Fluffyland Craft & Sewing Blog

Category: Thrifting

vintage buttons, in every color and shape

floor covered in vintage button cards

Following my brief burst of fame, I received many charming comments. They ran the gamut from nostalgic women recalling the era of the first gum wrapper chains, to teens excited to try a new craft with their friends. And, of course, the occasional dissenter, like the person who said “you have gross fingazz”. I deleted that one (i like to think i just have the hands of a crafter).

And of course, there are always those people on each edge of the spectrum. The ones who will attempt to bring down someone they don’t even know; and the ones who will do the very opposite. Who will lift up and inspire a random stranger because they can.

And that was Lenore. She browsed my site, and somehow (i can’t imagine how ;) ) ascertained that I had a penchant for buttons. She had inherited quite a collection of vintage buttons, and she decided to share them with me. Oh, how lucky!

vintage button cards - greens

I received a glorious package, a large padded envelope filled to the brim with buttons and more buttons. I covered my floor, as you can see in the first picture, and left them out there for three whole days, just looking. Each time, a different set caught my eye. They are all incredible.

vintage button cards - swagger pearls, styled pearls, and standard pearls

Of course, my favorites are the decorative cards. These make me laugh – who would choose the “standard” pearls when they could be stylish? Or have swagger?

vintage button cards - shapes and swirls

So many colors and shapes, from so long ago. I will use them well; I will display them and cherish them well. I dream of having a wall in my future sewing room
that I can cover in button cards: the greatest wallpaper ever.

vintage button cards - gray & pink

Ultimately, the buttons have inspired me, and will continue to inspire me. I can’t wait to start on some button projects. But what inspired me most is Lenore – I hope that I can live with such generosity of spirit. Thank you! They are beautiful.

something old: vintage sheets

vintage sheets to be curtains (day 26 of the 30 day photo challenge: something old)

Vintage sheets I snagged at the thrift store recently: I’m refashioning them into curtains for my dorm room! There’s nothing better than something soft & grandmotherly to make a room feel more like a home (and less like a grungy hotel).

This photo is part of oh so lovely’s 30 Day Photo Challenge. Today is Day 26: Something Old.

in my bag: thrifting finds

I could tell you about what’s in my purse, as the prompt probably intends, but you’ve already seen the inside of my purse, and the stuff inside isn’t very interesting. I’d much rather tell you about what was in my bag on the way home from the thrift store today!

vintage turquoise pyrex (day 18 of the 30 day photo challenge: in my bag)

I found a lovely vintage turquoise Pyrex dish! It was marked $10.50, but the nice lady let me have it for $5. The lid has some scuffs around the edges, but the bowl and its design are in perfect shape!

vintage turquoise pyrex: Butterprint 475

The Internet says that this pattern is called “Butterprint” and originated in 1957 (via this pyrex pattern timeline). It’s a model 475 casserole, 2.5 Qt. capacity, part of the Cinderella bowl series. Now I’ve just read that there are 5 sizes available in this pattern & color! Looks like I’m embarking on a quest!

1982 blue typewriter : smith corona, thrifted

And then there’s this guy. A brilliant blue typewriter that looks and types like it’s never been used. At $20, it was much more than I prefer to pay at a thrift store, so I left it there. I walked out, took the Pyrex to my car… then caved and walked back inside for my treasure.

1982 blue typewriter : smith corona, with a message!

I was thrilled to bring it home, plug it in, and (with my mom’s help, because i’ve never used a typewriter!) start typing. All the keys work perfectly, except the comma – and now that I’ve told you, you’ll be able to find me Nancy Drew style when I start typing ransom notes! ;)

The manual, a warranty, and a ribbon re-order form were all in the hard plastic case it came in. The warranty says that this typewriter was purchased on January 22, 1982! As my brother noted, “it’s a modern typewriter!”

I hope to use it for silly notes and possibly even journaling purposes – but for now, it’s probably just going to be the subject of a lot of pretty pictures.

p.s. It’s free swatch day at Spoonflower, so if you’ve been dreaming up a custom fabric design, you can get an 8×8 inch square absolutely free, today only!

p.p.s. Congratulations to Casey, the winner of Day 3’s giveaway!
Fabric Giveaway Week is still going strong! Have you entered today’s drawing yet?

This photo is part of oh so lovely’s 30 Day Photo Challenge. Today is Day 18: In My Bag.