Have you acquired an “accidental collection” of something? I realized that I have just that – and it’s a collection of “cute”!
My dear, late friend, Cyndi, also loved collecting all sorts of things. Back in the 90’s, her favorite things to do were to visit gift shops and antique stores. From figurines to tea cups, and everything in between, I can still hear her say, “Two is a ‘couple’, when you get three or more it is a ‘collection’”.
Going by that, many of my “collections” are accidental. I like what I like! I especially love fun, mid-century “kitsch”. Many items from the 1940s to the 1960s might have been utilitarian, but they were most often pretty, fun, colorful, decorative, and even humorous.
Take the everyday potholder, for example. Nowadays, “modern” potholders in stores are functional, may be colorful, but may not be so decorative or eye-catching. They are something everyone has (or needs, as soon as you realize the hot, overflowing pot is too hot to grab with just a dishtowel). Back in my grandmother’s day, potholders were functional, but also little works of art, most often hand-made. Somehow, I’ve acquired an “accidental collection” of these sweet pieces.
Usually made of cotton, and either crocheted or knitted, many handmade mid-century-modern potholders still exist today because they were made so well that they withstood use and time, or they were so adorable they were deemed too pretty to use for their intended purpose, instead becoming something that brightened up the kitchen.
My kitchen is my favorite place to be; it’s bright and full of kitsch. Vintage potholders fit right in with the decor! Found mostly in thrift shops, I have never paid more than a dollar or two a piece, but still they are vintage treasure! I wonder who made them, and marvel at the delicate and intricate stitches that make up these cuties. I use most of my vintage potholders as decor. Many are bright, mid-century modern colors, like red, white, or pink. Most have a design, with a loop at the top meant for hanging.
I love the vintage pot holders made with flowers, like this pink one that graces my 1930’s pink mixer.
Similar in style, a red version “gussies up” my antique jar that holds dishwasher tabs. I attached it with a bit of double sided 3M tape.
On the hoosier cabinet, a set of crocheted, red and white “sugar and creamer” themed potholders grace the doors, adding to the antique quaintness.
Quite old, they are so detailed and shaped perfectly!
Also on the Hoosier, this pentagon shaped potholder adds a bit of color to a repurposed coffee canister from the 1950’s.
I love Scotties. They epitomize the 1930’s and 1940’s, and they also remind me a bit of my lil’ terrier. For my birthday, my farmgirl friend Julie sent me the cutest little potholder, an antique crocheted square out of the finest yarn, with red edges, and a wee scotty dog in the middle. “I just know you will love this. I thought of you when I saw it”, wrote Julie. She was right, the gift was very “me”. This one is just so adorable.
Too cute to ever use, I attached it to the wall without damage to the item or to the painted wall with “Stick-Um” candle adhesive.
I use this wax for many things – to keep breakables from slipping off surfaces (we have cats, and dogs with long wagging tails), in the dollhouse, and to keep wall decor from going crooked, for example.
Also for my birthday this past spring, my sweet friend Robin sent me this quilted version with cherries (knowing my kitchen is a retro cherry theme). This beautiful, kitschy handmade piece came from the estate of a 90-year-old woman, who kept it pristine for decades! We have a really cool, working 1940’s refrigerator in our basement, filled with cold drinks. I wish I could have it in my kitchen, but it’s as solid and heavy as a bank vault, so there is no way it will ever make it upstairs. I make my “modern” (from 2000) kitchen fridge more vintage-looking with the sweet potholder, a 1958 calendar towel, and a linen 1940’s postcard.
One of my adult knitting class students last spring brought in two beautiful antique potholders to show me, handmade by her grandmother many decades ago.
Though they aren’t really Laine’s preferred style, they are very sentimental, and she marvels at how useful the potholders are, still in use in her kitchen.
This small pair of hexagonal vintage potholders are made with fine fiber, intricately crocheted and double sided. I find they work better than big, thick or silicone modern counterparts, especially with my small hands! I did get tomato sauce on them, but a day soaking in a bit of OxiClean before throwing them in the wash got them as good as 1945-new!
In the vintage camper, this pair of aqua colored potholders is a rare color, and faded, which I love. They say to me that someone loved to cook, and I love that though they have been washed so many times the color has faded, they are strong and intact, and I love that someone kept them.
My favorite pieces, though, are the ones made to look like clothes, such as dresses, tops and bloomers. In my laundry room, I attached a pair of red and white potholders, in the form of a cute top and bloomers, to the wall, using tiny clothespins found at the craft store.
