Liberty Loot and a Lovely Quilt

On Friday, we attended the Liberty Antiques Festival.

Held in the middle of a pastoral field at an old dairy farm, it features a couple hundred vendors from up and down the East Coast, selling all sorts of furniture, vintage items and curiosities.

 

As you can see from the photo, it was a ridiculously beautiful day. Temperatures were in the mid-70s and sunshine abounded. We arrived about 8:30 and didn't leave until after 3, so it couldn't have been a better day to be out and about.

I forgot to photo my mom's goodies, but she picked up a pair of galvanized chicken feeders and a pair of square galvanized washing tubs.

My husband was delighted to find a number of utilitarian items, particularly a cast-iron sausage grinder, a child-sized rake for our son, a pair of small axes, and a cast-iron cider press.

I concentrated on looking for pretty things! Brown transferware, glass nesting hens, ironstone and linens were at the top of my list. I succeeded on all counts but the transferware. I just wasn't interested in spending $30+ for a plate!  Liberty prices are usually more than I care to spend because I'm a bit of a tightwad but I kept my eyes peeled for relatively reasonable deals.

How'd I do?

Well, I found these two hens for $12 to start a glass hen collection:

This Blue Bird flour sack for my husband--who builds blue bird houses--and this unusual floral grain sack from western North Carolina were $15 each:

Destined to become pillow covers.

Three matching pieces of English ironstone for $20:

A couple yards of sweet, vintage rosebud fabric for $5:

Will definitely make some pillow covers with this, too!

A book of sheet music for $3 and pair of skeleton keys for $2:

Can't wait to decoupage with the sheet music!

A milk glass vase for $5 and nearly 20 zinc mason jar lids for just $.50 a piece:

Because I need another milk glass vase like a hole in the head...but I couldn't resist. And the zinc lids were a real deal--I saw other vendors selling the same Atlas and Ball jar lids for $1-2+ a pop.

This pristine, vintage dress-style apron for $15:

Wonder if I could get away with wearing this over jeans and a form-fitting t-shirt? It's a shame to limit wearing such a pretty thing to just around the house!

A Fire King casserole dish (lid not shown) for $8:

And last but not least...this gorgeous Depression-era quilt:

See, I'm working on a summer update to my bed based off this photo from (one of my very favorite decorating books ever) Enrica Stabile's Comfortable Country:

Isn't that photo so relaxing looking?  I've always liked it since my bed's headboard is a honeyed pine. I did a bit of saving, and splurged on flax and white linen sheets and pillowcases last month. Peeking from behind the book, you can see a white thrifted duvet I found at Nest. So the quilt was the last element I needed to complete the, um, bedscape?  Is that a real term?

Anyway, the quilt was buried on a table at a vendor's tent at the back of the festival. I just happened to spot a patch of the red, white and blue out of the corner of my eye.

My mom and I made a beeline for the quilt, unfolded it and discovered it was in outstanding condition for its age.  And look at that pattern...and border...and all that lovely puckering from the hand-quilting!

I held my breath and flipped over the price tag, hoping for the best.

$75. Fair enough. I could swing that.

My mom and I began folding up the quilt so I could purchase it, and then I heard, "I can do better than that!"

I looked up, unsure if the voice was directed to me. It was, and it was the seller.

We made eye contact across the row of tables and he repeated, "I can do better than that. How about $35?"

My mom and I undoubtedly did a poor job of hiding our shock.

I quickly responded with an idiotic, "Yesthankyouverymuchplease!"

I don't know if the seller didn't realize the price on the tag, but I didn't ask any questions and accepted this rare gift from the antiquing gods.

So, Liberty was a real success this time. We had fun, managed not to get too sunburned and I can recreate a gorgeous bedscape as soon as I get my act together.

I'll be back tomorrow with photos I snapped while we shopped of several interesting and beautiful vintage pieces.

Happy May Day!
Erin

Linking to:

Country Living Series: Thank you, Sylvia and Donald!

Sylvia is my mail lady carrier.

She's awesome because she brings me goody-filled packages on occasion. She brought me one last week, as a matter of fact. Before I show you the contents of the box, I want to go on a long-winded tangent. Humor me?

I feel fortunate to live in a small community for a number of reasons. One is that since there aren't that many of us living here, familiarity is common amongst the locals.

For instance, I know Sylvia a little better than most people probably know their mail carrier.

About two years ago, after she had just delivered a package to my house, and while backing her station wagon out of the driveway, one of the axles on Sylvia's car literally broke it two.

Naturally, it was a cold and rainy afternoon and the sun was close to setting, so I invited her in to make arrangements to have the car towed. One of the other mail carriers finished her route and while she waited for the tow truck to arrive, we chatted briefly.

Among other things, I learned that rural mail carriers have to provide their own vehicles, so the bill for the broken axle would not be footed by the USPS, and that she works really long days six days a week.

In retrospect, I regret forgetting to ask her just how the heck she drives her car from the passenger seat--mail carriers around here don't have cars specially equipped with steering wheels and gas/brake pedals on the right side like mail trucks do, so they operate the vehicles from the passenger seat--as she had to go outside before I could broach the subject. Maybe this is something I should just look up on the Internet and demystify for myself?

