Thrift Store Treasures

Over the weekend I was able to get away for a bit of thrifting, my favorite style of shopping! 

Sometimes I don't find anything, and other times I find some real treasures. 

This time I was really lucky! 

These beautiful hand crocheted laces were only a few dollars for the lot. 

Two of them are identical and most likely used for pillow slips. 

I can't wait to make myself some pretty pillows with these beautiful laces. 

I will be able to slide some ribbon through the open work at the edge. 

One of them already has some vintage ribbon. 

I also found this lovely woven cloth with fringed edges. It has never been used and still has its stiff 'sizing'. 

I am picturing it as a table cloth, what do you think? 

I also found these hand embroidered napkins, never used. 

There were only 3, so I think they may be made into pillows, or used to line baskets. 

You can see the detailed embroidery and cut work here. I would say these are heirloom quality. 

You never know what you will find! 

This beautiful piece of lace is a very soft blush pink. It is edged on all four sides with scalloped lace. 

I will also use this as a table cloth or just to drape over the edge of the bed or chair in the bedroom.. It is very soft and fluid. 

I think it may have been a shawl for a wedding or other special occasion. 

Vintage sheets are something I never pass by. I only buy roses. 

They are so lovely for decorating, crafting and sewing. 

I couldn't resist this little basket. I have to be very selective with baskets, because I do love them and would have too many if I allowed myself to take them all home. So I only take home unusual ones in pristine condition. 

This one is perfect for the embroidery floss and wooden spools of thread I also found. 

I have been looking for some of that 'baker's twine' that is so popular now to craft with. But I couldn't justify the nearly $8.00 price tag for one small spool at my local craft store. 

But I was in luck when I found this yarn that is very similar! It is thin and there is lots of it. And the 50 cent price tag was right up my alley! 

The pale pink yarn came home with me 'just because'. 

This pattern caught my eye because of the lines of the dress. With a little tweaking, I can turn it into something up to date with cap sleeves and a shorter hemline. 

Not bad for 30 cents! 

I am always on the lookout for craft books, too. 

The shoes are not my style, but are perfect for an idea I have for planting succulents. 

I will show those to you when I am done.

These wooden hangers were a steal for 50 cents each.

I can't wait to 'girly' these up with paint and ribbons!

Hand Illustrated books and cookbooks are always on my list. 

Here I have found a Christmas Cookbook by Susan Branch, one of my favorite Illustrator's and cookbook author. 

It doesn't hurt that it is a first edition, too! 

How lovely is that? 

Here's another example. 

The whole book is illustrated, every page. 

Be still my heart! 

I am always on the hunt for vintage silk and paper flowers. 

So lovely to decorate a package with or add to a wreath or tuck here or there. 

Even the leaves are pretty.

Thrift stores are also great for finding seasonal decorations for holidays. 

This little rabbit had all the criteria I look for: beautiful, small and useful to hold candy at Easter. 

Blue glass is my favorite. 

My Dear Mother collected these glass, nested candy dishes, mostly chickens. Sadly, I don't know what happened to them. 

The hand painted wooden eggs were just for fun. 

They came all packed together in a bag with all of these. 

They will look sweet dangling from a flowering spring branch in a vase. 

And as a final bonus, I found these perfectly white, unused tea towels with an edging of hand embroidered daffodils! 

I couldn't believe my luck. 

I do love the feeling of walking into a thrift store and not knowing what treasures I might find. 

I do have to search diligently for these little surprises among some truly ugly things. 

Thrift stores can be a little bit daunting. 

But that is why it is like a treasure hunt! 

In among the rocks, you can find some beautiful gems. 

xoxo

Have you found anything 'thrifty' lately? 

Linking up with Young Heart  for 'The Weekly Thrift'

http://www.youngheartoldsoul.com/2013/02/thrifted.html