stock up the shop: spring break!

Yippee! Some down time ahead of us this week as the kids and I have a week off for Spring Break. Kicked it off with a quick getaway up to Estes Park for a little creekside cabin/hot tub/Rocky Mountain National park-style relaxation. On the way back from a little snowy hike, we happened to drive by a little thrift shop in town. I dropped off the family at the cabin, and headed back to poke around. I wasn't expecting much in such a tiny touristy town, but I was pleasantly surprised...

Sitting quietly amongst a pile of crap random figurines I spied this little beauty.  A Howard Pierce owl...my gut thought so when I saw the coloring, and turning it over to see the name on the underside confirmed it. Have learned about Howard Pierce via my #thriftbreak friends on twitter and at Etsy, so I was excited to finally find a piece.

A-S Sweden stainless tray. I've been steering clear of the Scandinavian stainless trays as they are sooo common and sell slowly, but something about the style and quality of this one caught my eye.
In the shop soon!

Love this timer so much. It works perfectly, by spinning the entire top. The "white" is actually a bit yellowed, but I think Etsy folks will love the Helvetica!

This is a cute German calendar wall hanging from 1975. Possibly made by Kolf of Austria, but no markings to tell me so. Love the vivid colors and folksy style.

Here are a couple of other highlights of goodies I found over the last couple of weeks:

Pyrex Decanter with Ball Cork

Jackson China restaurant ware platters, shape by Paul McCobb. In the shop soon!

Ultima Thule serving bowl by iittala of Finland

Happy Spring to you all!
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: just a coupla things

Ran around for a bit this weekend and found just a few things. Left several places empty handed, which is disappointing and satisfying at the same time. I've been on a listing frenzy lately, and now actually feel "caught up." So, now it feels good to be able to take my time, be selective, enjoy the process, and take time to learn as much as possible.

OK, on to the finds:

Yes, I already have some similar, Yugoslavian, versions of these in the shop.
After hemming and hawing, I finally decided to grab these  because of their matte undersides... I thought
perhaps Krenit by Herbert Krenchel of Denmark. No real proof that they are unfortunately,
but they're so nice and have great style. Listed here.

This Kolf of Austria fabric has such a cute folksy design to it. I recently sold some Kolf linens, I think they are so fun although I don't know anything about the company. This is a nice large piece, in crispy clean, never-been-washed condition. Vintage fabrics are still so intriguing to me. I have ridiculous amounts of fabric, waiting to be used.
One of these days I'll do a sewing post! This will be listed as soon as I get it measured.

Sometimes I just can't resist the Japanese stoneware. There's a lot of it out there, that's for sure.
Something about these fluttering butterflies caught my eye.

Finally, this is a rare Corning Ware 10" skillet. It coordinates with the classic Cornflower Blue pattern, but it is that beautiful solid blue with a white interior, and nice black and stainless handle. I've only been able to find one listed on Ebay, and nowhere else. I'd like to list it in the shop, but hubs think he might like to cook eggs in it. We'll see.

Have a great week y'all!
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: pretty vintage trims

As I got the camera out and began to prepare to list these recently-found beauties, I couldn't help but re-post them each individually for your enjoyment. Some of these take my breath away...if this doesn't kick me in to summer-sewing mode, I don't know what will.

blue lily trim

vintage mexican trim

vintage woven trim

vintage woven trim

blue daisy trim

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: oh mexico

We took a trip to Mexico two weeks ago, just the four of us, right after school ended here in Colorado. We went easy and relatively cheap...an all inclusive resort in Cancun. The intent was family time, beach time, rest, and relaxation. We definitely succeeded with that! It was beautiful, and since we rarely take such vacations...we cherished every moment. I did an especially good job cherishing, if I do say so myself.

I did have a desire to go hunting for some vintage Mexican treasures or fabrics for sewing. I definitely did NOT succeed with that part. It was far too taxing for me to put my drink down and get my - ahem- out of my beach chair to go exploring.

So, funny thing, after we got back I hit some estate sales. One of which was a retired teacher (Really? Will I actually retire some day?!) She had traveled to Mexico in the 60s and 70s and had purchased some fabric trim for sewing projects. Funny thing.