Anyway, after that experience I felt, and continue to feel, a special bond with Sylvia, which she probably doesn't realize.  But nonetheless, I'm always glad when she delivers a package, because it gives me an excuse to say hello and ask her how she is.

What can I say? I like knowing and talking to my mail lady. Being in the country affords this sort of connection.

Another aspect of this kinship-with-the-community-thing that I adore is that even in the year 2011, I can reliably drive from from the heart of my one-stoplight-village to my house, located a few miles north, and receive waves from drivers in passing cars.

I may not know the driver per se, and s/he nor me, but we generally recognize the other's car and figure that if we're driving on a tertiary road that leads only to the country, we must live nearby and therefore are close enough to being neighbors that a wave is appropriate and, well, the neighborly thing to do.

I ran across this Web site, ironically from another county in North Carolina, that outlines the phenomenon of waving drivers and the types of waves. Having basically grown up in North Carolina, I find waves from fellow drivers completely normal and rather comforting. Apparently in this particular county, which is near the mountains, many tourists were confused by the waving locals, and even mistook some of these waves for less-than-friendly gestures.

According to this humorous (and accurate) article, there are four types of waves:

The Howdy Wave

The Howdy Wave is simply a big wave to the passing car, usually with a big smile from the driver waving, too.  Hard to miss.  Some people unfamiliar with this usually ask their passenger, "Hey, do we know them?" Knowing someone personally isn't necessary here.  We're just glad to see you.

The Four Finger Wave

This is similar to the big howdy wave, but only the four fingers are lifted, keeping the hand on the wheel.  Again, a big friendly smile can accompany this wave.  The driver waving is simply choosing to err on the side of caution and keep both hands (or at least one) on the wheel.







The Peace Wave

The Peace Wave is a two finger wave.  This is the 'cool' wave.  You'll probably get this one from the younger crowd.  They're still happy to see you, they just have to look good while welcoming you to the area!







And finally...

The One Finger Wave

No, NOT that finger!  The one finger wave is the INDEX finger.  You'll see this wave from the mega wavers.  Those are the ones that wave at every car that passes them.  It's a time-saver (not to mention safer!), and it still looks cool, too. This one is probably most common, as most locals do wave at every passing car.  Unfortunately, this is also the most "misread" gesture by those unfamiliar with the waving tradition.

In case you're wondering, I'm generally a one-finger waver. Sometimes a four-finger waver.

But every now and again, I do admit to using the finger next to my index finger. Rest assured it's not directed at any locals. Rather I direct it to crazy drivers from Virginia who fly like demons down this one particular road, pass on double yellow lines, and generally drive like they don't have sense. (The few readers of this blog that are from around here know what I'm talking about. Amiright?)

Anyway, I'm really taking this tangent to new heights, so let's circle back around.

Plus, you're probably wondering who Donald is.

Well, Donald is one of Sylvia's co-workers, and therefore he works at the local post office. I love going to the post office because Donald, who regularly mans the main window, always greets me by name and takes the time to chat.

I'll add here that he used to call me Mrs. Shepherd, but I was severely uncomfortable with that because: 1) I'm younger than him and if anyone needed to be addressed formally out of respect in conversation, I should have been the one doing it; and 2) even after being married for almost 5 years and having birthed a child, I still have a hard time thinking of myself as a 'missus.'  But that's just me...

Donald now simply calls me Erin. And he's unerringly kind, helpful and friendly. Yes, I know it's technically his job, but how many times have you gone to a place of business and been met with raging apathy from the person "helping" you?

Donald and Sylvia go above and beyond the requirements of their job descriptions, and I greatly appreciate they services they provide to the community.  They are a part of what makes living in my speck-on-the-map part of the country so good.

So, that box Sylvia delivered the other day?

It was filled with beautiful fabrics that made my heart sing!

I need to make throw pillows for the living room set I slaved over the last few weeks. And I've been thinking about making a patchwork quilt this year, too. So I splurged treated myself to many yards of gorgeous floral fabrics.

I ordered the fabrics from Marie Madeline Studio, a family-run business in Missouri that carries oodles of amazing quilting fabrics.

I didn't photo this part, but whomever addressed the box had this fantastic, flourished style of handwriting. I love seeing people's handwriting in this digital age. Am I the only one?

However, I did think to snap this photo as the contents of the box were quaintly wrapped in paper and a ribbon. Nice touch, Long ladies!

Oh, and I definitely squeee'd when I cracked open the box and pulled out this stack of deliciousness.

Because I'm an obsessive nerd, I took several photos of the fabric arranged in neat, little rows--by designer.

First up is of some of Tanya Whelan's Delilah line. Very reminiscent of Cath Kidston, is it not?

Next are a few selections from Flower Sugar by Lecien, which would make the most adorable little girl dresses:

And finally, another Lecien line design in the Old New 30s Collection:

Now, excuse me while I go pet and fawn over my fabric.

I can already tell Lecien fabrics are going to become a problem for me and my wallet. They have another line called Durham, which features muted, shabby chic florals that I can't stop thinking about. Restraint, Erin, restraint!

I will just be happy with my huge stash of new fabric and focus on making pillows, perhaps a quilt, and who knows what else with this great stuff!

Thank you to Donald for handling this box of goodies with care at the post office and I appreciate Sylvia for delivering it safely, promptly and with a smile.

I'll be sure to wave to both of them the next time I see them on the road.

Erin