Does anyone ever ask you, when you mention that you're going to an antique show or estate sale, what you're looking for? Happens to me all the time. And there are a few things that are always on my shopping list, like feedsacks. (Saw a fair number of them at the Bouckville show, but left behind a lot more than I bought. The prices were good, but the quality wasn't.) Obviously, ornaments are always on my list. (We'll talk more about Christmas soon.)
Beyond that, though, it's pretty hard to say what I'm shopping for. I did not arrive at the show and set out to find a toy metal dish rack, boxes of decals and a maple leaf thingy (it hangs on the wall and holds a flowerpot, but I feel like it has a higher purpose, yet to be discovered).
Also found decals in a larger box, and a teapot napkin holder. Also not on the shopping list.
Quilt squares are probably always on the list.
Quilt tops, too.
However, if I'd said "What I'd really like is a quilt top that has the original label on the fabric, because the person who made the quilt top was so excited about her project she didn't bother to remove it," I'd probably have been disappointed. Finding one was just a bit of serendipity.
Vintage linens, always on the list. Vintage tea towels, especially ones that have never been used, of course. Vintage tea towels with kitchen motifs hidden in the center of flower blossoms? Who would think to look for that?
Sewing notions, you bet. Six yards of ribbon embroidered with fruit? Another happy surprise.
So the next time someone asks me what I'm looking for, I think I'll just answer like this: I'm looking for charming vintage housewares that I didn't know existed until I found them.
Another stroke of luck.
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | August 17, 2014 at 09:37 PM
That is a good answer.
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | August 17, 2014 at 11:16 PM
I always go out looking for something I didn't know I wanted until I saw it - lol! Love you finds.
Posted by: Kathy | August 18, 2014 at 12:45 AM
It's all so bright and cheery and CUTE!!
Posted by: Beth Leintz | August 18, 2014 at 08:09 AM
I'm always asked the same question. I just tell them I know what I'm going to buy when I see it. My buying moods change with the weather.
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | August 18, 2014 at 09:14 AM
Just what I needed to see to start my week...beautiful and bright vintage housewares. Thanks, Barbara!
~Erica
Posted by: Erica | August 18, 2014 at 09:54 AM
You have such great sales near you. Love your finds.
Posted by: Marie | August 18, 2014 at 10:05 AM
Wow! There are just too many pretty patterns in this post! What lucky and lovely finds.
Posted by: Hanna | August 18, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Love your answer to the question. You found such cool things. I usually say I'm looking for whatever strikes my fancy.
Posted by: Annette | August 18, 2014 at 11:22 AM
Love reading your blog!
Posted by: Amanda | August 18, 2014 at 11:33 AM
I was hoping I would stumble upon YOU out there! (Found one lonely piece of Franciscanware, a bowl...)
Posted by: Margaret @ Eat First | August 18, 2014 at 12:52 PM
I like to be surprised at whatever I may find. Makes for less disappointment too if I don't find something I might be looking for. I will always ask for directions to the nearest vintage Christmas, however.
Posted by: Into Vintage | August 19, 2014 at 09:21 PM
Are ya selling that last one? The flowers and teapots and red, blue, yellow yumminess???
Posted by: Jenny | August 20, 2014 at 04:34 PM