst other peoples discards. My paternal grandmother taught me how to ferret out an old homestead's slop heap - to find bottles of cobalt blue, faded lavender and medicinal green. My father searched prairies for rusty farm tools, arrowheads and old toys. I once hiked into a jungle to find an abandoned shack and unearthed china and silver filigreed perfume bottles. I am down deep, a treasure hunter.

However, not since the small one was even smaller, have I allowed myself to give in to the thrifty fix, to answer the call of the early morning garage sale, to follow my palpitating heart into the tiny eclectic junk shop that is merely a block from my door. No, I do my second hand shopping when it seems ridiculous to pay top dollar for new merchandise that can be had for much less and be recycling at the same time. For instance; children's books, baby clothes, weekend sweaters, tea and coffee mugs, holiday costumes, storage containers, etc. It is purely a practical errand. There must be a clear objective, a target item and we do not stray from the path of need. How do I do this you ask? I am kept in check by an always active, occasional runaway, (who really does try to only look with her eyes, but honestly can't help herself with so many fascinating things to touch) whirlwind of a child.

Still, what may have lain dormant for a time, has been rekindled - and I have begun to heed the call on the odd occasion. So unlike some, who have found their bankrolls benefited from the challenge, I cannot say the same. I found a boon of $20 in an old winter coat just before dropping my child off at school for 2 hours; did I offer it up to the family pot because "sharing is caring," or did I drive, as if in a trance, to the nearest thrift shop and let the devil in?

You tell me.

Big Granny Square Blanket for The Buddha Cat = $1.99

Vintage Poinsettia Tablecloth = $3.99

Various Vintage Linens = $9.96

Vintage McCoy Dish = $2.99

...There was even change left over!

Happy Monday!