It may have been awhile.....

So, it's been awhile since I've made a post. Several years in fact! Over the next several weeks I'm going to spend time redesigning and writing for this blog. I would love to hear ideas about things you want to see here. What is your favorite collectable? What do you want to see and learn about? Let me know!

Garage Sale Heaven!

So, this last weekend I spent Saturday with my husband and some friends cruising through West Seattle neighborhoods stopping at garage sales. Apparently, this is an annual event where the city encourages people to participate and then they print maps to all the homes having garage sales. This year there was 206 participating homes! It was Heaven!! It was a beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky and a warm, vaguely salty breeze coming off of Alki Beach.

I was well rested and equipped with all the necessary items! Snacks, water bottle, jeweler's loupe, chapstick, comfortable walking shoes and poker face (Never look too eager! You managed to live without that thing up til now so, don't sweat it). My pockets were loaded with small bills. (A must, when haggling! You don't want to haggle someone down on price and then ask them to break a $20. Yikes! Bad form!) We surveyed the map and decided to hit the areas were the sales were closely packed together. It was a pleasant surprise to find that in most of these areas we could walk from one home to another. In fact, most sales were actually within a visible distance of one another. With the event starting at 9am and continuing throughout the day until 5 pm we had an entire day to explore the area for bargains.

I've found that whether you are at an estate sale, garage sale, or even just a thrift store it's always best to bring a friend. Not because you're in any eminent danger but, rather they provide a second set of eyes. In this case my friend Barb was acting as my vintage scout. Thank goodness too because, she hit the motherload of vintage linens! An old suitcase overflowing with stunning hand towels, handkerchiefs, crocheted dollies, finger towels and oh so many other dainty and lovely things! The women running this garage sale was a pretty shrewd bargainer. (I love haggling!) However, I managed to walk away with about 12 things at a reasonable price. Some things for me and some haggled things for Barb and we were on our way to the next sale.

One of the most important lessons anyone can learn when it comes to bargaining for a better deal is this.....Be prepared to walk away and don't become emotionally invested in said item. As I've already said..... You didn't have this thing yesterday. Is it a big deal if you don't own it tomorrow? No. For example, Barb does alot of embroidery and found a women selling used floss containers for $1.50. Since Barb had no change she asked if the women would sell one to her for $1.00. No was her reply and so, we moved on. Not a big deal.

Eventually, even I was tired and ready for lunch. With my bag full of treasures we left the lovely West Seattle neighborhoods and found food. The best part of vintage hunting is returning home and sorting out, washing, and displaying my treasures. I added a beautiful chocolate colored hat to my collection. It's embellished with beads and what I believe to be horse hair but, feels like tickly kitten whiskers. I love it! I also get to spruce up my utilitarian, canvas messenger bag/purse with a delightful vintage sewing kit. Embossed gold vinyl, with a pretty kisslock clasp. Just adorable!

Many of these things I purchased will need to be rejuvenated and will be available for sale on my Etsy site in the next couple of days. (http://www.etsy.com/people/RejuvenatedVintage) So, if you love vintage as much as I do........check back frequently for updates, new merchandise and fun!

Hankerchiefs (Part 1)

The handkerchief is an incredible, multi-function laborer. I believe it to be one of today’s most practical, versatile and forgotten accessories. While shopping in a lovely vintage store I happened across some beautiful hankies that were very reasonably priced. As I was purchasing some the sales associate asked me “But what can you do with them”? Admittedly, I was very surprised to be asked this. Their many uses seemed obvious to me. I ended up responding with some vague answer about …..Oh, something. I couldn’t really respond. I was still in shock. However, the question has haunted me; it forced me to pause and think about my handkerchiefs. They have oh so many uses……

Of course many uses are fairly obvious.

1. Covering your mouth.

Not only does a handkerchief muffle coughs and sneezes but, it prevents the spread of germs that accompany illness. Likewise it can be used to avoid breathing in dust, foul odors and noxious fumes

2. Blowing noses.

Yes, I understand some people are adverse to this. Some people will even claim that it is an unhygienic practice. However, it seems that most people are under the impression that a hankie is used over and over again all week long. No. Used handkerchiefs are put in the dirty laundry. They are replaced with two clean ones every morning. (One for "personal" use and the other as a backup.) Most handkerchiefs are large enough for several uses without overlapping "icky". Besides, you’re not giving used hankies to anyone and they’re YOUR germs so, what are you afraid of?

3. Wiping/cleaning

Everything from burbling babies to the sweat from you brow. Handkerchiefs are handy to have around to clean yourself up with and dry yourself with.

4. Protection

A handkerchief is a useful item if you need to protect something. You can cushion and protect things such as fine jewelry, small ceramics, personal mementos, cash, clean clothes (Wrap smelly things such as socks and underwear in them to avoid contaminating clean clothes.), etc, etc. The list goes on…..

