Yesterday was my first visit to the thrift stores in a long time, and I was glad I stopped. I picked up three stenciled Shiny Brites, because there is always room for one more, or three more, on my tree. I also picked up one of those crazy 1960s knee-hugger elves, some bells for another garland, and an apron. Please note exhausted dog in background. The holiday season is really wearing him down.
The big finds, though, were some of those wonderful old Christmas stockings. I love these, and I hardly ever find them. Even though they came from the antique mall/flea market behind the thrift store, they came at a thrift store price. The woman there could not wait to get rid of them. Yippee!
These are the stockings I already had - the big one did come from a thrift store, and the little stockings have come from here and there, usually in auction box lots. The little knit stockings are just the dearest things.
Here are the ones I just got. I have a real collection of them now.
Here's the part where we all say ...
why don't they make things this cute any more? I've seen some wonderful snowmen in my day, but none better than these.
The arrival of the stockings necessitated some redecorating, which I was happy to do. The stockings are hanging from a shelf in the dining room, behind a display of candles - mostly angels, mostly made by Gurley, a few made by Tavern. The middle stocking is my favorite. My great-grandma, Nanny, made it for me. It is the sweetest, plainest stocking ever - white flannel with a red cotton cuff and red seam binding, and my name embroidered in red. She made one for all of the great-grandchildren, and the stockings all hung in a row in her living room, waiting for us: Judy, Patty, Barby, Debbie, Tommy, Dianna. (Is that a line-up of names from a 1960s childhood or what?)
Some closeups of the angels.
Some more candles. I made the little wreath out of some glass beads and wire one day last week. I must have been easy to entertain as a child, because if somebody gives me enough wire and glass beads, I can be quiet and content for hours. I made some candy canes, too, but they're hanging on the tree.
We're under a winter storm watch, which probably will be upgraded to a warning by tonight. Lots of snow heading our way - it's beginning to look a lot like you-know-what around here!
I love your stockings... what a great find! Ok, I have a booth in an Antique Mall, why isn't anyone selling things like that here in my store. :( xoxo, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | December 18, 2008 at 02:34 PM
The stockings are fab. I have never seen that kind before. Ours are the old printed flannel kind.
I found a sorta squished, but still really cool thrift store score yesterday too. If we would have daylight again I might take a photo.
Posted by: Sarah | December 18, 2008 at 05:27 PM
That is the cutest little display of stockings. Makes me want to go shift my things about. I love the humpty dumpty stocking. Just a FYI, I have one of the identical tiny knit stockings...mine hang on a tiny tree.
Posted by: laurie - magpie ethel | December 18, 2008 at 06:24 PM
What wonderful treasures! The balls are wonderful, especially the Cinderella's coach. Love the stockings, too! I'm looking all over for elves and reindeer! Wish I had been with you!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamerl | December 18, 2008 at 07:16 PM
great finds!
Posted by: Lady of the Mote | December 18, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Love your stockings! I think I had a stocking very similar to those as a kid!
Posted by: Cindy (Junque Art) | December 18, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I love the stockings! And the Gurley candles, and the bottle brush wreaths . . . oh everything! And you're so right - they don't seem to make such cute things anymore!
Posted by: Crystal | December 18, 2008 at 07:37 PM
The humpty dumpty one is my favorite!! It is great!! Cool finds!
Posted by: Jenny | December 18, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Lucky!! I love those stockings-been looking for them on the cheap for years!
Posted by: April | December 18, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I love your stockings...you always find the greatest things.
Posted by: Judy | December 18, 2008 at 11:20 PM
You have the best old Christmas things, and I'm so enjoying the seeing them, and the beautiful way you display them. It makes me want to go unpack more boxes!
Posted by: Lena | December 18, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I noticed the "Barby" stocking right away! How sweet they all are!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | December 18, 2008 at 11:40 PM
I love these stockings too! Are you (or better Santa) going to use them? Or like my grandmother having everything more than beautiful but sipping your tea from a cup with a line! (and that's why she managed to keep everything so beautiful and I did inherit 4 complete services from her, dinner- and tea-, which I on my turn keep immaculate as they are in boxes in the attick!) At least you enjoy them!
Posted by: LiLi M. | December 19, 2008 at 03:05 AM
I think I told you I love Shiny Brite ornaments, but don't know if I ever told you that I love the little Gurley angels with all my heart - the little choir boys too. They say "childhood Christmas" to me.
I can't say I have ever seen those stockings - or I have been blind to them. I will have to keep my eye out. Our best thrift shop has a huge Christmas store. Maybe I will look there.
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | December 19, 2008 at 10:46 AM
WOW...you must have had your 'eagle' eye turned on high beam...great finds!!
Posted by: belinda | December 19, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Gosh, I love those old stockings with the cute graphics. My sister bought some reproductions at a quilt store, but she forgot about me! The vintage snowmen are way cuter than the more modern carrot nose variety.
Posted by: tammyCA | December 21, 2008 at 03:46 AM
Lovey, lovely, lovely...as always. Your blog is like a great magazine that I can buy new a few times a week. Thank you! It helps that we like ALL of the same things. We should make a pact that whoever dies first leaves all of the vintage stuff to the other..you can trust me...I wouldn't push you in front of a sleigh or anything...
Posted by: Vicki | December 22, 2008 at 09:22 PM
yummy display!!
i have never seen stockings like those, you lucky dog
they are the perfect addition to your collection
love the snap of the pooped pooch
Posted by: susan | January 07, 2009 at 12:03 AM