Vintage Embroidery Candleabra Shades

As you all probably know by now, I love to use vintage embroideries on my lampshades. This is the sweetest little pair ever. I picked them up for a book photo prop. It shows that they had been framed at one time. They are small, maybe 3"x4". They were just one of those things that I had to have..... and they were maybe 8 dollars each.
After using these for our photo shoot, I had them around my shop and eventually figured how to use them best. This is a square bell candle clip shade. They are 2" across the top by 4"high by 4" across the bottom. They fit the best into this shape and then I found a neutral linen for the rest of the panels. And trimmed them with some left over fabric I had in the shop; I picked out the stripe in the fabric to make self-trims.
p.s. this is fake forsythia I twisted around my butterfly bush in my shop flower garden.... worked perfect.... yikes, everyone thought it was real. No one thought I would ever use plastic flowers in my garden!!! We get pretty desperate in early spring up here!

Are You Itching to Get Back to The Flea!

It's almost Flea Market Time in the Northeast!!! I've just made plans make my almost annual trip to The Vintage Textile and Fashion Show in Sturbridge, MA. The date is May 10th; early buying starts at 9:30am and costs $20. I always enjoy seeing the huge variety of textiles shown in Sturbridge. There aren't too many bargains but you'll see stuff you won't find on the fields. I usually end up with a pretty good clutch of good finds. At first it is pretty depressing looking at prices and then with some hunting and digging I'll find some pretty fabrics and embroideries.

I am going to spend the night and hit The Brimfield Flea Market on Tuesday. The Flea market is just down the road from The Textile Show. Very convenient. There are 20 something flea markets all lined up along RT. 20. Shows have different opening days and times. Check their website for more detailed info. I found one of the best things about such a big flea market is that if you don't like the price, keep going and you might find something better for less $, maybe. And these days we are all a little more careful with spending wisely.

And sure not to miss stopping at The Vintage and Antique Textile store in Sturbridge. Barbara Wright has one of the hottest collections of a huge variety of trims, fabrics, clothes, blankets.....
Often I have found my favorite finds here. Don't miss stopping. She has quite an eye for the finding the goods.

Flea Market Tips:
Get there early!!!!
Bring Cash!!!
Learn to scan booths for what you are looking for, otherwise it'll be a really long day.
If you go with friends that are looking for the similar objects, separate and plan to meet up at the gate.
Bring water and snacks.
Remember where you parked the car!!!!
Bring something to carry all you awesome finds.
Go for the Pulled Pork lunch by Central Park Flea Market. Most yummy!
Lobster Rolls were good, too.
Did I say bring cash.... of course there is never enough in my pocket, just seems to slip out so fast.
Be polite and respectful, even when you get pushed out of the way.... apt to happen at the Textile Show..... some pushy ones there.
Pray for cool, sunny weather.
And best of all, have fun and make new friends.

Last Spring Workshop, May 16th

Last Lampshade Workshop till Fall:May 16th
call the shop for reservations:
802-325-6308 or email Judy


May is the best time to come to Vermont! Take a break, come to the countryside and learn a new skill. And have lots of laughs.
There is room in my last spring Lampshade Workshop. Date: May 16th, 11am-5pm. Cost:$150, includes everything for one medium paneled lampshade. Choose your favorite shape. Students bring 1/2 yd of cotton or linen fabric or vintage fabric. See prior blogs for great fabric ideas.

The April class this Saturday is full, but still room in this May workshop. Don't delay, class size is limited to 7 students. No more classes till fall.

No sewing!!!! Everyone leaves the day with a finished lampshade.