That's Value Village for those not in the know. I can't tell you how much I love second hand shopping. Thrifting. Hitting the Frips. Call it what you will, it always makes my day. Look at the lovlieness I came home with this time. I buy a lot of fabric for my artwork, quilts and general sewing at second hand stores. That's usually what I am most on the lookout for, is fabric. I usually hit the bed linens section first. Here's some nice close ups.
Seriously, how awesome is this. I really like old (pre 80's) children's sheets. Great nostalgia factor. And this Sesame Street sheet is great. Just from a design standpoint, the repeat is pretty big, and look how much is going on here. Firemen and cooks and Snuffalupagus. I mean, Bert is hanging out his laundry for Pete's Sake! Who knew he had more than one shirt? And arglye socks! Well, I should have guessed that one, but it's nice to see the proof.
Ok and just one more detail. Quiet! Awesome. Plus Mr. Hooper has a goldfish. Remember Mr. Hooper? Anyhow, I think this puppy is going to get quilted into a nice whole cloth number for Mr. Baby. He got all excited when I laid it on the floor and he walked all over it pointing and making his cute high-pitched "I'm interested" noise. I think I'll just quilt around the window openings or maybe I'll get all masochistic and crazy and quilt around the individual bricks. I know, I know, somebody talk me down!
And feast your eyes on this! Lovely vintage fabric. Not even a sheet, but actual real yardage. The lion with the floral mane is my fave. (Sorry for the wrinkly fabric, but I didn't have time to iron before the pictures)
And this, so 70's, so Deep Thoughts.....
Plus TWO of these sweet little pillowcases. Earlier design, I'd say late 50's early 60's.
And isn't this just the sweetest little hand knit baby jacket. I cannot leave hand knit baby clothes behind. Sometimes they work for my baby, and sometimes they don't, but I HAVE to buy them. I just think of the time and love that went into them and I need to bring them home and... I dunno... cherish them some more? I know, its a problem.
But look at that neckline! Ack! So sweet those buttons.....
Anyhow, there was also a lovely vintage apron, and a whole stack of little button down shirts for the baby. I'm addicted to baby boy button downs. Little man shirts. So lovely. And you know, this was actually a SHORT trip to the V.V. I didn't even go near the book section or look for tchotchkes or sweaters. I was in and out in less than a half an hour. Just imagine the damage I do when I have more time!
That fabric is amazing! I love the vintage sesame street. Memories of the 80s are flocking back.
Posted by: Rebekah | 10/16/2009 at 11:57 AM
Wow you hit the jackpot :)
Posted by: Zonnah | 10/16/2009 at 07:46 PM
My 6-year-old was looking over my shoulder as I read your post and looked at the fabrics. He wanted to know which one I like. I like all of them, but not really the deep thoughts one. He likes the deep thoughts one. Not to be contrary to me, it's just the one he likes.
Posted by: Amanda | 10/16/2009 at 08:51 PM
Maybe he's a deep thoughts kind kid.... I love that web browsing is an interactive activity for you two ;)
Posted by: finger thumb | 10/16/2009 at 09:18 PM
Okay, I can't stand it, that Sesame Street print is TO DIE FOR!
Posted by: Randolph Jordan | 10/19/2009 at 09:30 PM
I know, I really hit the jackpot with that one. Stay tuned for the quilt version.... Plus also, I'm going to start and etsy shop soon, and maybe I'll make a few pillows to sell, and you can get one for the baby's room, to go with her R2D2 toy.
Posted by: finger thumb | 10/19/2009 at 09:39 PM
The Sesame Street one is my favorite, and I love the buttons on the sweater. YAY! Both ended up in the best home ever for fabric and handmade things :)
Posted by: Marcia Van Drunen | 10/23/2009 at 11:25 AM
i'm into the scandy print and the flowery animals. soooo cute! lucky lady!
Posted by: kendra | 10/23/2009 at 09:02 PM
I know! I've got them all folded in a nice pile on the couch, and I can't wait to do something with them.
Posted by: finger thumb | 10/24/2009 at 12:18 PM
we can never go to value village together—we would definitely get in a fight. i am the only person I know who goes to linens first! then housewares, then hats n mitts looking for the homemade. then books. Sometimes I lie awake at night just MISSING value village. they have nothing like it in new york.
Posted by: brooklyn codger | 11/10/2009 at 12:30 PM
It bums me out that they don't have V.V. in N.Y.C. I feel sad on your behalf. And though you are right about potential fights, I don't want to give up on the idea of thrifting with you. I think we could do it if we had some (very elaborate) ground rules. 1. We would have to visit two V.V's in a row. 2. In the first one you would get to pick over the linens first, and in the second one I would get first crack at them. 3. We'd divide the other sections up too, and alternate first and second dibs in the respective stores. I think it could work. Unless you and I have the same shoe size AND dress size. Then all bets are off.
Posted by: finger thumb | 11/11/2009 at 11:08 PM