On the other wall, this red-white-and-blue vintage dress is just the sweetest. It hangs on an antique washboard with a magnet inside the dress.
The floor in the laundry room was old, 1980’s peel and stick linoleum, and had become dingy and cracked. Over the fourth of July weekend, my husband and I pulled up the old floor, and added a new one, choosing a more modern farmhouse parquet-wood look. I am really happy how it turned out, but it was much easier to do a project like that in my twenties than in my fifties! The little potholders hanging in there go well with the retro theme.
I am sentimental with this “sew cute camper” potholder my talented friend, Erin, made me several years ago…
…and these cool retro potholders farmgirl friend Grace made for me recently.
I adore my little potholders, whether they are being used for their intended purpose or as decor. They remind me of simpler times, and make me smile. I’d like to make YOU smile, too, so this month, I’m doing a “Pretty In Pink” Giveaway – with a vintage pink and white potholder, organic tea, and some various vintage and retro-inspired “tuck-ins”, for crafting or notes.
Two lucky readers this month will be randomly chosen. To enter, just leave me a comment below. Tell me about your “accidental collections”, or just say hello! (Remember to do the Captcha so your comment goes through)!
Until Next Time….Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, I have a few of the pot holders made like dresses in different colors. I have a friend who has a big collection of white trimmed in red crocheted pot holders. She has them displayed all around her kitchen. Small world! Joan P.
Hi Joan, love it…I think we Farmgirls think alike! Good luck in the drawing! I will email the winners and announce them in next month’s blog post! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thank you for sharing your collection! I have two
chicken -shaped potholders that were my Aunt
Anna’s. One is perfect to use when pouring hot water from our whistling tea kettle! Two works well for safely gripping the handles of the Corning “Cornflower Blue” patterned casseroles from the oven. They were my mother-in-laws.
MORE THAN TWO is a collection? I have MANY!
Thanks for sharing!
Jean
Hi Jean, your chicken potholders sound so adorable, and I love that they were your aunt’s, and that you have your mother-in-law’s casseroles. I have a Corning “Cornflower Blue” tea kettle in the camper. It’s the perfect size for the wee kitchen, and spot-on for the period (my camper is from 1966).
I hear ya on the “more than two is a collection”…I am right there with you! Thanks for reading and commenting, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh my gosh, Nicole! I am head over heels in love with your kitchen! I love retro stuff and have a collection of my own. One can never have enough vintage goodies….never ever!
And the glamping potholder your friend Grace made for you…..swooooon! My dearest friend Tina just got herself a little retro’ish glamper and a potholder like this would be ideal! I haven’t sewn for a while but I think it’s about time! Thanks to you and to your friend Grace for the motivation!
Hi Ellen, thank you! I love having vintage and retro in the kitchen…it makes me happy and I use most of my pieces. Aren’t those potholders adorable? I am blessed to have such sweet (and talented) friends! Thanks for reading and writing in – good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Such a fun post! I have several of my grandmother’s crocheted potholders–sweet memories.
Hi Sandra, thank you! I am so glad my post reminded you of your grandmother. Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
While loving potholders and having a few vintage ones, I also love jars of all shapes and sizes and use them for multiple things. I have a daughter who has inherited my love of jars – ha!
Hi Vickie! I love that you collect jars! I can totally see how they can become addiciting with the colors and shapes, etc. There are so many cool variations in vintage canning jars, too, and there are so many cool ways to repurpose them. Happy Collecting! Thanks for writing in; good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole … I just love your collection of vintage potholders. I remember them from my childhood and I have been able to find a number of them at local thrift stores. My kitchen is red so my favorite potholders are the little dress and the matching bloomers which I have displayed on a bulletin board. Another tip … those nice round ones make nice, washable coasters! Great post! Carol
Hi Carol! Sounds like we like a lot of the same things! I love your idea of using the round ones as coasters, as well. They are so versatile and add such a boost of sweet color. Thanks for reading and commenting. Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thank you sharing !I also have a cute collection going on:)
It just happens thru the years Love yours.
Hi Charlene, thank you! Yes, over the years those collections do grow! Thanks for visiting the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
All those beautiful potholders!!! I just love them. My accidental collection is full of teapots. It started with taking home from my mom my grandmother’s teapot. Mom didn’t want the “dust collector” any more. I suppose because of that one teapot my kids thought I should have more and now I have eleven sets, teapots, creamers, sugar bowls, and trays! I enjoyed your post and I just love your kitchen! Wanna trade? Jus’ kiddin.’ Be blessed!
