I've been looking for a Bates coverlet ever since I read about them a few years ago in Country Living. At $200 apiece, though, I figured it was a lot more likely I'd be looking at one than buying one.
But you know what? I didn't even get to look. In all my travels, I never came across a single coverlet. Not at any yard sales, auctions, antique shows. Not a one.
Until a week ago, when I saw a promising-looking corner of a pretty bedspread sticking out of a plastic storage bin at the thrift store.
I pulled it out, took one look, clutched it close and walked straight to the check-out. There was no price marked on it. The clerk looked it over. Three ninety-nine, she said. I couldn't grab my wallet fast enough.
It's everything I thought it would be ... lovely woven ribbons and flowers, white on blue on one side, blue on white on the other. It's got a nice heft to it, too ... it feels heavy and old-fashioned, something you'd sleep under if you spent the night at your grandmother's house.
My coverlet isn't perfect. It's probably faded a bit, and there are a few light spots and pulled threads. But in my eyes, it's wonderful.
* Counting down the days until the yard-sale season begins with finds that cost a dollar or less ... or that make me so happy I've got to tell somebody!
Lucky girl! It's a gorgeous one.
Posted by: Sarah | March 24, 2008 at 09:25 AM
You are so lucky. Isn't it great to find something you've been looking for? And at such a bargain! You are especially lucky. Here in Bismarck, the thrift shops all have the same policy. If there is no price they won't sell it to you. They keep it, then mark it and put it back out the next day or later.
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | March 24, 2008 at 09:56 AM
I know exactly which article you are talking about. My Mom showed it to me after I picked up a Bates fringed table cloth at my thrift store. Your coverlet is beautiful!
Posted by: julie | March 24, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I love that thrill of finding something you KNOW is valuable and is SUCH a bargain! Keeps me going back each week! Congratulations!! :-)
Posted by: Mary | March 24, 2008 at 11:52 AM
That is about the biggest thrill for me too--big bargain, clueless clerk. Today is my big thrifting day--wish me luck!
Posted by: Pasha Grant | March 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Its gorgeous! I love it! Thrift stores are so fun. We have a few in Chicago, but my favorite is the Salvation Army thrift store. Its huge and has everything and more.
Posted by: Arizona | March 24, 2008 at 05:06 PM
What an amazing find! Congrats!
Posted by: Alli | March 24, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I remember that Country Living Issue! I fell in LOVE with it! Oh you were so so lucky! Enjoy it!
Posted by: robin~thrifty miss priss | March 24, 2008 at 08:04 PM
What a lucky find, and what a bargain! Your heart must have been doing somersaults. It's a beautiful coverlet and would look good on my bed....
Posted by: Gill | March 24, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Such a beautiful coverlet, what a great find. And that, my friends, is why I love thrift store shopping.
Posted by: Maureen | March 24, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Such a beautiful coverlet, what a great find. And that, my friends, is why I love thrift store shopping.
Posted by: Maureen | March 24, 2008 at 08:36 PM
How cool that story is! I'm glad you found something that makes you smile! It's quite lovely...
Posted by: Suzanne Bastien | March 24, 2008 at 11:42 PM
How lovely ... thanks so much for sharing your find with us. It is perfect.
Posted by: Shawnee | March 25, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Wow and wow again! I love the vintage textile treasures that other people don't seem to value... My friend Lis and I have been working on some old hand embroidered chair backs to give them a new life. They are so beautiful I hate them to be stuffed in the back of a cupboard or, worse, thrown away!
Posted by: Rachael | March 26, 2008 at 06:33 AM