What I'm Buying Now (more Secrets of the Hunt!)

Hi Gang- it's been a while, I know. With the school year winding down things have been kind of hectic, so this post has been a long time coming. I have tried to get together most of my recent finds and post about them, just so you know I'm still here! ;)

I'm sure I don't have to tell most of you that buying vintage is a game that is constantly changing. I won't chime in with the general consensus and cry about "how hard 'vintage' is to find in a thrift store anymore." Truth is, I feel like if you really know what you're doing, you can walk into any thrift and 95% of the time, find something worth buying. That said, what we consider to be "good" merchandise needs to constantly adapt to the trends. 

I have been buying vintage clothing for over 15 years and yes, at one time it was easier to find early stuff (1950s and before) and it was cheaper. But as a reseller, my market has changed as well, and there is more of a market for 1960s-80s vintage. And the prices for the earlier stuff have gone through the roof, so even if it is more expensive to buy, it is even more profitable to sell.

I do find early vintage on occaission. In the last few months I have found at least 3 nice 1930s/1940s dresses, but only because I took the time to look through the whole store. This little black number is a perfect example. The store employees had put it in with the regular merchandise (not in the special "vintage" section- and almost all the stores I go to have these sections anymore). Since it is black, it is a classic style and difficult to date unless you can spot the cold rayon and flip the hem over and look at the construction. That beautiful taped seam was a dead give-away for an early 1940s date. I paid $6.50 for it and originally planned to resell it, but, lucky me, it fits me perfectly, so it's a keeper for now!

So, the early stuff is out there, just sometimes hidden in plain sight. But this next dress is an example of the type of things I buy now, and things that also sell well. It's an amazing 60s/70s maxi dress. Dig that amazing print! And the faux wrap style! (What I don't dig is the reek of smoke attached to it- it's now at the cleaners- someone must have partied hard in this one.) So when I set the price for this one I need to take into account what I paid, plus the drycleaning bill, which means I'm already into this for close to $20. But I think it's an amazing dress and I'm sure someone else will think so too.

Pair that with the bowling bag purse I have at the top and you'd have yourself a pretty sweet psychedelic outfit. That bag is something that a lot of people would pass up, especially because it wasn't cheap (in thrift store world) at $8. But I know I can triple my money on that or better, so long as it's in great condition (which it is, thankfully). 

And condition is key. I have a hard time passing things up that are really cool, even if the condition isn't great. But I'm finding out that if I have to put a disclaimer in the listing (like "small hole" or "discolored spot") that item won't sell unless the price is really good. So it's probably not worth my time, and I need to walk away. (But it's still so hard, and I'm not always successful- more on that in a moment!)

I liked these two prints, and any time you find things in pairs (like art or lamps), that's a good thing. They're "big eye" prints from the 1960s which have that really kawaii look. They're fairly large (about 24" tall) so may go to my booth instead of the Etsy shop. But they'd probably sell better on Etsy...

I've been buying lots of planters lately- they're so useful. This fat lava flower pot is not marked, but I'm almost certain that it is German. I love German ceramics, so this is for my personal collection. I also am a sucker for orange, so it was a no-brainer at $3.50.

And you knew I couldn't do a post without Pyrex, now could you? The two Autumn Harvest bowls (402 and 403) on the left are my first of that pattern and it's one I have always liked. They're not mint condition, but are pretty good (not DWD!) and for $7.50 for both, not a bad deal. I will put them away for now and bring them out come fall.

The Spring Blossom 402 on the right is one of those "condition is everything" mistakes. Although, it's hard for me to call it a "mistake" because it is Pyrex, and a mixing bowl which I will use... Anyway, it was cheap (like $2) but really dirty. I knew I could get the dirt off, but it has been through the dishwasher and has a big chip on the bottom which I didn't see until I got it home. Oh well, I definitely can't resell it, but I can use it. Funny how almost all of the daily use Pyrex I have is Spring Blossom, a pattern which I don't "collect" but seem to buy with regularity. Oh well, it's still better than regular glass and way more fun!

Red White and Blue and Bo Duke Too!

I've had a good run lately at the thrift stores. It's been a while since I found so much quality merchandise, and I'm thrilled to show it to you!

I found this amazing TV tray (it even has legs for breakfast in bed!) from the Dukes of Hazzard show. It was in the dreaded "antiques" section of the  thrift store (= higher prices than normal), but since the store was having a 25% off sale, I was able to get it for $7.50. Not too bad, and when I get tired of looking at the boys, I can resell it for a nice profit, I think.

The stars and stripes milk glass mug (37 cents!) is my new favorite coffee mug, even if it isn't Pyrex. I LOVE it, and don't know how anyone could get rid of something like that! Plus it matches the tray- bonus!

