A Mothers Day Treat, Go Flea Marketing

Mother's Day Treat. A little get away, a break from day to day duties. What could be better than running into new friends and old at the flea market. Well, that is if this is your thing. I rate it even better than going to TJ Maxx, which is pretty high up there on the fun search list.

This photo is me and my old friend Judy Pascal of Judy Pascal Antiques on Free St. in Portland, Maine. Judy was an early supporter of mine, guiding me in the direction of Vintage Fabrics. I started my lampshade career making cut and pierced lampshades. Judy didn't really love them and tried to get me to make fabric lampshades. I told her I didn't know how and she responded, figure it out or something like that. Lampshade by lampshade I improved. Lordy some of the early ones weren't so great. Judy has fantastic taste and had a lot to teach me. Hope to see her Monday down at the Textile Show in Sturbridge. But, we can't shop together.... because we love the same stuff.....this photo is last year at the Heart of the Mart.(photo George Bouret)


And here are new friends. This is my new friend Lynn in Clark's booth at The Heart of the Mart Textile Tent.(Bouret,photo) Lynn and I met after seeing each other in the similar textile booths along the Rt 20 stretch of flea markets. I find when shopping at big flea markets you have to learn the flea market stroll. Cruising along at a good pace till you see your treasures of choice. My god, if you looked at everything you would never get outta there..... I look for unusual lamps at good prices or very unusual lamps that I love that are too expensive. Also, vintage fabric, embroideries, polka dot aprons and other interesting textiles, vintage trims, sometimes postcards and an occasional purple transferware plate for my "Martha mix and match plates". And that is usually all...... Isn't that good. One of my nameless friends looks at EVERYTHING..... and I am always waiting for her. I love her, but hate waiting when there's shopping to be done.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE FIELDS. Let's hope there are bargains to be found. And hears a cheer to old friends and new.

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.