Hi Marge! It is so good to hear from you! I love your teapot story! That is how a lot of collections start, hee hee. Teapot sets are a great thing to collect. Hope you are having a wonderful summer! Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have a small collection of beautiful tea pots, even though I don’t drink tea, and a small glass bell collection
Hi Barb, both interesting collections – I bet you have some unique pieces! Good luck in the drawing, and thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Owls comprise my accidental collection. The owl is my sorority mascot, and one of my “sisters” & I started gifting each other with small owls. My thrift store finds are usually the most unique. I decorate seasonally, so my owl collection is on display in fall.
I love getting reacquainted with my collection every fall.
Hi Terry, I love that you collect owls… I have seen many cute (and vintage) ones! Thank you for sharing, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Luv them all especially the Scotty one
Some days we will have to have tea and have ‚a show-n-tell‘ of our beloved pot holders… .. I agree, I often wonder who made them .. I can just see a grandma rocking in her chair listening to the radio as she crochets a pot holder, perhaps for a church bazaar or little gift to a beloved granddaughter‘s … what ever the story… love them all.
Hi Grace! Tea and show n tell sounds fun…let’s do it! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I had an accidental collection of teddy bears when I was a teen. I loved stuffed animals as a kid. I hated barbie. My Great Aunt would make me handmade stuffed dolls, as well. One was a Raggedy Anne and Andy doll set.
Hi Ashley, you sound alot like my daughter! She really loved stuffed animals more than dolls as a kid! I love your memories of your great aunt. Those of us who make handmade items love that we will be remembered for our gifts, made with love! Thank you for sharing, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, I absolutely love your kitchen. So homey and inviting. You are quite the decorator. I too collect everything and am very much an accidental collector. One of my accidental collections is vintage matchbox, l absolutely love them and can never have enough.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Debbie
Hi Debbie, awww thank you! What an interesting thing you collect, matchboxes! I will have to remember that! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I too back in my heydays loved my collectables but unfortunately didn’t have any of these cute potholders. I collected the blue/white Delft as my Mother was Dutch, collected the Pyrex bowls but when we moved from Indiana to Florida, I gave most of them away to family but I did keep the original blue/white Dutch pattern set of three. I still love going to antiques stores to browse and bring back childhood memories of my mother’s kitchen.
Hi Joyce, isn’t it something how certain pieces will bring us right back to our childhood kitchens? I hope someday my daughter thinks about all the great times in ours. Thank you for sharing. I still see some of the Delft pieces in antique stores; some is quite old. So lovely. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I collect vintage sewing implements including sewing baskets. I’ve built a shelf on three sides of the craft room above the doors and windows for my collections.
Hi Crystal, I love that! I bet your craft room is dreamy! I was collecting vintage sewing machines, but have run out of room (unless I come across a very unique one, wink wink).Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I am blessed to have a few potholders. I love to collect anything vintage for my laundry room. Love the photo’s of your collection’s. What a wonderful feeling it is to have thing’s in our home’s to make us smile.
Hi Joy, thank you so much! I bet your laundry room is adorable! Good luck in the drawing and thank you for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi, I love your collection! I have many of the same ones as you. I think my favorite is your red, white, and blue dress. I think it’s one of a kind. I live in CT too and love to search for more pot holders. Thanks for the idea of double sided tape & candle wax.
Hi Carol, thank you so much! Isn’t that red, white and blue one a cutie? Since we have some of the same pieces and are in the same state, I wonder if some of our pieces could have been made by the same person? Thanks for reading and commenting; good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks for sharing. I live in Hawaii and everytime we go to the beach we find coral. They call it stick coral because it looks like a white stick.
Oh Rhonda, I love that you collect coral and did not know that it is called sitck coral! How cool. However, I am saying a prayer right now that you are not near the area with the horrible fires!!! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I love this post. Now I have to go open up the cedar chest and did out some of the treasures that my Mom and Grandmothers have made. I see endless possibilities of how to use them now. Thank you so much for our posts. Love the flowers also.
