One of my chief complaints about Central New York - right up there with no Ikea store and six months of winter - is the scarcity of vintage clothespin bags and laundry collectibles. Therefore, I was extremely happy to find some of each in various box lots I picked up at that epic auction.
Technically, I now own three vintage clothespin bags, making it a collection, but the first one I bought was terribly unattractive and I got it only because it was half-price and I figured I could use it for a pattern. So clothespin bags do not meet my high standards for a collection yet, but I'm close. It's good to set goals.
I can't tell you how long I've wanted the Dolli-Pin Clothes Line and Pin Set. It's not that I haven't seen them at shows. Or that I couldn't have gotten one on eBay. They're not all that expensive. But somehow I felt one would come to me, and it did, in a box of junk that I really didn't want.
With it came a tiny enamelware pan and scrub brush, for tiny stains on tiny dresses. And extra clothespins. Which made me extra happy.
And there was a tiny broom, which apparently was a promotional item for Hoover vacuum cleaners. On the handle of the brush it says "You'll be happier with a Hoover." I beg to differ. I'm happier with a tiny broom.
It's one thing not to have an Ikea nearby but I would think a scarcity of laundry collectibles would more than justify a relocation for you and your family.
Posted by: Into Vintage | July 01, 2011 at 12:15 AM
Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how much I miss my clothesline. What a very strange thing to say out loud. My name is Kathy and I miss my clothesline. There. It's out.
Posted by: kathy | July 01, 2011 at 01:49 AM
Those clothes pin bags are so cute, I almost feel like doing laundry!
Posted by: Tina | July 01, 2011 at 06:49 AM
love your vintage dolly finds.
absolutely darling.
xo
~molly
Posted by: birdie blue | July 01, 2011 at 10:40 AM
So adorable! I'm going to attempt to copy one of those clothespin bags (in vintage fabric, of course) and send it to you so you'll have a "sort of" real collection. How many more chapters are in this estate sale book, anyway? Gardening? Art? Glassware? Furniture? My mind is reeling.
Posted by: Martha | July 01, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Yes, I would be happier with the broom, too! That is cute!
Posted by: Mecky | July 01, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Just adorable! I've been enjoying reading about that awesome auction! Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | July 01, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Cute clothespin bags and three (even if one is unattractive) does make a collection. Love the dolli-pins. I have one of those cards as well with the clothespins, but did not realize it was missing the clothesline...now I know why there is an empty spot above the pins. Yours is in much better shape than mine.
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | July 01, 2011 at 10:11 PM
That surely was one epic Auction B - amazing the little treasures you can find - good for you! J
Posted by: Julie | July 02, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Well it took alot of restraint on my part, but I'm happy to say that I was able to stop myself from looking on Ebay for one of those clothes line sets! Of course I can't say what's going to happen as soon as I'm done posting this comment though...
Instead I want to talk about that lovely shade of green paint that's on your door. It reminds me of my grandparents' house. All of the trim and the garage door were painted that color, and they had some of those great old metal chairs sitting on the porch, painted red. LOVE!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | July 02, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Love your blog..I live in Westchester NY..and sales are way too high here.
Posted by: jlogue | July 02, 2011 at 06:31 PM
I found your blog thru Vintage Rescue Squad blog, and I do not remember how I found that blog. I have just finished going thru every 1 of your blog's dates that still exist in the archives - I think back thru FEB 2008. You & I could never shop together - we would be grabbing for the same items. I live in Dallas TX. I have managed to find some well priced vintage stuff at estate sales & flea mkts. I have been collecting for 30 years, and my house is full. I am hoping a friend opens an antique shop, so I can be a part-time picker for her. LOVE YOUR BLOG & PICS OF YOUR "STUFF" & YOUR PETS TOO - loved the sleeping squirrel pics way back! Thanks
Posted by: Mary | July 02, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Your clothespin bags are simply DIVINE!!! A week ago I hung up two washboards with doll clothes in my laundry room. I think I need to start scouring for clothespin bags now too.
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | July 02, 2011 at 09:50 PM
eeek too cute
and great. now i want a dolly clothesline!!!
Posted by: susan | July 03, 2011 at 04:50 PM
I'd gladly exchange places with you and you can have Ikea...that place is always like a major traffic jam inside. My dreams are simple...I want space, grass, trees and a clothesline!
Posted by: tammyCA | July 04, 2011 at 02:44 AM
Love the clothespin bags. I have one in my sewing room. Also love hanging things out to dry. That fresh air smell...That was an epic find...I love everything so far.
Posted by: Vicki | July 04, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Cute finds, Barbara! I have to tell you a quick story. I had a clothespin bag that I tagged "baby dress" in my antique mall booth. Someone corrected me quickly, of course, regarding my error. I didn't inspect it with a mother's eye (I've never had children). That's my excuse, anyway!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | July 05, 2011 at 05:28 AM
A charming grouping of little household things Barbara, and a timely post for me too. Just yesterday, I drove past a consignment store displaying some old things on the sidewalk; an old laundry basket with linens inside it, and an old washboard, ect. I thought it made for such a nice and nostalgic display. I think there was a red geranium on a small table next too,a nd a few other things. I immediately thought of my mom, and how she used to "sprinkle" her ironing, and hung her laundry on the line.
Posted by: Lena | July 07, 2011 at 02:10 PM