Apologies, this is another thrift roundup that has no “theme”. We’re sort of short on time again, so we wanted to get this post up earlier. We’re participating in ATG’s ReSeller Challenge again for the month of April, so we really need to start listing items…
Speaking of being short of time – we’ve been really cutting down our thrifting lately. Some upcoming time constraints, plus we just have too many things to list. I’ve also been trying to do more speed-thrifting, that is trying to find things faster at thrifts and cover more ground.
I know it means you’ll miss some things, but there’s just no time to really dig around. I find I can cover the most ground doing quick scans of thrift stores that I’m familiar with. We often try and do a bunch of stores in a row – perhaps 6 or 7 thrifts in about 3 hours total. This is a little tougher than it sounds (especially considering driving times and waiting in line!), but it’s easier when you’re familiar with the thrift stores. A big tip: use your iPhone less for looking things up. Rely on the noggin to recognize things whenever possible…
These finds were all from one thriftrun of 6 stores in 3 hours. We’ve been really picky lately – three years ago, I would’ve came home with 5 times the amount of things in this photo.
The wonderful teapot is from the German company Hutschenreuther who’ve actually been around since 1814. I recognized this pattern as Blaue Sonne, but perhaps overpaid for it – couldn’t help it. =) Has a nice Scandinavian sort of look to it.
Also came across another large cache of Dorothy Thorpe knockoff cups. Actually, we found more, but they wouldn’t all fit nicely in the photo. These have the chrome-style rims instead of the silver (Thorpe did make non-silver ones, called “Allegro”, but we don’t think these are hers) – we’ve found that they often hold up better than the real silver ones.
The John Ciardi LP in back is actually an Edward Gorey illustrated cover. This is actually part of a series of books that John Ciardi also did that have Gorey illustrations. I think we’re keeping this one. =)
The mini Chemex surprised me. I mainly grabbed it because we have 2 other sizes but not this particular one. The hourglass shape isn’t as pronounced as the other ones we’ve seen. They actually still make these, but this one is definitely a vintage one.
Lastly, I was really happy to come across the Rorstrand trivet or “quickplate” in the Eden pattern designed in 1960 by Marianne Westman. She designed several other really nice patterns for Rorstrand. We’re going to have a hard time letting this one go.
OK, hope you enjoyed this thrifting round-up!
This post is linked up to ATG’s Thrift Share Monday and HLA’s Flea Market Finds.
Did you find something cool at a thrift or flea market lately?
Please leave a comment here if so…
April 3rd, 2011 at 1:31 am
WOW what FAB finds!! love the trivet & LP!!
April 3rd, 2011 at 7:32 am
Great finds per usual! Love the LP, I bought one for the first time this week because I liked the album cover.
April 4th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Ooh, I love the Chemex. I’ve been hoping to find one, but haven’t spotted one yet.
April 4th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Great haul! I agree with what you say on skimming stores you are familiar with and using your head instead of the iphone. I don’t even have an iphone, but I know I can usually trust experience and taste; usually if something catches my eye or stands out, I know other people will like it as well. Gotta trust your instincts. Lana http://www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com
April 4th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Getting through a thrift store quickly is tough! I’ve been trying to work on my best time, but I keep getting distracted. I am really good at scanning a rack of clothes and finding treasures immediately from so many years of Costume Design. I just need to apply this skill to housewares and I’ll be all set.
April 4th, 2011 at 11:08 am
i am the same as you….4 years ago, I would have had triple the amount of stuff in my living room…but since my basement is full of stuff to list, I can be a bit picky! and I love it!
::found you through thrift share monday
April 8th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Ugh, I see your Gorey and I am kicking myself! Before when thrifting was just for sport, I found a bunch of his stuff and gave them to a friend. Don’t think she’s as appreciative as I would be with the $$ for those hard cover collections!
April 8th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@marian, @vintagescapes – thanks, I’ve been taking a closer look at LPs too lately.
@grace – there was an estate I went to a year back that had massive amounts of Chemex. I only bought 1, but should have grabbed them all cause they were so cheap, like a buck!
@lana – I agree, instincts first, iphone second. I resisted the iphone for so long – I still mostly use it to tweet my thriftbreak finds, instead of research.
@monogirl – Definitely takes practice to speed-thrift. I keep getting distracted too. I’m pretty good with housewares and electronics, but terrible still for books, LPS, and clothes. There is too much to learn!
@leah – We’ve had to be extra picky the past 6 months or so, because the garage is nearly 90% full!
@beth – Linda’s been a Gorey fan from way back, which is probably the main reason I recognized it. I agree it’s a bit of bummer sometimes giving these goodies to other people, if they dont’ appreciate it.