As you may have guessed, my obsession with Pyrex is always high on the list right now. I found this Pink Gooseberry 471 (1 pt) casserole the other day, which completes my set of those casseroles, minus a couple of lids. 

I also found two Colonial Mist 441 Cinderella bowls. Not my favorite pattern, but at $1.50 each I couldn't resist. I was surprised to learn that the white glaze on the outside is fired on- that seemed to me like and unneccessary step for a bowl that is already white, but I guess if Pyrex didn't do that, the pattern would have looked like those ugly Glasbake bowls with the blue flowers I always see. Well, I learned something! LOL, another cameo by the stars and stripes mug, plus a Butterfly Gold Pyrex mug (75 cents).

This next one was a bit of a splurge, but I have never seen anything like this:

A triangular shaped casserole with atomic snowflake design and stand! It is made by Inland Glass and in mint condition. It is definitely going to be a display piece in my collection, even if it's not Pyrex.

I got this really neat orange and green planter for $3. I have never seen an orange planter before, so had to get it because my living room is orange and green.

I did find some vintage clothing finally. These antique safety glasses are so amazing- still in their original box.

And this 1940s crepe dress was found in an small town thrift store in upstate PA for $4. It's incredible and in perfect condition- watch for it in my Etsy store!

Rummage Sale Awesomeness Pt. 2!

Gosh, where has the time gone! Things have been really busy around ChezQT, and I have some catching up to do around here. I want to finish up some of the things I bought at the rummage sales and get on with more recent stuff, so stay tuned- hopefully I'll have a bit of free time soon!

I bought these darling Valentine heart candy boxes at a yard sale on the way to the rummage sale- I have been wanting some of these for a while and almost broke down and bought one at an antique store in February. I'm glad I waited because instead of $16, I paid 35 cents for both! 

I couldn't resist this Fire King swirl casserole for $4, even if there is a chip in the lid. Most of the time the lid is nowhere to be found, so that was a bonus in my book.

This was the only vintage tablecloth at the 2nd sale I went to. I didn't give it much consideration until I unfolded it and saw the signature. $2, and it was mine!

I bought this oil painting for $4; I have been buying landscape paintings for the cabin. This one is such a magnetic shade of blue; I can't stop looking at it.

And a lucite lamp for $5- I mainly bought it for the vintage silk shade, which I promptly ripped on the way home in the car. It's not too bad though, I'll just turn it toward the wall. ;) I will use the base in my daughter's room; I have another similar one that it will go with.

And because it wouldn't count as a post unless there is Pyrex, I finally found some decent Pyrex in a thrift store. These two mixing bowls were $6.99 for the pair. I already have the 402, so that will be finding a new home, but I needed the 403. It's in great condition too! I find that I really prefer the straight mixing bowls over the Cinderella style bowls, so hopefully I can find the 401 and 404 to complete this set before too long. 

New Living Room Drapes- aka hanging 1950s pinch pleat drapes without a traverse rod

Some of you may recall that I recently thrifted a set of 1950s drapes in their original packaging. Four panels of vintage atomic printed barkcloth in orange and brown tones!

Well, as luck would have it, they match my living room perfectly. I hung them this morning and they look awesome! I had been putting this off for a while because I didn't have a traverse rod system set up, but I figured out a way to hang them without it.

First I had to unpack them and take the paper wrapping off. Hehe, not a bad problem to have!

Don't forget to read the instructions- probably would have been helpful if I was installing them on a traverse rod.

Then I attached these little clip on rings I had in a bag of drapery hardware I bought at a yard sale.

And threaded them over a standard white expandable rod. 

And they are hung! I do have those cornices to cover the rods, although they are still left over from my 'rustic cabin' phase. LOL. Maybe I will upholster them in a matching fabric...

Now, this is a bit of a teaser, because I have never really done a post on my living room, especially since we have almost completely changed it around lately. That will come; but I wanted to do a separate post on hanging these drapes first.

Rummage Sales Everywhere!

This is my favorite time of year! Yard sale season is heating up, people are doing spring cleaning and donating to thirfts, but best of all, church rummage sales begin!

I have been doing a ton of shopping (probably too much- when does one cross the line to becoming a hoarder?) and have loads of goodies to show you all, so I'll probably have to do a couple posts to catch up.

Thursday was my town's big semi-annual church rummage sale, where I always have good luck. I usually get there before the doors open at 9, and as I was standing in line, I noticed a few familiar faces- some friends and some local dealers. I guess I can include myself in that group as well, since I have the antique booth and some of these things will end up there.

These are ceramic wall hangings; I LOVE these so much. They are staying right here with me. The background is a really pale green that will be so pretty in our bedroom, right next to my Turner airbrush painting.

I've been collecting these biscuit tin "baskets" for a while, but they're not usually cheap anymore. This one was, though- only $1!