Needless to say, I quickly scooped it up to buy...feeling a twinge of guilt that I hadn't put that drink down and done at least a little bit of exploring while I myself was south of the border. (Yes, I know, south of the border is much different now than it was in the 60s and 70s, but let's just keep that romantic vision in our minds for a few moments.)

She had all sorts of souvenirs from her travels all over the world. She was selling her old camera straps, which yes, I also quickly scooped up to buy.

Don't they just make you wonder? Where all has she been? Did she travel alone, take her children, her husband? Did she do this traveling during her precious teacher summers? Does she still have all the pictures she took? She was such a sweet lady...a junior high science teacher. Selling all her belongings, moving out of her home, her adult children helping at the sale, no husband anymore. Hmpf.

I think next time, I'll get up and go exploring a bit...but this was pretty fun too.

I'll be back Mexico!
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: vintage fabric finds

Came across some vintage fabrics lately...certainly not an expert, but definitely a fan:

This one is HUGE, like 4 yards huge.The selvedge is marked "DeSoto Handprint" which from my research dates it to the 1960s when United DeSoto (fomerly United Wallpaper) launched lines of big, bold wallpaper patterns with intense colors...and also produced some coordinating home dec fabric. So psychedelic, so pop, so '60s!

Again with the '60s...This vintage 1960s Loomskill fabric has amazing design and colors. Swirly paisley and flowers in shades of olive, eggplant, rust, and gold. This is a large piece - 45" wide by 98" long (2.6 yards long.) It has a heavy, lineny, textured feel to it. There is a light sheen to it, so possibly a touch of acrylic within the cotton? Not "shiny" by any means, in fact at first touch I thought 100% cotton.

This flat Marimekko sheet is a "double" size, measuring 94" long by 79" wide. It has a cool 80s mesh design in red, yellow, blue and black, with a nice twill binding across the top edge. One tag is marked Marimekko 1987 (see photo) and the other, much more faded tag, says Marimekko by Dan River. It is a 50% cotton 50% polyester blend. Definitely has been washed and used, but is in great condition with no stains or tears. I have a set of about the same vintage Marimekko sheets from high school. Soooo tempted to dig them out.

Marked on the selvedge "creation GIVENCHY PARIS," this fabric is 102" long (just under 3 yards) and 52" wide. I have researched this fabric and have had difficulty finding any information. A trusted resource has suggested it could be an original from the 70s or 80s, or it could be reproduction of an original vintage Givenchy textile? Either way, how could I possibly pass it up?! Still looking for any info on this...

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: marushka

This caught my eye as I was treasure hunting the other day.

Something about that signature took me back to my childhood.

I'm sure we had something in our house by Marushka, but I have yet to chat with my mom about it. In the meantime, I've done some research on the subject. These Marushka prints were very popular in the 1970s. They are clearly inspired by Marimekko and Tampella and such, but many have this cool woodland vibe, featuring various birds and trees. Plus there are skiers, canoes, sailboats, etc. So Midwestern...which makes sense because they're based in Grand Island, Michigan.

Here are some links if you're interested in reading or seeing more:

Marushka blog has tons of information and images.

Marushka flickr pool where anyone can add shots of their finds.

Apartment Therapy article

And now for something super fun! The Marushka company still exists, but they now print only on clothes. Visiting the website, you can choose your style and your image. Here's what I chose today: 

Now I definitely need to go to the beach!

~ Jenny

project: vintage tampella fabric wall art

I bought this 1970s vintage Finnish Tampella fabric from Etsy. I couldn't resist the seagulls, the colors, the style. I saw it, loved it, bought it, then there it sat...and sat...and sat.

In a flash of inspiration I decided it needed to be on  my wall. After searching for a tutorial on You Tube, I found this. It's a pretty basic idea, but nice to have a bit of instruction to make sure it would be successful!

Instead of a frame, I used a stretched canvas from JoAnn (with a 50% off coupon that I could actually use because it was full price...possibly the first time I actually found value with JoAnn's coupon scheme. Victory!)

