Remembering Helen

Being the junk junkie that I am, I often watch the online listings for estate sales, hoping there might be something close by. A few weeks ago I came across an listing for a sale to be held in my little town. I was excited to see something so close to home...little did I know.

The night before, while talking with a friend, I mentioned my plans for the next day, which included attending this particular estate sale. She was interested in going along, and so we rounded up a few more friends and decided to meet there bright and early in the morning. But...just where was 'there'? Because addresses are not typically announced until the night before a sale, I had no idea. Upon checking, I was shocked to find that the estate sale was being held on the farm of my closest neighbor. 

 Early Sewing Roll

Helen passed last fall, leaving a big old house filled with wonderful things she had collected in her 95 years. I'd like to say I knew Helen well. I didn't. For instance, I didn't know Helen had a degree in Home Economics...or that she was an accomplished seamstress and weaver. I didn't know Helen had once been interested in fashion design and had notebooks filled with fashion sketches. I wish I had known. It makes me sad that I didn't "stop by" more...talk with her more. I think Helen and I would have been friends. 

Helen was born right down the road and lived in the same house most of her life. And even in her nineties, she was sharp..and funny. We did have some amusing exchanges during the time I've lived in her neighborhood.

In nice weather Helen sat on the screen porch...she always waved when I passed by on foot or bicycle. We commiserated over our predicament with the skunks who had taken up residence under our respective porches...and plotted how we could be rid of them, once and for all. 

When our orange tabby came up missing I walked to Helen's searching for him. She was in her familiar spot on the back porch, and inquired if my cat would come if she called his name. "What IS his name?", Helen asked. When I replied, "Fido, his name is Fido.", Helen chuckled, and with a mischievous smile quipped, "No wonder he ran away!"

So when I found out the sale was at Helen's house, it felt a little strange. In the end, I'm glad I went though...

Several of Helen's family member's were there, selling coffee to ward off the morning chill and benefit the Three Creeks Historical Association, of which Helen was a lifelong member. They had already been inside and taken the things that meant the most to them. And it was fun to see the things Helen had saved and collected...and to imagine her coming down the wide stairway as a young girl. The same young girl who went off to college and who designed and sewed the dresses hanging in the closets upstairs. 

 I was thrilled to find this very early sewing roll among the doll clothes in an upstairs bedroom. Just look at the wonderful fabrics.

I came home with some wonderful things...I couldn't help myself. I love knowing the history behind these things. I love knowing they belonged to Helen, and in some small way I think she would like it too. 

Tuesday Display Chain~A Woman's Glory~

Each Tuesday Misi, of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her "Tuesday Display Chain" by featuring items from their collections. This week the question was asked, "Do you have a cherished hat or bonnet?" 

In times past, a woman's covering was her "glory". This post is a celebration of the glory of  hats! 

An antique gingham prairie bonnet hangs near the back door.

A simple cotton head covering is displayed alongside children s clothing in the back hall. I love that the wearers initials, J.L. Butler, are inked along the inside. 

The little calico dress dates to the civil war era and is one of my special treasures.

This straw day hat dates from just before the turn of the 19th century. I waited all afternoon for a chance to purchase it at the estate auction of a 101 year old spinster. Very Jane Austen.

This vintage hat was given to me by a fellow church goer. I love the long ribbons of tulle that tie under the chin. While on a high school field trip, I met Katharine Hepburn at the Chicago Art Museum. She was wearing a hat similar to this. Ms. Hepburn, and her hat, made quite an impression. 

Antique aprons and bonnets hang near the front door.

A faded red bonnet, soft with age.

This delicate white bonnet features tiny pink polka dots and a quilted brim.

I found this beautiful straw hat at Goodwill, still in it's original hatbox. 

I love the little flowers and berries...ever so cheerful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few hats are no longer in my collection. 

They have moved on to new owners via Etsy. 

 

A 1940's "high crown cloche" in a creamy wool, meant to be worn perched on the crown of your head.

 This stylized high crown cloche, a 1940's classic, has a definite "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feel. The wide bow on the front lends a touch of romance, while the back curves slightly upward to show off those silky 40's hairstyles.

Sometimes referred to as a "tilty hat", the details on this 1940's ladies beret are what make it extra special. The mocha brown wool felt has been stamped with a striking whorled pattern that radiates from the crown of the hat. Beaded and wire bullion flowers, surrounded by felt leaves and a bit of tan grosgrain ribbon embellish the left side of the hat. 

This sweet 1940's ladies platter hat, in a creamy straw, has a rolled brim wrapped with russet grosgrain ribbon. In front, the hat features one long slim feather, accented with a single rhinestone. Mushroom brown netting covers the front of the hat and is long enough to tie or pin in your hair. Dyed to match velvet trim, finishes the inside of this hat. Still available on kattywhompusvintage.etsy.com

This is a contemporary April Cornell Straw that I wear on sunny days.

And finally THIS...for your entertainment.

Me, modeling an antique calico bonnet in our motel room at Simple Goods. Lessons learned? Don't let friends photograph you after you've just driven 6.5 hours...and don't take yourself too seriously.  :)

Until next time...

See the other Tuesday Display Chain participants at: http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/

This week's theme by Pamela at Civil Folks. 

Peek-A-Boo~Tuesday Display Chain

Each Tuesday, Misi of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her 'Tuesday Display Chain' by featuring items from their collections. This week Robyn of PrimLish chose a theme in keeping with the Halloween Spirit. The theme this week is Peek-A-Boo.

