Things I Didn’t Buy 3

More interesting things that I didn’t buy. These adding machines are super cool, but expensive and unnecessary.

I really liked the look of this cooker.

And I thought this ice cream scooper was interesting.

Cute metal tape measure for $2. I briefly considered it, but the tape was rather worn.

I thought these hat boxes were cool, but I didn’t need them…at all.

I liked the design of this Snake Bite Kit.

I also liked the retro pattern of this pillowcase. It cost $1 and had a couple of minor stains, but I couldn’t justify buying it because I couldn’t think of a plan of how to use it (other than a pillowcase—which I didn’t want to do).

Thrifted for $9.03

I don’t know why, but this little table spoke to me. I originally thought it was a stool, but it had water rings on it that indicated that maybe it was a small table. I just really liked its simple design. I bought it for $5.

I also got another cookbook that I absolutely don’t need for $2. It’s Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book; I’m not sure what year it is (but it looks like the 1950s to me.) I initially got it because I thought it was cute, but once I started reading it, I thought it was really interesting as well. Of course it has tons of recipes (some more relevant to today than others), but it also talks about food planning, canning, table setting, stain removal, as well as other interesting tidbits relating to food.

I love the organization and design of the book. Tabs divide each section so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. And there’s a list of everything within the section so specific recipes are easier to find.

I like that the recipes are really short—it gives the feeling that it’s simple to do. And I like that the little piggy bank icon that shows you money-saving recipes.

I also like this cut of beef diagram (which is also quite useful).

I thought this calorie section was interesting because it’s so straightforward: food makes fat. I’ve never been a believer in fad diets—they just seem silly to me because they seem like “quick fixes” that will eventually fail. It’s just common sense to eat everything in moderation…it’s not rocket science.

I picked up a pair of gold and green earrings for $2. They’re fairly large earrings (at least for me), but I liked the simplicity of the design and the deep rich pop of green for a statement earring.

Finally I got a silk black and white Vera polka dot scarf for $0.03. It looks like the white polka dots are silkscreened onto the silk (which is why it’s a little crackled looking). I’m not sure what I’ll do with it but it’s cute.

Three Vintage Sewing Patterns

My friend went to an estate sale and picked up some vintage sewing patterns and gave me three of them (which was so nice of her).

First up is a jacket and skirt pattern from 1956. I love that the older patterns often show more information than newer patterns; these directions show how to adjust the pattern for your measurements.

Next is a dress pattern from 1959 with a cute collar and buttons down the back. Of the three patterns, this is definitely the one I would like to make—it looks fairly simple.

I like that this dress pattern shows you pattern markings and also shows placement on the body and sewing directions. It gives a really nice overall picture of what how the garment will be put together.

Finally is this dress pattern from 1954 that looks complicated. It’s a fairly fancy dress…that I don’t think I’m capable of making. But it’s pretty.

$6 at an Estate Sale

I went to an estate sale where everything was 50% off. I immediately zeroed in on the fabric; there were large containers of fabric and bundles of fabric for $2.50. There was so much there and everything was so cheap—it was a bit overwhelming. Considering the shear volume that was there, I didn’t get that much.

I got a total of 7 fabrics; white lining, twill and canvas fabrics, and I also got this dark red heavier fabric.

Then I got a bag of skirts and pants (which is why they’re so wrinkled). On the left is a blue and green plaid Pendleton wool skirt. On the right is a blue and green plaid Talbots wool skirt. Both of these skirts fit me pretty well.

On the left is a green Pendleton wool skirt—that’s a little tight. And on the right is a white with a red and black plaid pattern—that’s rather loose.

There were also three pairs of elastic waistband pants that are baggy in the hips and tapered—not the best look on me (or anyone else), so I’ll be donating them to a thrift shop.

I also got this glass jar that I thought was cute.

And I bought another tape measure (that I don’t need but I thought was nice—it has a lock position, which is convenient).

And I got a wooden box. I feel like I made out like a bandit at this estate sale.

Quote: I Can't Go Back to Yesterday

Flea Market Finds

At a flea market, I bought two awesome items. First, I got this utterly unnecessary compact mirror…but it’s so cute. I love the simple blue, white and gold design that feels very 1950s (but I’m not sure how old it is).

When it’s opened there’s obviously the mirror and a place for the puff.

There’s a little button that opens to the powder compartment below. Everything is intact, but the outside closure is slightly askew so it has to be closed “just so.” I got it for $10 and I’m not quite sure what to do with it. It’s not the most usable item, as I don’t need to carry around a heavy mirror/compact.

I also got this metal paper organizer for $10. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. There’s a clasp at the top that can be raised so the organizer can be expanded out. It has metal tabs to organize vertical lettersize papers. It’s so simple and utilitarian—I love it.