5. First aid.

A handkerchief can be used as a tourniquet. Soaked with cold water it can be placed on sunburned skin to ease discomfort. It can be used to apply pressure and stop small bleeding wounds.

6. Barriers

A larger handkerchief can be spread on a seat to keep your dress pants dry and clean. Similarly, they can be used as a napkin to protect your clothes from food spills.

7. To impress the ladies

Listen up gentlemen! The ability to produce a clean handkerchief for a lady in need will impress her beyond measure. It says “I’m prepared for any situation”. It is a gallant and chivalrous gesture that proves you are a gentleman.

But what else? Perhaps some of your handkerchiefs are just too pretty for these mundane tasks. Maybe, you just want to find a way to preserve and cherish a family heirloom. Or some of your hankies are stained, ripped, and worn. Rather than throw them out or hide them away, next week we will cover here some great ideas to rejuvenate and remake your vintage hankies.

Vintage, Retro, Antique....What's the difference?

Vintage, Retro, Antique…..

What is the difference?

The hobby of collectibles is a world that is often fraught with intense opinions. Definitions and terms are no exception! There are so many different definitions that, at times it’s hard to keep it all straight. Some collectors will say that true "vintage” must have a designer label or at least be name branded. To this I say, BULL! Are my grandmother‘s hand embroidered tea towels considered just old because they were recycled from flour sacks? Is a beaded cashmere sweater from the closet of a 50’s teen girl anything less than vintage due to the lack of a tag? No. So, what does it mean if an item is “vintage”, “retro” or “antique”?

An “antique” or something that is “vintage” is an old, collectible item. But, what makes something collectible? An item’s beauty, rarity, condition, high degree of craftsmanship, and/or other unique features are what make these highly desirable and collectible. Some people would say that the item should be a certain age. In America, it’s believed that an item is “vintage” if it is 20 to 50 years old. An “antique” is considered 50 to 100 years old. In many European countries an “antique” is a 100 years old or older. However, Europe is older that America so they’ve had more time for their treasures to age. For the sake of argument this discussion will use the American dates.

While I agree that age is an important factor to consider when defining what is “vintage” or antique” it’s too broad of a definition. In fact, today’s vintage usually will become tomorrow’s antiques. However, age alone is not what makes these items special. There are other qualifying conditions. After all, if we take age alone into consideration, all those double knit career suits with giant shoulder pads from the 80’s would qualify. Let’s face it, nobody wants that!

The item should have an intrinsic value of timelessness. This is where the debate over what is and isn’t “vintage” becomes very impassioned. The reason being is, for each person that will be different. Everyone has different tastes and a different sense of style.  However, we can all agree that each era had a defining look or feel. We can use this to help determine if the item in question has those same qualities. For example; let’s take a look at the 1959 Cadillac Convertible…..chrome trimmings,the iconic tailfins, 325 Horsepower engine and power everything! This car became the embodiment of that era. It’s popularity, strength, craftsmanship and style was iconic and even indicative of the populace during 1959. A classic was born and has now become an antique!

So, let’s now go back to my grandma’s tea towels from the 50’s.…..During the 1920’s cotton was enjoying a surge in popularity due to its price reduction. These cheaper prices meant a lot more companies were using cotton in the packaging of their products, particularly foodstuffs. Women of that time period were the mangers of the household and very frugal. These flour sacks were recycled. They were frequently embellished with embroidery and used to dry and protect fine china. When flour sack manufacturers realized the popularity of their fabric they started creating patterns and artistic prints. These too were eagerly recycled by the happy housewives.They became dresses, table linens, bedding and even appliance covers. Flour sacks became the must-have household accessory because, of its versatility. Once again; a popular idea or item has a lasting influence on the general public, making it “vintage”. This trend continued until about 1960 when a cheaper form of packing became available, namely the paper bag.

Today I enjoy embroidering my own tea towels. However, my handiwork is “retro” and not really vintage. “Retro” is short for retrospective. This refers to items that are new and mimic the style of a previous era.  Or items that are more current than the era they are mimicking. My hand embroidered tea towels have that timelessness. Reproductions would fall into the category of “retro” as well. And there is nothing wrong with that!  Many people argue that “retro” fashions are just as good, if not better than their authentic “vintage” counterparts.  Also, “retro” fashions tend to allow for a wider variance in sizes and color that may not have been available during the height of a garment’s popularity. The ability to combine today’s fabrics with yesterday’s fashions equates to dress that has modern durability and classic elegance. Who doesn’t love that?

La Déesse de la Lune D’albâtre (Update)

I've been working very hard on my beautiful goddess. She's about halfway done. I'm not entirely sure, though. I may want to fill in all of her. Right now she's just highlighted and outlined. Embroidery (for me at least) is always a work in progress. It's never really finished until it's finished. What do you think? Do you have projects like that?

