What a fun morning I had at the flea market today, readers!
The Louis XIV hairdo I'm sporting is actually an amazing bundle of vintage gathered ivory lace trim I got in a huge bag for $2. Don't know what I'll trim with it, but I'll find something.
There's much more. Don't you love this chic vintage hat box, which will definitely be part of a future Cathy photo shoot?
How about this pair of fans from Japan Airlines? Love the colors: solid on one side, gold on the other!
I found three vintage notions relating to threading needles. First, this unopened Kenmore contraption -- can't wait to try it out on my 158.141!
Then there's this red plastic doohickey, "The Automatic Needle Threader" (for hand sewing needles). It worked!
Finally, a magnifying glass that attaches to your sewing machine! I'm at that age.
The hat box, the fans, the notions: $8 total. (I hope it isn't gauche to mention prices. Reader Charlotte W. likes to know everything.)
Finally, I picked up these wonderful Singer Sewing Library booklets from the early 1930s. I found three of the original four (Missing is "How to Make Draperies" -- like I ever would). $15 total.
I adore the Art Deco period illustrations from "How to Make Dresses." I haven't read it in its entirely yet, but it's chock-full of tips.
"How to Make Children's Clothes" is a fascinating window into children's wardrobes of the late Twenties/early Thirties, and full of charming, highly detailed period illustrations.
Readers, that's all for today, I'm afraid. Michael and I are both still in recovery mode, if you can believe it, but I am hoping to start sewing again soon.
A lot of exciting projects on the horizon!
Have a great day, everybody!
Wow...you completely won the flea market sweepstakes today!
ReplyDeleteWhat big beautiful browns you have!
ReplyDeleteA little bloodshot, but thanks!
DeleteOh what a successful shop, I always tell what Ive paid for things. Love a bargain, got to tell the world. the illustrations in the books are beautiful. I bet they will make great reads.
ReplyDeleteWould it shock you to know that not only do I have the Children's clothing book, but that I paid $16 for it? A lot of the illustrations are closer to 20s than 30s, and I actually have a picture of my grandmother at four years old in a dress like the illustrated ones!
ReplyDeleteI actually thought of you when I bought it, Laura. Now that I know you have a copy I feel better about keeping mine for me! ;)
DeleteSometimes you make NYC sound so affordable.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an awesome score. I'm a wee bit jealous of that hand needle threader. My eye sight is not what it used to be...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new treasures!
I have one of those hand sewing needle threaders somewhere - inherited from my grandma, I think. Also, what a steal for the hat box!!! They're so hard to come by in good condition! (And I know because I'm always looking for them for my hat collection.) I'm so jealous of your flea marketing. I have yet to find something good around here.
ReplyDeleteWhich flea market do you hit - is it Chelsea? I went to the big garage flea market nearby and it was really pricey and Brooklyn flea was expensive as well. I can't figure out where to flea in NYC!
ReplyDeleteYes, I go to the Chelsea market (indoor and outdoor). There are probably 100 vendors, maybe more. Some are expensive and some are not. It depends on what you're looking for.
DeleteSometimes I go and come back with nothing and sometimes I find great things at decent prices. You have to go often and get to know the vendors a little.
I'll bet Cathy could get even better deals!!!
DeleteThose books are stunning. I'm looking forward to future posts featuring these. Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteMy word, what a haul! I especially like the fans and the sewing booklets...cheap entertainment@ 8 bucks.
ReplyDeleteI need the magnifier too. Let us know how it works. I just got back from a few days in the city. My first walk on the High Line... Really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI have the booklet you're missing about making draperies. You're welcome to it if you'd like to have it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carla, but I honestly don't think I'd ever open it!
DeleteI found one of those red hand needle threader gadgets in a drawer of my treadle machine. It is simply wonderful for eyes of a certain age. Enjoy your books, but, as a girl who was subjected to sunsuits in the 1960s, I don't wish them on anyone. When you need to relieve yourself in a hurry, a sunsuit is a terrible garment!
ReplyDeleteI bought my grandma a few of those red needle threaders when I was a girl - they do work!
ReplyDeleteShe liked to embroider and cross stitch, and even with cataracts, those doohickeys helped.
Oh how I miss the Chelsea market!!! Hop on the subway or take a little walk and everyone has brought all their glorious junk right to the center of the world!
ReplyDeleteThe singer sewing library is amazing! Enjoy!
Gah, what a fabulous flea market day! I love the 1930's books on dressmaking and children's clothes.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous of your amazing finds!
ReplyDeletewhat wonderful finds, I want to go shopping with you. Next time Im in Nyc im going to call on you.
ReplyDeletePeter, so many of your posts remind me of being in my mother's closet! She had a hat box exactly like the one you picked up. I love to see hat boxes, especially old ones. What fun!
ReplyDeleteThe Singer booklets? To die. Absolutely to die.
ReplyDeleteMaybe people hung on to the Singer Library book on Draperies as it would remain useful long after the children had grown. I have one but it's mine! Have fun with all your new treasures.
ReplyDeleteMy mother gave me one of those red needle threaders when I was in my 20s, saying I'd need it eventually. I've been using it nearly every day for the past 10 years :-) Ilove how it slides apart to collapse for travel.
ReplyDeleteLOL, of course the lady buying fabric in the book is wearing a fur ;-) Nice finds at the flea market. I inherited the red automatic needle threader from my grandmother and mine works nicely, too.
ReplyDelete