Dorothy, this makes me so happy that I have inspired you like that! Thank you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi i love your kitchen and i look so forward to your blog my collection is blue n white snowmen my son brought one home from a beach vacation and so it began Have a good weekend
Hi Carleen, thank you so much! My kitchen is a happy place, for sure. Love that you collect blue and white snowmen, and how your collection started. Thanks for sharing! Good luck in the drawing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole
I love all your vintage collections. How you’ve added them into your kitchen and home is inspiring. I too have some of my own ‘collections’. Have two of the cutest dresses (pit holders) and two teapots all hand made, still usable and dearly loved. I also have one that is quilted, round, and says Mom’s Kitchen.
Keep looking for cool items to add to your collections!
Hi Cathy, thank you so much! Your collection sounds so cute, as well! Love it. Good luck in my drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Your collection, front the luxuriosly intricate to the beautifully simple is so fun to see. My favorite digs at thrift store are the vintage handcrafts. It’s amazing the uniqueness you find. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Rochelle, thank you so much! You are so right – the uniqueness of handmade vintage is wonderful to see. Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I love jars. All kinds, old or new. My husband is always telling me that I have too many. However,he never misses the chance to gift some one something special in one of them.
Hi Lavern, jars are a great thing to collect! Love that. Speaking of new ones, have you seen the “rose” colored vintage style Ball jars? I wonder if they are as pretty in person as online? Funny about your husband gifting yours! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I found a vintage snack set at an antique store years ago and was head over heels in like with it. I have since collected 18 more sets. I love using them for lunch or desserts with friends.
Hi Terri, ooooo love those vintage snack sets! They are hard to find! What a cool thing to collect! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
My accidental collection began with linens from my mom and mother in law. I now love and use all linens that come my way. Damask, block brints from the 40’s and 50’s and embroidered linens. My trailer also has some of theses beauties to use
Hi Maryanne, love it! They are amazing at how long they last, right? I recently picked up what I thought was a large 1930’s dish towel, embroidered with Scotties. It was dirty and dingy, and had a few worn spots, but for $5 I thought I could do something with it. I soaked it to gleaming white, darned the areas with holes so you can’t see them, and starched and ironed the piece. I realized it is a table runner! It now sits on my dining room table. You just can’t beat linens from the 30’s to the 60’s! And you are so right – they are so at home in a trailer! Thanks for sharing! Good luck in the drawing, Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Makes my heart full to read this post and see photos of all the unique pot holders. Reminiscent of the good ole days! Beautiful work where perfectionist hands put in a lot of time, detail and love. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Monique, thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed this post. Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I acquired a huge box of vintage hand-crocheted items, which included potholder. They make excellent knee patches on ripped jeans!
Hi Kath, what a great idea! I never thought of that – how adorable to use them as patches on ripped jeans! Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have accidentally ended up with a collection of old tins and coffee tins and a lot of cannin jars from the 30s. I also love old patchwork quilts and all kinds of vintage kitchen textiles. My country dining room is like a trip back in time. I honestly have a little of everything.
Hi Sue, your home sounds dreamy with all your lovely collections! Old quilts are the best…so beautiful and the work that went into them is something. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I started collecting collecting chicken everything after having starting a coop when my son was in 4-H. I also love beach glass and rock collecting. I love your collection.
Hi Melissa, there are so many cah-ute chicken items, new and vintage, out there! What a fun thing to collect! I also have a friend who collects beach glass. She moved to Rhode Island and her hobby now is combing the beaches for beautiful beach glass. I also love that you do rock collecting! You don’t hear about that hobby as much anymore – very cool! Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole! I really enjoyed this post… I too love vintage potholders and I have a few but I have a collection of the doilies with crocheted flowers. I can’t seem to pass one up when I find them. Growing up my mother had a large one that she starched and hung on the wall in our family room. Sara
Hi Sara, I love doilies, too! I have a few lacy ones which look so pretty under vintage glass cakeplates, and I love ones like you mention, with the flowers, too. I think sometimes the doilies and potholders were a set. All cute! Thanks for reading and commenting, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
My maternal grandmother did similar to the ones you have We have a collection of them. They are lovely.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, what wonderful tangible memories you have in those! Always so good to hear from you. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love your kitchen and your potholder collection! I have some old potholders mostly given by family members and others that I’ve picked up at yard sales. My home is a collection of collections, all things collected over the years, all things that I love … I like what I like and it all comes together! ❤️
Hi Beth, thank you! I love what you have said, which sums us up, too… “My home is a collection of collections…”! I hear ya! Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole-love your collections! And your kitchen looks like a great place to hang out too. I have a collection of tea cups that were my Mom’s and I also have salt & pepper shakers that started with the ones from my Mom’s. My favorite in that collection is a mouse and cheese. Wish I could share a picture of that one. She had a rabbit and cabbage set that my sister Bonnie got. I treasure them all!
