Not far from here - but a bit higher in elevation there is still snow on the ground from last weekend's snow flurries.
White Top mountain is aptly named!
The sky was a crystal clear blue with a gentle smear of clouds - the perfect kind of December day to just say "Forget the to-do list" and take off.
Snowy, icy rhododendrons line the road where the sun doesn't shine -
And yet it was warm enough that the frost was falling from the tree limbs above and showering down just ahead of us as we drove -
It was magic!
The whole reason for heading toward Abingdon? Martha had left a shopping bag of goodies at one of the shops we visited on our way to drop me at the airport a month ago.
She had called the shop the next day and let them know we'd pick it up the next time we were over that way - and yesterday turned out to be the day.
Lunch at a favorite BBQ place - and several shops to wander in downtown Abingdon before heading a bti further down the road to catch another big antique mall in search of pretties.
Quilts are few and far between anymore.
We only spotted a couple worth taking photos of - this 1950s grandmother's fan with the tealy green backgrounds and yellow caught our eyes.
It looks almost Christmassy -
And I love the rounded edges of the fan blades.
Why is it that we don't find great quilts anymore? I envision them all be snatched up and loved dearly by those of us who are out there looking for them.
And hopefully NOT turned into teddy bears unless they are far too gone to save.
One sewing machine - a 1970s child's version with zig zag.
I rarely see vintage machines anymore either - so are they being loved and used? I hope so!
I really enjoy seeing how the booth owners decorate their spaces for the holidays - it was really fun to see how things were displayed.
Of course, dishes and glassware are my downfall.
I *nearly* grabbed up that pitcher with the red transferware design - the ruffled edge around the rim was a delight to see.
And this pink ruffled dishware set!
It wasn't being sold as a set - but by the piece. It wasn't cheap! But in my pink glassware loving dreams I could see myself snatching this up and loving it from now until eternity - except for the fact that I live with menfolk and they would think they were being poisoned. LOL!
Old barns in blue. This was pretty stoneware!
A whole set of vintage tin canisters!
Martha, Belle of the ball!
(Too funny!)
In lieu of quilts of sewing machines, we found stacks and stacks of grandma's afghans made of good ole Red Heart acrylic yarn.
If the polyester double-knit era made quilts that will never fade or disintegrate, the same thing can be said for crocheted afghans.
Every color, every style from ripple to granny square.
And more.
What is to become of these crocheted things? It just lets me know that a whole generation of crochet-makers are crossing over, leaving their families all of these handmade items and they are finding their way to estate sales and thrift shops.
PS - the woven blanket at the top is wool and from Scotland according to the label, but someone had washed and dried it and it is now felted.
Did I buy anything? NOT. A. THING!
But I had a great time out with a friend and that is what mattered.
I teased The Hubster with a photo saying "Look! I've found our Christmas Tree!" He laughed and said "Don't you dare!" (See what I mean about what would happen if I brought home the pink frilly dishes?!)
And the "Dumbest Thing of the Day" Award goes to:
The old Sunbeam mixer floor lamp.
We couldn't decide. Does it go in the kitchen? Or in the dining room?
You wouldn't have this as a couch-side table lamp, would you?
Or would you?
All in all it was a fun day most needed.
Today I'll be back at the desk putting finishing touches on tomorrow's Indigo Way Part Four.
And perhaps add just a few more to my stack of growing Winter Cardinal blocks.
How are things looking for your Thursday?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Sometimes we really need to reexamine our priorities and decide what really is important, and what isn't.
Especially during the holidays.
Feeling overwhelmed? Simplify!
26 comments:
What will they do with those old mixer? I am still using my mothers old Sunbeam mixer.
Dear Bonnie K Hunter ~ I love your blog. I am just learning to piece fabric at the tender age of 75, and am amazed at what you do with shapes and, particularly, colors. Today's post was fun - antiquing with a friend - yay! My parents gave me a zig zag sewing machine for Christmas in 1961 or 62 and I've been using it ever since. I took a photo to show you, but can't paste it here evidently. Anyway, it's a Singer, metal, from England because that's where they came from back then. It's been loyally serving me for over 60 years and I hope it's having as much fun with fiddley little pieces of cloth as I am. Thanks for your fun and inspiring blog - it's a lot of effort, I know. (!)
Alas, we have many many crocheted afghans his grandma made. I'm replacing some with quilts I've made, but we can't give them up yet! I think one of the quilts for kids groups takes them and perhaps I could do that. My kids don't want them for sure! I really laughed at that mixer/lamp.
Such a needed time - a day about with a special friend. Speaking of vintage machines, I about "dropped my teeth" the other day. Saw a Singer 301 in great conditioñ listed for - drum roll please - $1,250! I paid $75. For mine about 15 years ago. Yikes! But you're right, just don't see them around these days. Take good care of them, ladies
I’m typically not a big fan of crocheted items but that red and white snowflake granny square blanket is beautiful…..but then I’m a sucker for snowflakes!
I'll be finishing up a baby quilt for a new nephew who will be arriving any day now. So exciting! I really enjoyed the pictures from the recycled store--especially the 1950's Grandmother's Fan quilt. My sister-in-law has one that her Grandmother made that looks very similar. Glad you had a nice outing with a friend.
I live about 50 miles from Dodge……
Your afternoon of antique shopping reminds me of mine!! I love going and strolling Thru. I’m now saying more things like “we had that or used that when I was growing up”. Is that saying I too am an antique?? Lol. Enjoyed seeing your pics of these old quilts and afghans and just your trip in general!!
With all the completely open concept housing, one could put that lamp/mixer almost anywhere....and it would still be wrong! LOL
I have the base of my Mommas old Mixer converted to a turning board for decorating cakes. Daddy did it for her. Ruff but useful. She made pretty cakes! Great memories brought up by a visit to an Antique Mall. Happy thursday!
It sounds like you had a perfectly "Pieceful" day!! How nice of that store to hold those items for Martha... most won't these days! I love it when you post your antique store browsings!! We were laughing at the lamp... it definitely fits into that
"What will they think of next" category!!
Just 2 more days until Christmas break with our kids; I still have to come for a day & a half next week. Then it's time to relax and sew for a couple of weeks!! Have a great day and looking forward to the next clue!!
The young girls are starting to crochet again. Little animals are very popular.
That felted blanket might be great for a jacket or coat!
My mom had that same, exact mixer forever. And I have made those granny square crocheted afghans myself. A real blast from the past. Thanks for sharing.
Ooooo....I like pink too! I can picture an afternoon tea with friends and those lovely ruffled dishes. How perfect would that be? The purple Christmas tree might just be a tad over the top for any sort of decorating! Unless it was used as an Easter tree perhaps?
What a lovely post. I too had a lovely day! I went to teach a lady how to sew using a sewing machine, how to thread it, fill spools, use a foot pedal, sew straight lines and then begin her first half square triangle quilt! My friend is very happy and looking forward to getting going. Made my day!
My 5th grade granddaughter is in after school "Crochet Club" once a week. Her first grade teacher was able to reel in a lot of kids into this group.
My eye went right to the pitcher, I would love to have it but have no room.
I've found that not only don't those old polyester afghans disintegrate, they grow with each washing!! :)
Lovely post. Wish we would have a bit of snow here. I wanted to buy some wine glasses (mine are slowly disappearing), planned on going to a big box store soon. Was out wandering with a friend and spied two sets at the local antique mall. Going back Saturday to purchase. So excited that I didn't shop at the box store and am using recycled goods!!!
What a lovely post, (saving your pictures of the snow!) The lamp reminded me of THE LEG lamp, lol. What treasures you show us, my son was in a play in Abingdon, wanted to move there, so pretty.
You are blessed to have a friend like Martha. I could feel the good times!
Thursdays are my day volunteering at my local hospital:0). After a day of helping others and seeing how so many are struggling with their ability to move without aid it reinforces how grateful I feel for my good health and many blessings. Merry Christmas.
I love that you see the beauty in the ruffled edge of that pitcher... it is those little unique touches that make something special and appealing. I grew up with crocheted doilies and table runners all over our home from my grandmother. They would be set in big ruffles with some sort of a sugar starch... which we would suck on occasionally as children... such happens when there are 5 of us in 6 years. Looking forward to Indigo Way Part 4!
I love the pink dishes and would want just a few pieces, but I feel the "too expensive" thing especially when you can't microwave or dishwasher them. I love the canisters - not sure my kitchen is big enough to have all that on the counter but they are LOVELY. -Marcia
Bonnie, I'm a day behind reading your blog. Those pink ruffle dishes look very familiar. My dad's aunt lived in Baltimore, MD. She did not have children and told my dad she had things for him. We drove from Richmond to Baltimore towing a Uhaul trailer and came back with 3 barrels. There may have been other things, but I only remember the barrels. Inside was a set of 4 of the pink ruffle dishes, which eventually became mine. When we decided to move to Oregon, many items had to go, and the pink ruffle dishes were donated. Maybe they made their way from Richmond to Abington!
Your picture of the blue and white pottery salt and pepper shakers are close to my heart. I have the same pair as they were made in Marshall.
Pottery, Marshall , Tx where my father in law was born and raised across the street where the owners of the pottery plant lived. Because my husband has memories of visiting his grandparents there and played in yard of the pottery owners, we collect this pottery. Thanks for sharing!!
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