Monday, February 9, 2015

FROM WOOL GATHERING TO CARTIER

It was a beautiful weekend in Colorado.  Almost everyone heads to the hills to ski, hike and bike!  But in our usual reverse migration, we head to the city to explore our favorite V.A.T.S. 
(Vintage, Antique, Thrift Stores).

Antiquing was kind of a bust -- maybe because we don't need a thing.  I saw a couple pieces of large, beautiful brown transferware, but they were way out of my budget.  On the other hand, it was a good day at the thrift stores.  I'm always on the lookout for wool garments to cut up, felt, and repurpose in needlework projects.  I found nine (yes, 9) 100% wool skirts for the average price of $3.50 each.

The top three are Pendletons, the fourth is Ralph Lauren, and the rest are other notable designers.  That's a whole lot of beautiful yardage for a cheap price.  Now I just need to come up with some new projects to make, in order to not become labeled as a wool hoarder.

On Sunday, we had tickets for the "Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century" exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.  Our son came into the city to meet us at the exhibit and for lunch, so that was an extra bonus.  
The exhibit is magnificent -- not just the jewels (I could look at diamond tiaras forever!!); but the whole presentation was wonderful.  It included the cultural aspect from kings and queens to Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelley.  Plus, there were many displays about the making of the jewels including original designs on paper to actual work benches and tools.
If you are in the area, it is well worth the price of admission; and will be on through March 15th.

So, from thrift-store skirts to million-dollar jewels, it was a great weekend.

P.S.: And yes -- one small purchase, a brown transferware bone dish in the same pattern as some other pieces I have!

I'm joining the following:
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Inspire Me Monday
Coastal Charm for Show and Share Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style for WOW Us Wednesday
From My Front Porch To Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

7 comments:

Tea in the Library said...

Great finds. I'm sure the right project will come along. Sounds like a lovely time. VATS - grinning here!

Sue said...

Now let's see the beautiful things you create with all that fabric....

Lilly's Mom said...

I loved reading your post. Those are lovely wools you purchased. I remember the Pendleton Woolen Mill....we used to pass by it when traveling from Idaho to Washington. And, your brown transferware is lovely.

Miss Jean said...

I'm over here in Centennial and yes, the weather has been wonderful!!!! I'd love it if you would email me the shops you went to. I'm relatively new here and love antiquing. Thanks.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

We are babysitting our grandsons this weekend so our son and daughter-in-law can see the Cartier exhibit at the Art Museum. Hopefully we can see it next.

My goal is to visit the thrift and antique stores in Littleton this spring. I probably won't buy anything, but I like to browse.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Sally, love the new transferware piece! 9 woolens, wow how fabulous is that? I rarely find any here. Sounds like the museum was very interesting. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh I would love to visit the Cartier show , hope it comes to Kansas City or St Louis.

how lucky you found the little bone dish to match your other brown transferware ironstone