Friday, September 4, 2015

Thriftin' Thursday

Surprise!!!  It's me again!  I decided that if I keep my posts small, maybe I can keep posting with some regularity before I get my new computer.  I am calling this Thriftin' Thursday, even though I know it is Friday.  But I usually go thrifting on Thursdays, and have thought of doing a weekly post to share my finds.  So this was from yesterdays trip to a favorite thrift, that offers a 20% discount on Thursdays to seniors.  And a thrifting find from a few weeks back as well.
I have been looking for another office type chair for my sewing room.  They are just the most comfortable to work in, and they slide so nicely around the acrylic mats I have on the floor.  My Mom and I had popped into one of my favorite haunts a week ago last Thursday.  Lo and behold, they had a chair.  I wanted it.  But it was 20.00.  I don't like to spend that much.  So I thought I would take my chances and come back in a week, to see if it was still there.  I went in yesterday, and not only did they have my chair, it was now 50% off.  So it came home with me.  I cleaned it up really good, even though it was already in very good shape.  It is my intention to recover it, but I need to find the fabric I want first.
It is very similar to the office chair I have had, which is now on the other side of the sewing table.  Both have the wood frames.  I am thinking about painting those in creamy white chalk paint.
I spied this lamp, and loved the size.  Upon further investigation, realized it was a solid brass Stiffel.  The label was on the red leather lampshade.  When I was cleaning the lamp at home, I tore that off.  The shade needs to be replaced, as it has seen better days.  I have a Stiffel floor lamp, that was my husbands in his room before we married.  His Mother had very good taste.  I toyed with painting it Oil Rubbed Bronze, as I have done with many other brass things in my house, but I am not sure yet.
I only have the one side lit.  The other side needs to have the bulb replaced, and it takes special bulbs.   While I am not crazy about the brass, it seems sinful to paint it.
Above shows the tag that came undone when I was cleaning the shade.   I paid 13.00 for this lamp.  I imagine it was quite costly when first purchased.
This cute little dainty spoon had to come home with me.
Can you read it?  How about now?

 It says TEXAS on the handle, with a Texas Longhorn on the top of spoon.  My beloved Grandmother, "Nana" was from Texas. She was a proud Texan, through and through!!  My Mother, although born in CA, spent a good deal of her time both living in, and visiting Texas as a child.  I saw this and knew it had to be mine.  I had the perfect spot for it too.
I keep a salt pig crock on the wine crate lazy susan next to my stove.  I like to be able to quickly toss a pinch into the food I am cooking.  I also keep black pepper in a little demitasse cup for the same purpose.
 Oh how I love it, sitting there in my salt pig.  I think of Nana all the time and miss her so much.  This makes me smile, and I think it would her too.
The other day, at a different place, but another favorite of mine for good finds, I spotted this sewing machine.  I took the filthy cover off, and was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful, barely used, heavy duty, Sears Kenmore machine.  I plugged it in, and the light came on, and it seemed to operate effortlessly.  Everything in the store was 40%, and I brought this baby home with me.
I know, I know.....I seem to collect sewing machines.  I love them.  I think it is so interesting how they all work a little bit different.
I cleaned the hard case first with warm soapy water, and a magic eraser.  Aren't those things the best???
And then, took it apart, and cleaned the machine.  I sprayed out all of the dust and lint.  I removed the bobbin and cleaned the shuttle.  I adjusted tension, and shined up the machine.  Oiling it at all of the contact points. There was not a scratch to be seen anywhere on it.  I put some scrap fabric underneath the needle, and hit the gas to see what she could do.  What a beautiful stitch!  It purred like a kitten.  I viewed a couple of youtube videos that I googled, on the make and model of this machine, as it didn't have a manual.  The videos both portrayed this machine as a powerful workhorse, and demonstrated how it could sew up to 16 thicknesses of cotton, 8 to 10 of denim, and 6-8 of canvas.  It just hummed right through it, like it was a little Juki or something!!!
The case cleaned up to look brand new.
When I got married, 36 years ago, I bought a Kenmore machine.  It cost 99.00, and I paid for it on time, 10.00 a month.  I loved that machine.  I never did much other than straight line sewing, but when I learned to quilt, I began to use it for my free motion quilting.  It was a dream.  I made the mistake of loaning it out.  It never worked properly again.
These vintage heavy duty machines are a wonderful find, if you are lucky enough.  They don't compare to the new plastic basic machines that they sell today.
Oh, another great feature, especially for a quilter, is the button to drop the feed dogs.
I downloaded a manual for it, and played with the stitch options.  It is a gem alright.  And quite a bargain for 10.00!!!
These two little vintage cow glasses called out to me too.  I sure do wish there had been more! 
On a different trip, a few weeks ago, I found this beautiful Fall platter, for what I think was 3.00.
And what was my find of the summer, this fabulous quilt!  In PERFECT condition.  I saw the lady who worked there setting it out, and I ran right over.  I could not believe my eyes when I read the price tag.  14.99, but it was 20% off for senior day.  I quickly inspected it, and dropped that quilt down in my buggy and went straight to pay, then home to wash it!
It washed up so beautifully!  I spread it out to enjoy every puckery inch.  The dresden plates are all hand stitched down with a blanket stitch.
It graces the back of the sofa in my sewing room, and I love it!!!!!
And lastly, this cast iron door stop Roo.
People always say to me, that I find the best things, and have the best luck, and must have the best shops near me.  I don't know if any of that is true, but I know that I look for certain things in particular.  I look for brands.  I look for things that I know the value of.  I look for things that I personally like.  The list is too long to mention.  Sometimes I go into a thrift and come out empty handed.  Sometimes I hit the jackpot.  Rarely do I ever spend more than 20.00 total.  Do NOT be afraid to offer less.  I did that when I found the embroidery machine.  It was marked 65.00 dollars.  I knew that it worked because I turned it on.  But it didn't have the hoops.  It would be of no value to me, if I couldn't find a hoop for it.  So I offered them 20.00 and they agreed.  I was able to find the hoop for it, after some searching, and I have had an absolute ball with that machine!  Worth every single cent, for sure!  So next time you pass a thrift, pop inside.  See what you can find.  You just might be surprised, and find a treasure!
Til  next time.
XO  Kris
PS  Pat, you can find me at IG as KrisGrover  Hope to see you there!

22 comments:

Gracie Saylor said...

It is always so good to visit your blog, Kris :) As you share your life I find myself being introduced to all sorts of information, as in this post where I have learned more about the structure and maintenance of sewing machines. My mother, like you, learned to maintain her portable Singer machine and sewed everything from coats to evening gowns on it, skills that I never developed but appreciate all the more when I tried to develop said skills and failed to keep at it to grow more successful. I appreciate your thrift finds, especially the fabulous quilt! I'm so glad you can give it the loving home and appreciation it deserves! Thanks for posting :) xx

Mereknits said...

Wonderful finds my friend. That Kenmore is going to work for years now that it has been oiled up. You are the best at finding really great items, I just get overwhelmed when I go in a thrift store so I end up leaving. I guess I feel that way about a lot of stores and don't even get me started on the mall!
So glad to see you posting. I am not an Instagrammer, I just don't have the time to do the social media thing so here I still am blogging away. Glad you are posting so I can keep up with all your busy days.
Hugs,
Meredith

priscilla said...

You got some great stuff Kris! Love the quilt!

Jeanna said...

You do have a great eye for value and I would say some good luck to go along with it. That quilt is an amazing find, especially at that price. I do follow your fun on IG :)

Debbie said...

Considering it seems we have MUCH in common I do have to say that I have never thrift store shopped. Goodness you have come across such finds that I am thinking I am going to have to change that! lol I too had a Kenmore we first married and I learned to sew on that thing. The problem was what I didn't know about sewing would have filled a library in those days and I had NOTHING but trouble with my machine....tension was always off, didn't know how to work anything but your basic straight stitch or a zig zag and never did put in a button hole with it, lol. But I do really need to pick up a basic machine that is VERY light weight so I can carry it to classes if I should want to. Mine is so big and heavy and it definitely keeps me from doing it. And I soo get you on a good comfortable chair. Best money I ever spent! lol. I soooo hope you get figured out why you can't download designs. Once you do you are going to LOVE it! Looking forward to seeing what you've got in mind for Christmas. Hope you enjoy this long week-end. The weather is sooo nice! HUGS

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

Love this post Kris and all the great treasures you've found this summer. I have massive internet issues so I feel your pain there and I've also had an unbelievably hectic summer so haven't posted much. I'm relying on my internet friends to be understanding. Your posts are always so welcome and I'm happy to know that you are doing well.

podso said...

I am always impressed with all that you find. Those cow glasses look familiar as does the sewing machine--I think it's the vintage of mine though mine has a few less extras on it. That's a great find!

Teresa Kasner said...

Yay.. I'm happy to see your blog pop to the top of my list! You inspire me to take a trip to the Goodwill and Salvation Army! That quilt is fabooooo! I wish I'd found it first! LOL! Congrats on getting that great machine. I need to set up my Singer Featherweight now that Kristi had organized my craft studio! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Hayley said...

For starters I love the spoon, I honestly don't even have a special reason like you do I just think it's unique. Also I love that lamp, it matches your chair nicely haha. On another note I love thrifting and congrats on your finds!
~Hugs from Hayley

NanaNor's said...

Kris, You find the greatest items at thrift stores. Love each item! I know your weather is still hot, hot, hot but here we are having cooler evenings and mornings with a nice afternoon breeze. I haven't been thrifting or going to
garage sales lately-just don't want to buy things we don't need.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Betsy said...

Yay!!! You're here Kris! That Kenmore looks just like the one I got 37 years ago the first Christmas we were married. It's still my only machine and I use it for everything. You got some great deals. That quilt is amazing and I wish I had found it first. Can you use anything as a salt pig or are they a certain shape? I've always wondered that. Yes, please make this a weekly column. That would be wonderful,
Blessings,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Wonderful finds...that machine looks fantastic. You find such good deals. The quilt is beautiful...lucky you. Glad to see another post from you. Hugs.

Jill said...

That chair is an awesome find and that quilt is gorgeous! As you know we love going to yard sales, flea markets, antique stores etc! So many great treasures to be found :-) Wish we lived closer as I've said that before... I'd sent Kathleen to you for sewing lessons :-) LOL. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

corners of my life said...

Since moving to a smaller house one of the things I miss a lot is "thrifting". It was fun to see all your finds.

Pam said...

Great to see you back on the blog! You really do have the best eye for a good product & bargain. I especially love the fall platter & the rooster.

~Niki~ said...

my good friend is from Germany. They have these tiny spoons too. Very plain looking. dainty. and they call them coffee spoons (except in german). anywho...maybe that's the real reason for these small, dainty spoons. I love them though. you found that at the thirft shop? cool

camp and cottage living said...

Oh my goodness, you sure found many treasures. My first sewing machine was a gift from my Sis that looks like this one!
I don't know how I lost track of you, Kris, but I'll be dropping by more often now again.
Kim

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Wow, you did find some goodies, Kris! That quilt is a beauty! So nice to see you back on the blog...and I hope you had a wonderful anniversary, too! The pic of the two of you on your last post was great!

Susanne Tyree said...

Yes you do have such good luck with thrifting. I rarely find time to do that, it has been years. The Kenmore machine, well, my very first sewing machine was a Kenmore. My husband bought it for me for our first anniversary gift. I came home from work to find him all excited and playing around with it. I still have it. My machine has a box of cams that make the different fancy stitches. I have 2 other machines, one is the serger. They are addictive.
Susanne :)

MystiRios said...

Hi Kris! I just found your blog, while searching desperately for the "Crochet Santa Face Ornament" you have posted waaay back when, which I saw on Pinterest. I've been trying to re-find this pattern for about 30 years! I had a copy of it, don't recall where it was from, then I lost that pattern (probably during moving), & haven't been able to find it since. This is my absolute favorite Santa ornament ever, I just LOVE that little curly beard! I even found one other pattern for this Santa, but the gal's instructions were not too clear & I was having problems, so my search continued, til I found yours which BTW is very well written. THANK YOU TONS for posting it! ~ XO Gina, in Southern Oregon

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