I have been enjoyed some fruitful thrifting trips recently, some with my kids and one – amazingly – solo. Solo-thrifting, as a mama who spends very little time alone, is both a blessings and a curse. I tend to get caught up in either hurrying or clock-watching and don't lose myself like I use to, but am still giddy at being there alone, wandering through the treasures.
Maybe I just need more practice. I have one more solo-thrift coming this afternoon on my way to collect my kids and my goal is to be present in the moment and find some fabulous treasures.
Here are a couple of finds from recent trips.
100% wool sweater in the most soft, gorgeous yarn I've ever seen. (The question is, wear it or unravel it and knit something new? Likely both will happen. I'll wear it for a while and then repurpose it next season.)
This vintage terracotta teapot was all of $4.00. The little chick handle on the teapot is too much. I fell in love with it and now the kids are thrilled to have their own teapot (to go with their Japanese rooster mugs).
Or they were supposed to have their own teapot. Though they keep asking why it is full of black tea.
And one more piece of vintage yellow pottery for my collection. Though I am subject to many obsessions, only yellow pottery has become an actual collection.
I have maybe 25 pieces and counting and love every one. Some gifts, some antiqued, some scrounged. They are my true-thrifty-vintage love.
Why the second-hand obsession?
1. History: The pieces carry someone else's story, someone's past. To pick up a handmade quilt stitched with love and focus is to hold a stranger's story in your hands. For me that is beautiful.
2. Ethics: second hand goods, by my estimation are ethically neutral. It is non-consumptive consumption, so to speak.
3. Sport: it's all about the hunt.
So I am off (alone!). If I find any amazing treasures today I'll share them with you soon.