Thrift Thursday

Once again, I found myself at Stars Antique Market in Hermosa Beach a few days ago. I really like it there. It used to be an old Mrs. Gooch’s, back when there were Mrs. Gooch’s instead of the Whole Foods conglomerate. And it still retains the charm, which I love. If you dig, you can usually find some good deals, which is why I continue to visit (that, and the aforementioned charm!).

First, I came across this crochet baby blanket or lap warmer. I’m going to call it a lap warmer, because that’s how it’s going to be used in our house. I was immediately drawn to its’ beautiful, soft colors (seafoam & ivory - *swoon*!), and even though it’s so small, I was totally inspired by the handiwork. I think I mentioned previously that it is my crochet dream to master the granny square, and these look simple, and they only used two different square patterns on the entire blanket. I know for a fact I’ll never be able to reproduce anything like this, but at least when I do try a GS, I’ll have a sample.

I also love the scallop border, another craving for me to master. Or at least figure out. The blanket is in remarkably good condition (a couple of spots, but they came out in the wash), and who knows if it even is vintage (who cares); it was only $15.

Speaking of Granny Squares, I've been a subscriber to Carol Alexander's Crochet Newsletter, Talking Crochet, for I don't know how long (Carol Alexander is the editor of Crochet! Magazine). This morning, I awoke to a new edition (which I opened for a change), and low and behold, there's a Granny Square tutorial. Actually, there's been a whole series, which I've missed and will now go back and try to find, but today's pattern (free!) is the Hexagon Granny.

My second score were these darling vintage flash cards. There were about 25 in a basket, and I just went through them and took the ones I liked; the cute sayings. I have no idea what I’ll do with them, but I like them. I'm sure these are a collage artists' dream! They were 3 for $2.50 and then 20% off of that. I got 6 for $4.00 One of them is en route to an online friend, but I won’t say who. However, if she is reading this, I’m sure I’ve been caught – it’s just too easy.

More Thrift Thursday here! Enjoy your day!

Incidently, if you are interested in helping the Kim family in any way, there have been several sites set up. The friends and family of the Kims' have set up this site where you donate directly to a Paypal fund; Susie Ghahremani of Boy Girl Party is organizing a handmade gift basket to send to the family, details can be found here; and Lisa Congdon, her mom and sister are organizing a fundraiser (details to be made this weekend) and you can read more here.

Comments

[robin]

Oh my goodness, I would've swooned over that beautiful blanket too! Covet, covet. And love the flash cards. Great finds!

[Donna]

1. I love your new header.
2. Love th blanket--so pretty! Normally I don't like the traditional granny square, but these are so pretty. I have never seen a pattern for ones like that. I should learn how to make that, as I don't have an attention span for larger things.

3. Hmmm...I see a monkey! ;) Those are some fun little flashcards!

[Karin]

I would have been drawn immediately to the blanket also. It's the combination of both the colors and the pattern of the squares. What a great score!

[nel]

Love the colours, such a pretty pattern.

[janet]

Great finds! I haven't been out hunting for a while so I've missed a few weeks - the holidays and all. I'll be back after the first of the year!