Good Old Things

 

What is Spring good for?

I would have to say getting out to explore the simple things around me. In this case, I've had my eye on an abandoned house close by. It sits on private property so I don't want to share the exact name or location to assure it will remain free of vandals. 

I can't help but imagine the families who lived here and wonder why this old beauty was left to decay and have birds roost in the upper levels. When something interests me, I need to learn more about it and I did find out this farm was established in the 1870's by a wealthy tobacco manufacturer. The stables here were one of the dominant racing stables in the 1920's, bringing victories in both the Kentucky Derby and three Belmont Stakes. Today, the farmland around this structure is a self-sufficient stock farm, producing its own grain and supplying other farms as well. It is owned by a wealthy family who chooses to remain private and limit visitors. 

What are your thoughts? Have you been out exploring too?

Lovelies

PegandAwl

andiespecialtysweets

estatehound

I remember growing up, my father would play the accordian most nights and I'd fall asleep to those gentle songs he'd fill the house with for hours at a time. Back then, I never knew how much I'd miss those times but think of them each time I see a lovely accordian. They always remind me of being a little girl and special times.

Above are some of my most recent favorites. Please take a moment in your holiday season this year to find some original items for gifts. Using reclaimed, vintage and handmade items is a great way to do so.

lil fish studios

Look what the mail brought today! 2lb of unsorted vintage buttons from lil fish studios. She's had give-aways and listed these bags before, but they were always sold out by the time I got to them. This time, when I saw her post on twitter, I jumped at the chance and I'm not disappointed in the least. There are some real beauties here. I am full of ideas and excited to create things just for certain buttons. If you have a moment to check out her etsy shop, please do.. She does fine work and ships quickly too.

New In The Shop

This super sweet pair of fingerless mitts were created from a vintage wool sweater and now have a new useful life ahead. I love the shade of green and the hand stitched flowers really give them a lovely touch. More photos and info is here.

Lovelies

lookinglasshouse

monkeysalwayslook

jlwoodturning

Some of the recent things I've fallen in love with. Maybe you will too.

Vintage Marguerite

So, my lovely mother showed me the most beautiful hand crocheted bedspread made by my great grandmother who passed when I was a young girl. It is so detailed and weighs a ton. To imagine the time this piece took is simply daunting to me.

I looked for it on ravelry and learned the vintage pattern's name is Marguerite and although there are some people charging on other sites, I was able to find a pdf link to the entire Priscilla Crochet Book Bedspreads free (page 33). I believe the original book was 25 cents and published in 1914, though my grandmother would have created her's a bit later. The techniques shown in this book are brilliant and invaluable.

I'm happy my mother shared this piece with me as it has allowed me to know more about a women I barely remember and imagine the time and love she put into this wonderful piece. The bobbles and perfect stitching is most amazing.


What stories from long ago have been shared with you?

Vintage Find

A fabulously worn and organic looking raffia fedora is new in the shop today. This piece has great character. I bought it from the UK. Perfect for summer days in the sun.

Joana Vasconcelos

Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos currently has an exhibition taking place in London's Haunch of Vension titled "I Will Survive" that embraces the vintage art of Macramé, crafts and folk art. She incorporates objects from daily life into expansive assemblages combined with the use of old style craft techniques. Her witty and sometimes provocative work is inspired by everyday life and imagination focusing on the politics of gender, national identity and class.

Thanks to my brother for telling me about this.

Lovelies

TheDailyFoto

rosiegceramics

 FalconandFinch

Above are a few fun finds. If you have some time, you should click the links below each photo and have a look at the shop offering up such colorful creations and vintage pieces. 

Ferris Wheel

Lovelies

satisfind

enhabiten

jollytimeon

I've been craving vintage in a bad way. Anything full of character and old. It is slowly making me avoid anything new and shiny. Things were indeed made better and why not use those things that we already have?

• From vintage toy boats and handmade leather boxes to pudding molds and telephones, satisfind's shop has you covered.
• I found enhabiten's shop this week. I don't know if it's too soon to admit it but I'm in love. You too will find yourself checking back here. It feels like a comfortable, worn-in breezy home. Her blog is equally amazing and can be found here. I'm looking forward to trying out her scone recipe this weekend.
• I love the lines on this fan and wonder if for such a fair price, would it be fixable and usable once again. Currently, jollytimeon has 330+ items to peruse.

Lovelies

urbanprairiegirl

knitalatte

nestahome

I've found so many beautiful things on etsy and find myself perusing them quiet regularly. If you have a moment, you should take a look at the above.