hometown digging

So I was back in my old stomping grounds of Hayward, CA a couple weeks ago and of course one of my top priorities was to check out the local thrift scene.  Sadly, it's nowhere near as good as it once was, Hayward used to have some really fantastic thrifting.  But I did find a couple things...first, I finally found a lampshade big enough for the giant genie lamp I impulsively bought at the Rose Bowl a while back.

It's been really tough finding a shade for this monster of a lamp (with the shade, it's over three feet tall!)  I didn't need or want a new lamp, but this one was hard to resist.  Check out the crazy glaze on this thing!

 I'm sure lots of people think it's hideous, but I love it.  It reminds of a lamp I found years ago and then lost in a break-up...I've always regretted letting that lamp go!

But the real find of the trip was a first edition copy of "I Married Adventure" by Osa Johnson...for $4.95 at the local used bookshop!

I ran home and looked it up on ebay...some copies sell for over $200!  I've seen posts about it before on several style blogs, and I've been on the lookout for a copy.  In addition to looking great on a coffee table, it sounds like a great story so I definitely plan to read it soon.  I also got a big stack of vintage craft books (which I'll try to post about later).  Gotta love B Street Books!

adventures in thrifting

Stopped by the Council Thrift on Venice blvd the other morning on my way to work...I have a love/hate relationship with the Jewish Women's Council thrift stores here in LA.  On the one hand, I hate them because the prices are usually insanely high.  On the other hand, those old Jewish ladies have some good stuff!  I routinely find great paintings and occasionally some good pottery.  And if I'm ever in need of some sequined cruise-ship attire, they've got me covered.

Anyway this time I only had 15 minutes, but I found two Vera scarves for a buck a piece:

and this mug with a mustachioed dude on it!

I mean, seriously... a mustache mug for 50 cents.  Who could resist?

Vintage Bargello

I should really change this to the "Bargello Blog", since that's what I seem to post about most often. But look what I found at my fave Salvation Army today! For $1.25!!!

It's a "four-way" Bargello design, which I've been wanting to try. It's in great condition, with no funky smells and totally clean. There were a few pulled stitches which I repaired in 5 minutes, and it needed a new pillow form because the old one was completely flat. I can't believe how great the colors are, it fits in perfectly with all the ones I've made so far.

I also picked up this cute little pot. No marks but it looks sorta Scandinavian and I love grey pottery in general. All in all a great thrifting trip and not bad for $5 total!