Collecting vintage costume jewelry

Shiny gold, stunning silver, colored rhinestones that catch the light and dazzle the eye. Oh how I love costume jewelry! Particularly, when it’s vintage costume jewelry. It’s often unique. It’s often over the top. It’s always beautiful. It creates the finishing touch on the perfect outfit. In addition to being a fashion accessory, costume jewelry is becoming a highly sought after collectible. So, what should you be on the lookout for when collecting jewelry?

1.       Know the names.

Ok, you really don’t have the time, energy or cranium capacity to familiarize yourself with the several hundred name brands. However, you should know the biggies. Trifari, Boucher, Haskell, Coro (aka: Corocraft and Coro Duette), Weiss, Lisner, etc, etc. Different designers have “styles” and “looks”. So, it’s a good idea to study up.  Pick up some reference books, talk to knowledgeable collectors and use the internet.

2.       Look for signed pieces

Why signed pieces? They tend to be the ones that are the most collectible and liable to hold their value as well as, appreciate more. This doesn’t mean ignore unsigned pieces. If it’s lovely, in good condition and you love it…..buy and enjoy it!

3.       Dare to date it.

You can often date the jewelry by change in style, signature design or even color of rhinestones. If you can’t find a signature, look for a patent number. Big names may not have copyrighted earlier pieces but they still wanted their “style” patented.  This usually means that piece came from a good source. You can often use the internet and the patent number to find the maker and date of the piece. In addition, jewelry company’s copyrights only dates to the 50’s or later. So, if you see that copyright C you know it was made after that.

4.       The more, the merrier.

Yes, I know it seems like common sense. However, whole pieces and sets are worth more than those that are incomplete. Duettes, a style in which a broach was formed by two dress pins attached to a frame are worth twice (and sometimes three times) as much the two dress pins together. This is also true of demi parures. They should include all pieces; a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and broach, all matching.

5.       Beware of “Marriages”.

A so called marriage takes place when someone has a piece of this necklace and adds a piece of that earring puts it with a vintage clasp and creates a whole new piece of an indeterminable origin. Most people who collect jewelry as investments will tell you that these pieces are worthless. Technically, they’re right. In the collectible market they have no value. However, I call this up-cycling and I love it. It’s an ecologically sound practice. It also provides you with the opportunity to purchase a one-of –a-kind, truly unique piece, while salvaging jewelry that others might find unfit to collect.

6.       Hoard like a miser!

Don’t throw out broken jewelry or loose stones. Rhinestones can be replaced with new stones but, they tend to look…..new. Older stones will be a better match. In addition, beads and baubles broken off old jewelry can be re-purposed to create new jewelry.

7.       Tools of the trade.

Carry a loupe or magnifying glass while treasure hunting. This way you can actually see important things like signatures, copyrights, small missing stones and other flaws. Other good things to have for cleaning and repairs…..jewelry tweezers (with angled tip), a good adhesive (G-S Hypo Cement is awesome!), a soft baby’s toothbrush, white vinegar and Q-tips (all good for a gentle cleaning).

8.         Know your enemies.

When shopping be aware that these are older pieces so, there is bound to be small imperfections. Weither you are shopping for yourself or for investment piece you should try to avoid purchasing items with large, glaring flaws.

A.      Pitted or flaky plating.

Most people really don’t have the knowledge or tools to replate jewelry but, it can be done. If you can find a reputable craftsman to do this tricky repair you have to weigh the costs of the fix against worth of the piece. Usually, the repair cost exceeds the worth of the piece.

B.      Finish Wear.

If a piece has a little wear it’s a beautiful patina that adds character. If it’s extreme; it’s damage. What did we just say about replating?

C.      Rust.

Rust is a symptom of metal damage. Even if it can be cleaned off a piece the damage needs to be repaired in order to stop that rust from reappearing.

D.      That Green Yuck! (Verdigris)

This can be another sign of metal damage. Sometimes verdigris (like dirt) can be transferred from one piece to another. However, a gentle cleaning in white vinegar usually does the trick.

E.       Signs of painting.

Yup. Some people will paint over damage to hide it. Be suspicious of finishes that don’t seem to match consistently. Enough said.

F.       Loss of unusual or hard to find stones.

Rhinestones are fairly easy to replace. And for the most part this can be done without hurting the value of piece. However, if the uniqueness of the stones are what set it apart how available do you think replacement stones will be? Not very.