Primitive lovers everywhere understand the need to hide away all those pesky modern conveniences that take away from the rustic ambiance of our homes. I admit, when we lived in the farmhouse, I camouflaged everything from the toaster to the cat inside of crocks and under wooden crates. These days my small appliances are tucked away in the "appliance shed" built specifically for that purpose. Now I'm more about finding attractive storage and hiding clutter.

The buttery measures 8' x 13.5' and basically covers the entire back wall of our kitchen. It provides great storage and also creates a fun space to display a multitude of goodies. On one side, decor items that are currently out of rotation are stored in the lower cabinet behind the curtain...and on the other; I keep lights and props for taking photos.

And in the middle section...

We keep the dog food out of sight, but still easily accessible. You can't fool Murray.

And speaking of Prim Dog Murray...

He hides his toys in an old firkin.

And situated conveniently next to the front door...

This little five drawer cabinet houses dog leashes, harnesses etc. (Sensing a trend yet?)

Paper clutter is one of my pet peeves. I detest "piles". Mr. Kattywhompus solved my problem with this Craiglist purchase last year at Mother's Day. My "vintage" Habersham Plantation secretary has drawers and cubbies aplenty. Now ya see it...

Now ya don't.

In the living room I hide books, magazines and rug hooking supplies in the dry sink next to the sofa.

 

Things I use are close at hand, but no piles!

 The little drawer is perfect for stowing hand sewing supplies.

This boxy stagecoach trunk is the perfect place to store my bulky rug hooking frame, along with bags of cut wool "worms".

Trust me...it's in there-under the linen background.

And last, but not least...nope, not a breadbox.

I no longer have to search for light bulbs, specialty nails or fasteners. I keep them at my fingertips...ready to hang a picture or change a bulb.

I hope you've enjoyed today's Display Chain. Hop on over to Robyn's blog  to see the other fabulous contributors! 

Until next time...

Tuesday Display Chain- Souvenir

Each Tuesday, Misi of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her 'Tuesday Display Chain' by featuring items from their collections. The theme this week is "Souvenir."

A souvenir, French for memory, describes a memento or keepsake brought back by a traveler for the memories associated with it.

The things I typically bring back from my travels (which are few, and not very glamorous) are bits of moss, rocks, leaves and flowers pressed into books. If I have a bit of spending money I will I treat myself to one beautiful thing to remember my adventures.

Pictured below is one of those things. This is a fraktur I purchased at the Simple Goods Primitive Show  the year before last. Painted on the cover of an ancient book, it has become one of my treasures.

 Here's a closer look. Aren't the colors lovely?

The next item is a souvenir from a trip to Walt Disney World when I was a girl. It's a jam jar. Tell me, what kind of a young girl brings THIS back from the land of Mickey Mouse? I was an odd kid.

In my early married days I collected Tea Cups & Saucers. I had shelves full of them. All but a few, that I feel especially sentimental about, have found new homes. This is a favorite, featuring scenes from Mackinac Island, in Michigan.

Arch Rock, The Grand Hotel, and The Old Block House encircle the sides of cup.

I think it's the lacy edge and cottage roses that endear it to me.

And this last souvenir is just for fun. Some of you may not know that Mr. Kattywhompus and I have been sweethearts since the 8th grade. I know...adorable, and a little disgusting. 

This is something he won at the county fair way back when. I'm sure my mother was thrilled when I displayed it in my bedroom. It still makes me laugh (as does Mr. Kattywhompus) when I see it among the pretties in my little studio.

I hope you've enjoyed today's Display Chain. Hop on over to Misi's blog to see the other fabulous contributors! Until next time...

Button Envy

Like so many things...my button obsession collection started with my grandmother. While she mended the family's clothing I would sit at her feet, poking through the button box and listening to the hum of her treadle machine. I would carefully match and thread buttons onto lengths of string and choose the buttons that would become eyes for the countless teddy bears she sewed.

When I was a teen, Gram presented me with a large tin filled with every kind of button imaginable. I was, pardon the pun, hooked. 

In the years since, I have amassed quite a collection of buttons, fasteners and clasps of all kinds. Enough to make Granny proud. Still...there are times when I find myself the victim of button envy.

For instance, when reading the blog of fellow button aficionados who refer to themselves as the 'Button Floosies'... And although not officially a member, I am certainly a button floosie at heart. Case in point:

 On Monday, an old friend stopped by to bring me these...
(left click for a closer look)

 Her mother was an antiques dealer and had these beauties in storage for years. The original prices are still visible on the cards from her shop.

 Of course they'll need a good cleaning...any recommendations would be very much appreciated.

 These rectangular glass beauties are some of my favorites. I wonder what they were used for?

There are glass, metal, shell, and even buttons made out of walnut halves.  Each button has a history. Each button once adorned a precious article of clothing.

Any assistance in identifying button types would be lovely.

These pastels are made of glass. They look like candies to me.

If you happen to be a collector...I'd love to talk buttons sometime. Maybe you can recommend your favorite website?

Just a few of the rhinestone pretties.

Wouldn't these medallions look lovely worn as a necklace?

Back in Black

Button sets.

I love these little brown glass buttons on the right, with the painted posies.

Should I tell you that this is a fraction of what she brought me? 

After she left, I had to take a nap from all the excitement.

This is one floosie who will never have button envy again.

Until next time...