Hi Marge! So good to hear from you! What a fun thing to collect – salt and pepper shakers! The mouse and cheese sound adorable. I’d love to see a photo – you can always email me. I think my favorite salt and pepper shakers here are the ones on the Hoosier – they are penguins, made in celluloid. My aunt gave them to my mom, and she gave them to me. They were originally promotions in the 1930s for a cigarette company! Always good to hear from you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I use to collect elephant knick knacks, now it’s lamps. Everytime I am in a thrift store I go for the lamps.
Hi Carol, both awesome things to collect! Happy hunting, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have a large collection of embroidered dish towels and pillow cases. It’s hard to remember, but I think it started with a filthy pillow case found under a bunch of junk in a basket. It was in an antiques and Civil War memorabilia store in Gettysburg, PA. It had little bluebirds and musical notes on it. Since I already had a small collection of bluebirds, I thought I would try saving it. It soaked clean, and the fabric was so soft, I decided to use it and I love how comfortable it is. That started my search for older linens- pillow cases, towels, doilies etc.
Hi Marion, such treasure you found, for sure! Isn’t it amazing how soft and long-lasting antique linens are? Textiles were made so much better in the past. I am finding the pillowcases are getting harder to find, but worth the hunt! Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thank you for sharing your collection with us! I had collected everything strawberry at one time, but no longer do. Now I am collecting granny chic floral plates, dishes,, bowls and pitchers.❤
Hi Evelyn, what fun things to collect! My mom collected strawberries in the seventies. I have a set of Avon dessert plates I got at the flea market that have strawberries. Most of my kitchen is cherry themed, though. Granny chic is the BEST! Happy hunting, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole! I absolutely love my grandmothers hand-made potholders! I still use them and have held up better than any store bought one.
I accidentally became a collector of handmade quilts and afghans. My husbands grandmother hand stitched her quilts and I was gifted one many years ago. Since, we have been given more of her work! I mean, I’m not complaining at all! The afghans come from my side of the family and continue to be made. 8 have several both my grandmother and my husbands grandmother made. They are my antique blessings of warmth and love. ❤️
Hi Shannon, what a wonderful, lovely collection you must have! I love that. I was just out to dinner with friends and someone was saying how they have quilts handed down and made for special occasions. Such heirlooms! Thank you for sharing, and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have an accidental collection of vintage embroidered dresser scarves and tablecloths. I was in a second hand store years ago and found a dresser scarf with embroidered flowers just the right colors for my bedroom and as a bonus it has a crocheted lace border. I inherited a few more pieces and it seemed very time I was at an antique store I would see more scarves or tablecloths I just had to have!
Hi Deb, I can see how easy that is to do. Things back then were just made so well, and with such love, charm and beauty. Did you notice the cherry themed tablecloth from the 1940s that is draped over the door of the hoosier? Found in a favorite antique store, I just had to have it, so I know what you mean! Dresser scarves are a very cool thing to collect, too. Thank you for sharing and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I started collecting the potholders when my grandma was gonna toss em….she had and made many….they were tossed to me and I have built my collection from estate sales and garage sales! So many warm memories when I look at them…..I can smell grandmas cookie dough too!!!
Oh Leanne, what a rescue! Isn’t it funny how things our grandmas and mamas tossed are things we see as treasure? I always say to my Mama, “I’m buying what you threw away!” Thank you for reading and commenting, good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have some from my Grandmothers – – precious to me. Since I last wrote to you I have increased my doll collection – – sewing for them is a joy. We have a cottage now, we remodeled our vacation cottage for retirement – – and I kept the cottage look although much is new. Love your appreciation for dear vintage things!!
Hi Kathy, you are so lucky that you have some from your grandmother. I have two crocheted shawls that one grandmother made, and an embroidered tablecloth my other grandma made. Both are precious indeed. I love that you are sewing for your dolls! I just got a pattern for Patti Playpal dresses. I plan on making my favorite Patti a Halloween themed dress with vintage-print Halloween fabric. Your cottage sounds Heavenly! Thanks for commenting and good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hello…first time here! Accidental collection…old books. It’s hard to pass up an antique book!