I love it so much...even though I did notice some slight discoloration on one of the seagulls after it was hung. Hmpf. Do I dare take it all off to gently wash it? Ohhhh, man I don't know. For now I'll leave as is and love it as is.

What a great way to use a special piece of fabric! Try it, it's easy!

Have a look at these other Esty sellers with some Tampella...here, here, and here. And a couple other nice ones here and here. Awesome stuff, interesting along the lines of our beloved Marimekko. Something to keep our treasure-hunting eyes open for!

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: more BIG vintage fabric

I can't even believe I bought polyester fabric...but how could I resist this?

Yes, another excuse to show off my cool chair.

3 yards of green, deco-y, craziness.

I searched high and low (well, on the internet of course) for any information on this name. All I could come up with was lots of information about this company. Could it be the same? I can't be sure, but I can be sure that there isn't anything out there (well, on the internet of course) about Duplan Prints, Duplan Fabric, Duplan Clothing, nada. It's so cool, I almost feel that it's pretty early polyester. It has such an art deco feel to me. Anyway, had to share and 'fess up to not being such a cotton snob this week. 

~ Jenny

stock up the shop: marimekko

I've long been a big fan of the Finnish textile company Marimekko. Yes, largely due to the influence of the good taste of my Danish-born friend since 2nd grade (are you reading?)

I was thrilled to find this fabric recently, and more thrilled to be able to sell it to someone who appreciates it greatly. Yes, it was one of those "gasp!" moments when I found it, but the extremely large scale of it stumped me. The colors and even the style would actually work with my decor, but the sheer hugeness? I'd need some seriously high walls or something.

Orange, rich red, and navy. What a great combination.

45 year old fabric in almost mint condition. How cool is that? Here is an excerpt from a book titled Marimekko: fabrics, fashion, architecture by Marianne Aav. Have not seen the book in person, but I really enjoyed seeing the photo of this fabric in its day, in use.
~ Jenny

stock up the shop: the thrill of the hunt

I've always loved vintage items... including vintage fabrics and linens. I'm no expert on vintage fabrics, but I am very intrigued by them and very much enjoy shopping for them. I'm not talking about shopping online or at actual fabric stores, but hunting through antique malls, thrift shops, flea markets, estate sales...to find fun treasures hidden in the corners and piles. 

Check out this fun 1970s apron with teapots, houses, doors, and flowers in great 70s colors.

This is an amazing Lanz Original fabric from the 1950s. It is a really beautiful representation of Little Red Riding Hood. Just over 4 yards of this!

Beautiful blues, stripes, and tiny flowers on this one. It's a lightweight cotton.

Something about it, I just love looking at it. 

This is a cute Scandinavian print. Such pretty colors and a cute design. It has definitely never been used or washed. I can just see it as kitchen curtains or a tablecloth...

or maybe even a panel in a little girl's skirt or dress!

Because I unfortunately don't have the time or energy to sew with all of these, many of these fabrics, and more to come, will be for sale at the creekhouse Etsy shop along with my other vintage finds. Looking forward to learning more about vintage fabrics!
~ Jenny

project: anna maria horner meets toddler proofing

I recently obtained 4 chairs from a local thrift shop. Nothing fancy, but they match my not-so-fancy table. The cushion covers, as you can see, are not so great either. But, with a family including little ones, a not-so-fancy table with not-so-great chairs are just fine, for now.

Well, cut to a few months later with a squirmy five year old and downright wacky almost-two-year old who likes to eat yogurt with her fingers...the not-so-great chairs are downright nasty.

Hello, day shopping alone in Denver (happy b-day to me) and coming across a fabric store I had dreamed of visiting. Hello, stumbling across a corner bin containing Anna Maria Horner's Little Folks Forest Hills Oil Cloth. Hello, brain engaged enough from having a shopping day to myself that I actually could think of the project I had been meaning to do...with this particular oil cloth! Hello, beautiful, fun, funky, toddler-proof new chairs!

Soon to be finished this weekend. Excited about getting it all done!

I have a project list, and it's slowly getting crossed off. Loving that.

~ Jenny