Favorite Things

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INSPIRATION 2014 #55: These are a few of my favorite things ~ antique lace, trims and packaging. Makes for a lovely vignette.

Treasures for a Tailor

While at the antique show this past weekend I snapped a few photos of some sewing items I admired. Although that forlorn dressform was calling my name, I held back and settled for just a photo instead. I loved the thread display as well, but I didn't want to spend $169. The pincushion was beckoning as well, but I think I may just start collecting hatpins and mourning pins and make one of my own. How about that sewing ham?! Has anyone ever seen anything like that before ~ or know what it is used for?

{Dick was drooling over this as he loves bacon}

{beautiful old laces and notions at Beth's booth}

Simple pleasures

When I go to flea markets or antique shows, I usually don't carry a shopping list ~ I just go with an open mind and see what I unearth ~ consequently, I end up with a weird assortment of finds. I do kind of keep certain things in the back of my mind ~ buttons, threads, sewing notions, etc. ~ since I use some of these in my work, and the graphics and packaging are usually interesting, it is always a welcome surprise when these are found on a trip. An added bonus is that this sort of thing is usually pretty inexpensive, so guilt-free purchasing ~ might as well stock up! I am such a shameless hoarder!

Below are a few purchases from the show at John Knox Village several weekends ago ~ I think they must have come from an old shop or factory as there was quite a selection ~ I especially like the graphics on the labels and box.

{spools of gimp ~ anyone know if this is still made and where to get more?}

{great label designs!}

Obsession #6 ~ Notions

Yet one more thing I can never have enough of are notions! I always keep my eyes open for beads, buttons, miscellaneous bits and baubles ~ anything I deem interesting enough to use in my artwork or just plain pretty to look at. This all began when I was a child ~ I started with an empty Whitman's (I think) candy tin that I filled with seed beads I bought at Woolworths ~ at the time, about the only place you could buy beads. I made dozens of elastic cord chokers ~ I think I actually selected colors that coordinated with my extensive schoolgirl wardrobe! Needless to say, I have more than one tin filled with beads, buttons, bits & baubles! {that is kind of an understatement ~ I am a hideous hoarder!}

{carved mother of pearl buttons, french linen underwear monograms}

{more carved mother of pearl buttons}

{type drawer filled with trinkets}

{colorful assortment of vintage plastic buttons}

{variety of handwrapped beads I make to use in jewelry}