Hi Marilyn, and welcome! Love that you collect antique books. I have a few, myself, picked up here and there. Sometimes, I have gotten a very old one for free from a library that does a big sidewalk sale in the summer. Some of the very antique books they just gave away. I also love to collect antique children’s books. Some of them are just the cutest and I use them for seasonal decor. Thanks for reading and commenting. Good luck in the drawing, and I hope you will join me again! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love the Hoosier!
Hi Robin, thank you so much! I looked and looked for one…my “unicorn” piece! One day, up popped one in my price range, in the smaller size I could use. My husband and I drove several hours for it. It was my anniversary present that year, and one of the best ever! I love changing the decor with the seasons, and it has so much good storage! Thanks for reading and commenting; good luck in the drawing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I love vintage kitchen items. They make me smile. I wonder about the stories these could share if they could talk. 🙂
Hi Karen, right? I always wonder about that, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
It was fun to read this article. Both of my grandmas and my mom crocheted all those potholders! They also crocheted doilies and tablecloths, quilted, and embroidered dish towels. I just retired and moved out to my parent’s house which stood empty for many years. I have it livable and comfortable. I kept the old sink in our utility room and decorated with pink, which is my favorite color. It’s great to be home. I embroider dish towels and crochet simple dishrags to use as gifts and donations. I like to quilt and hope to do more. It’s fun to carry on the traditions!
Hi Ginger, you sound like a true-blue farmgirl! Love it. How wonderful for you to move back to your parents’ home. What a blessing. Thank you for reading and sharing, and good luck in the drawing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I kinda got hooked on tablecloths and real napkins when we had our Bed & Breakfast. We did a 10 year stint that’s over with now but setting a pretty table stuck with me!
Hi Myra, there is nothing as good as real napkins! I bet running a bed and breakfast was a fun and rewarding thing to do! Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh Nicole, this blog post really resonated with me.
My first thought while reading it brought me right back to that day, probably 45 years ago when I helped a neighbor friend clean out her Auntie Sue’s house after she’d passed.
Aunties Sue’s house was FULL of “accidental collections” she had a few pairs of those finely crochet cotton clothing pot holders. All startched and faded but in excellent shape. She hung them in her kitchen on small metal seafoam green hangers. I can still see them after all these years. Auntie Sue had LOTS of finely crochet cotton potholders; kitty cats, owls, chickens, Christmas bells. I came home that day with a cookie jar of hers with hand painted cherries on it. It lost it’s lid years ago but still sits on my counter as a handy utensil holder. But oh how many times I’ve wished I took just one pair of those cotton crochet clothing potholders home with me. Perhaps it was that day that started me on my own collections of all things old, colorful, crafted, quirky and loved.
Thank you for writing such a a beautifully descriptive piece that was able to bring me back to such a wonderful day spent with an old friend with sweet surprises inside every cupboard and around every corner. I will share this blog post with that same neighbor friend, now in her 80’s herself. I’m sure it will do the same for her. And I will cross my fingers, hoping to be the lucky winner and have the chance to finally have my own set of fancy crochet cotton potholders to remind me of that day filled with magic and wonderful treasure.
Hi, Nicole!
I inherited many crocheted doilies & potholders from my beloved Nana & my great-aunt Neva, which I cherish. I also collect antique Valentine postcards & ephemera & Fitz & Floyd vintage teapots. After we got our sweet rescued hens, I started collecting chicken pottery & sculpture. I really enjoy your blog.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Teresa
Hi Teresa, how lucky that you have inherited such special pieces. I have an embroidered tablecloth made by one grandma, and a crocheted shawl made by the other. They are precious to me. Your collections sound like fun treasures, too! Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hello! Love reading about your collections
Hi Mary, thank you so much! Good luck in the drawing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Used to go on monthly antique trips with my bestie. My mantra then: I need this! Now: I know I don’t this, but I’d feel better if I had it!
Hi Bernadine, love it! Also, rememeber “Nothing haunts you like the vintage you did not buy…” Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I love all the potholders! I think my favorite are the sugar and creamer set, I have never seen any like that! I love saving little tea things:cups, mugs , teapots. I have kind of a mish-mash!
Hi Lori, thank you! I love the sugar and creamer set, too. It is really old, and I have never seen another pair. Can you believe I got them for $2 for the pair?! I was doing a happy dance when I found them. And I think mish-mash is awesome! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole