Linens

[ChrisMiss]

I don't think it's that they don't know the amount of work that went into the doilies or the other handmade items.  I think it's because those types of items aren't valued as much at this time.  Handmade quilts will fetch a lot of money but not really that much when you consider how much work went into making them.  If doilies ever become popular again then they will selling them for more. 

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I totally agree. All the design shows right now are into minimalist, "clean surfaces", etc. Doilies just aren't minimalist. It's "Out."

But for folks who can look beyond the trends, don't need to be told what to buy by the designers and simply buy what they like, it's a great time to get these sorts of things.

[moonie]

I agree... Do what you love and love what you do.

-moonie

[alexandra]

At a recent antique fair, a lady was selling flour sacks.  She offered them to my co-hort for five bucks each -- without tax.  My friend declined -- it was too hard for her to pay that after she'd remembered them being free in her childhood.  The lady told her she'd regret it.  I'm sure she doesn't!

Flour sacks are very pricey and collectible right now.  Old crafts with yo-yo's are too.  I would love to find some authentic bark cloth but that is really difficult to find these days!

I do come up with decent fabrics when I am thrifting -- but I am very particular about price.  I put pictures of one of the tablecloth sets up on my blog today.  I could not have purchased that material for five bucks!

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[foutchie]

Ms. A - LOVE your blog!!!   I am currently seeking out bargain cashmere - my best one was a black label ralph lauren that Oprah said was "her favorite thing" (over $300 for one!) - I got a like new one for about $15 - which, in thrift speak is not a great bargain, but for a $300 sweater I thought I did well!

[dukek9]

Aia--the charm is exactly as you said--a connection to the past. and the really cool thing is that thrifting allows everyone a chance to make that connection at extremely reasonable prices.

Moonie, thanks for the info about the tatted tablecloth and the time it took to make.  Amazing. 

Dee

[Magpie18]

yo-yo ?  do you mean when you take a small circle of cloth & do a running stitch to make a flattened circle sack?

I always look out for hand crocheted or tatted items.  Sometimes damaged items can be cut down into a usable form --- like a stained tablecloth into a wearable skirt.

[SecondhandSophisticate]

TSR, From what I understand about thrifting in the Sunshiney state, you are going to the Mecca of all places to thrift--the Miami/Homestead area, but particulary Miami.

Alison and Melissa, the authors of _Alligators, Old Money and New Mink_ are originally from that area and Alison, according to the book, still takes treks down there every year to see family and, of course, thrift!  Her main interest is clothing, since she owns Hooti Couture in Brooklyn; I'm sure with your eagle eye you will find the treasures that make your own heart go pit-a-pat.

Promise you'll post about your Miami thrift finds! Promise??? I hope to do the Miami circuit someday!     

Have a safe trip and a wonderful Thanksgiving--

Ciao,
SeSo

[ChrisMiss]

I haven't been on the east side of FL yet but I bet thrifting in Miami is wonderful.  So many rich people, they must donate plenty.  I loved thrifting in Sarasota and Naples was good too.  Of course Tampa is great, it's my favorite so far.  When I've driven through Homestead there didn't look like to much there, is there good thrifting there I wonder.

[alexandra]

Magpie, you've got it right.  Vintage yo-yo crafted items are very collectible these days.  And crafters today seem to be hog wild about making them again too.

I picked up a great crochet and knit book by Better Homes and Garden at Amvets for about 35 cents.  It has a bunch of great patterns that even I could figure out.  One project is a granny square sampler -- with instructions on how to make twenty or so different squares!

Now, if only I could get my one big afghan project finished... I'd start on a square making adventure. I am making a three color queen-sized piece (extra long for my husband).  It is taking forever!  I think it would be cool just to crochet different rounds and put them together like yo-yo's.

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[moonie]

I get bogged down in a huge project too, but you are going to be SO proud when you have it all finished.  Your husband's toes will be impressed.

-moonie

[lizardsally]

I LOVE old embroidered items and those Aunt Martha patterns!  I have a ton of them.  Have you guys seen the website http://www.sublimestitching.com/ though?  They have really cool (but not cheap) patterns that "ain't your granmmas embroidery!"

[moonie]

Oooooh!  Thank you for that URL.  I love them.  The "Swanky Decor" pattern set is right up my alley.

-moonie

[Vintage Soul]

Sublime Stitching has the best patterns! And it's also how I taught myself (simple) embroidery.

[Aia]

Thank you for the URL!  I have never known how to do this, so hoping the kits and instructions will make sense!