This sweet family of ducks (and one chick, or is it the 'ugly duckling'? LOL) are candles- all for $1. Going to the Etsy store!

Since I was one of the first in the door, I scoped out the Pyrex first (I'll get to that) and the vintage tablecloths 2nd. I took all they had- three Christmas ones. Now, I need another Xmas tablecloth like a hole in the head, but am definitely keeping this first one. (The others may go to the booth.)

I love the old timey Holiday vignettes, and Santa dancing around the tree!

These two are more typical of mid century linens, not much to note about them except the price- $2 for the top one (a couple stains) and $5 for the bottom one. Of course the one with the stains is the only one that actually fits on my table....

And the Pyrex. The Verde (or is it Spring Blossom/Square Flowers?) Cinderella bowl was $3, which is astonishingly high for this sale.  It's not even in great condition- quite a bit of wear to the handles and utensil scratches which came out with a little BKF. It just goes to show that people everywhere (even little old church ladies) are onto those of us that collect it!

Friday I went to another church rummage sale. Thankfully the lime square baker was only $1 at that one. Apparently those little old church ladies are still in the dark! 

This is my second piece of lime (found the round cake pan about a month ago) and my 4th utility dish-  I have a flamingo lasagna pan and lidded casserole. But do you think I could find a pink or lime pie pan? No... still looking after all these years!

April Showers

After years of drooling over some of the amazing vintage patio umbrellas seen in blogland (shoutout to Zootsuitmama and MaryDeluxe! :) I finally found my own! I have literally been looking for one of these babies for years. I've seen a couple, but only in antique stores for $$. Never while thrifting or yard saling.

But today I had a few minutes to kill and stopped in to my favorite local thrift. I was just in there on Tuesday  and so I didn't need to really spend a lot of time looking- just kind of cruise around and see if there was anything new... and look what I found!

It's turquoise with a fringe!

You know you want a close up of that amazing underside:

Tropical hibiscus in pink and white? Yes please!

And it has this giant long spike on the bottom so you can drive it into the ground when you're at the beach or the lake. (Not that I'm going to be doing that anytime soon, mind you.)

It didn't have a price on it- apparently they had just put it out and I had to drag it up to the register to find out if it was even for sale. Eight bucks later it was mine!

And as if that wasn't enough turquoise and pink flowers for you, I also found this adorable laundry hamper too, for $4. It's from the 40s, and wicker on the sides and back with a hand painted metal piece on the front.

Here's hoping there are a lot more blue skies and pink flowers on the way!

Pyrex Therapy

Hello Friends, it's good to have you here!

I had a pretty hectic past week, and needed a little thrifting therapy. And boy, was I lucky today!

I hit my usual two thrifts and the Pyrex was there in abundance, for a change. I was just in the right place at the right time, because some of it had just been put out.

The Spring Blossom casserole is huge! It's a 2.5 qt and in mint condition. The Butterfly Gold is also mint. These were probably donated by the same person- the lady at the checkout said they had just been donated yesterday and she had put them on the shelf right before I came in. I paid $8 for the SB and $6 for the BG.

Now, those of you that know me a little also know that in the past I have not bought these two patterns because I don't collect them. However, I have come to the realization that someone else out there is getting them if I don't. I have also rationalized it to myself that if it's not my pattern, I can still buy to resell (duh- don't know why I never thought of that). I do have a booth in an antique mall and there is no one else in there with Pyrex. As popular as it's getting, I might as well get in on some of that action as a dealer. So there, you can hate me if you want (I hope you don't though- I'm still a nice person!) but I plan on buying all the Pyrex I can and charging "antique store" prices. That way I can buy more for me! ;)

I went to another store and found these divided dishes, both were $4. The Golden Acorn is going to my booth, but the Compass has found its forever home with me.

Since our house was built in 1959/60, I think I might try to collect all the patterns in existence in 1959, now that I've found this Compass. I already have the Black Rooster space saver, a bunch of Butterprint and some of the pinks/turquoise/utility/primary sets. I'll have to do a little more research and see what else is out there.

Speaking of which, this Butterprint 444 was $5. It was pretty dirty, but cleaned up well. I have two of these already, so will not be keeping this one. 

The rest of this is not Pyrex, but collateral damage from the dishware aisle.

(Whoops- how did they get in my basket? ;)

This is one of the few pieces of GlasBake that I like. I have seen these little handled soup crocks before, but never with the lid. Isn't it cute?

I thought this butter dish might be Hall, but it isn't marked. It's pretty old though and in great condition. Should be an easy sale in the booth!

This vintage tray was only $1. I love using these as backdrops when I decorate for the holidays. And besides, it goes perfect with snowflake Pyrex! 

I also found some great vintage clothing- it's been a while since I found some good stuff locally. I haven't got them photographed yet, though so maybe another post.