G.     Dead or discolored stones.

With glued rhinestones (paste) it can be a little tricky removing the dead ones depending on what adhesive was use previously. Replacing them is much easier. Just remember to keep your glue use to a minimum. Prong set stones will come right out once the prongs are bent out of the way. However, if the prongs have been bent back and forth too many times this weakens the metal. Look closely for tiny lines at the setting or base of the prongs. Are there tiny dents, scratches or dings? These are signs of past repairs and weaknesses in the prongs.

H.      Excessive or yellowed glue.

This is usually a fixable problem that involves removing the stone as well as the glue. However, the issue becomes one of time, money and effort. How much do you want to invest in this piece?

I.        Blackened or discolored string.

When shopping for beaded jewelry gently separate the beads and inspect the string. Black or discoloration is a sign that the string is rotting. If you have the time and tools it might be worth it to restring the piece. If not, don’t fear. Most bead stores and jewelry stores offer restringing services at inexpensive prices.

9.       The care and feeding of your shinies.

Vintage jewelry is older and needs a little bit of TLC. I try to avoid wearing perfume, hair spray and heavy make-up when I wear my jewels. All of these products cause horrific damage to jewelry. If you insist on wearing a little scent or you need a little hold for your hair remember the rule of “Last on. First off”. Your jewelry should be the LAST thing you put on and the FIRST thing you take off. Always wipe your jewelry with a dry, lint free cloth before putting away. This will help to avoid a buildup of body oils. I strongly recommend separate boxes or pouches for these pieces. This will avoid tangling of chains and damage that can be done to finishes. In addition, if a stone comes loose; you’ll be able to find it in the bottom of the bag/box instead of it being lost in the jungle of your jewelry box. Also think before you clean! Never put pearls of any kind (real, plastic or glass) in a sonic cleaner, as this can damage the finish. This goes for glass beads as well. It’s best to research chemical cleaners before using them. Remember this type of jewelry is plated. A harsh chemical may eat through the entire plating! I like to use white vinegar and baking soda. They’re gentle enough to clean almost anything! When cleaning foiled rhinestones avoid getting the foil itself wet. Foil is the gold plate or paint on the back of rhinestones. It tends to be very delicate. Also remember to make sure each piece is thoroughly dry before putting away. You don’t want to create rust or verdigris!

10.   Enjoy!

I cannot say this enough! Jewelry is meant to be worn. Jewelry is meant to be shown. Once you’ve done your homework and you know the piece will last you for years to come, start enjoying it now! It’s ok to show off a little. You’ll be surprised at how beautiful this fantastic jewelry will make you feel!

Question from Eris V Andal

Eris V. Andal asks: "Aside from the love of old clothes, are there any other advantages to wearing vintage? Is it cheaper to rejuvenate something old rather than buy something new?"

This is a tough question so; I’m going to answer it in sections. There are many different reasons and advantages to wearing vintage clothing. Firstly, there is the opportunity to save money. Buying thrifted vintage is usually much less expensive than buying newly made clothes. In addition you’re recycling what you wear. It’s a more ecologically sound practice than buying clothing produced in a factory. Vintage items also tend to be unique in that they are older, and usually one-of -a-kind items. It’s very nice to go out without having to worry if someone else will be wearing the same dress at the party. Another thing I really like about wearing vintage is having the opportunity to share my love of these gorgeous styles with people who ask “What are you wearing?”

As for the price aspect of rejuvenating vintage; that is dependent on many different factors. To simplify matters let’s stick just to clothes. First, what is the condition of the item you are seeking to rejuvenate? This is probably the most important thing to consider. Second, what skills do you have that can be used to rejuvenate this item? And last, how much time, money or effort do you want to put into this rejuvenation? Let’s examine a couple of different scenarios …..

1. You find a stunning dress in excellent condition. Little wear to the fabric, all seams intact and it fits you beautifully! It costs just $10.00! However, there is a fairly obvious stain on the skirt of the dress that will not wash out. Thankfully, you’re pretty handy with a needle. So, you decide to monogram your initials over the stain, hiding its ugliness and creating a special, unique touch. Since, you already do a lot of needlework you had the items on hand to do this and it cost you nothing but time. Bargain!


2. You find an adorable vintage skirt in a thrift shop. It fits you very well and just happens to be your favorite shade of green. However, the hem is very worn. It’s torn is a couple of places and should probably be mended if it’s to be wearable. The price is pretty reasonable, $5.99. Since you really don’t have the skills or sewing machine needed to fix it, you take it to a seamstress. She says for $10.00 she can rip out and re-hem your skirt. The total cost for you skirt is now $15.99. If you love the skirt and wear it frequently it may still be a good deal!

These are just some examples. There may be times when you find an item that is damaged beyond repair. Even if that dress is given to you for free is it really worth the 100 man hours of meticulous stitching it will take to make it wearable. Or how about that great sweater you bought for $1.00 but, still haven’t worn? Really, cost is personal. What may be worth it to one person, may be a loss to another.