While living in Michigan, I visited second-hand stores and estate sales with religious zeal. The good finds were endless, 20 pairs of knitting needles for $2, vintage furniture in great condition, bolts of amazing fabric for under $4, and so much more! However in Boston, with less second-hand shops and more people, you end up with limited selections and high prices- not a good combo in my book. Needless to say, in my case, the feeling that accompanies a good find has wained slightly since moving to the city.
Knowing about my love of scowering shops for good finds, two good friends Barb of Quintessential Maine and writer Lex Schroeder, showed me the second-hand shops, estate sales, AND antiques that are found all through Southern Maine along Route 1. Last summer, I came home with two wonderful pieces, a lovely print that now adorns my bathroom wall, and a vintage cookie jar I’ve converted into a great little planter.
Good finds!
On a more recent trip to Maine’s antique shops, one I was unable to go on, Barb and Lex found me this treasure, The Complete Book of Needlecraft. Originally published in 1972, this book has an equal mix of absolutely amazing patterns and some that are undeniably dated. Regardless, I’ve decided to start making and documenting a few of the patterns from this book. We’ll see how well they’ll translate nearly 30 years later. More to come!
