Green Day: Charity Shop Haul

Such is the economic climate that the village next to ours, where I go to use the bank, has not one, but two, charity shops. Yesterday I visited both and came back somewhat laden!

First was this sweet glass vase which may be cut lead crystal. The design is of ears of wheat, and it's a great size for a few flowers from the garden, when the time comes.

I think this pressed glass dish is so pretty, it was totally irresistable and had to come home with me. I don't know why, this pattern looks somewhat Victorian or eastern European but I'm probably wrong. If anyone knows anything about it or the vase above, please let me know.

It's on the table at the moment but I should clear the sideboard to make space for it there. It looks pretty on the table, though, as it catches the sunlight coming through the window.

Another item I couldn't resist was this owl pot. It was sitting on a shelf holding knitting needles so I wasn't sure if it was for sale, but it was so I bought it. I think it could hold my knitting needles or crochet hooks instead. I have quite a collection of owly bits and pieces andthelittle cupboard I keep most of them in is full to bursting, but I'll find a place for this because I love it.

I also fell in love with this kingfisher blue knitted lace scarf, which suffers a little from being square rather than rectangular, but is lovely and soft on the neck. I couldn't leave that behind either.

I found this vintage embroidered linen runner languishing on a rail and have ideas for it, too.

I also brought home some mending!

This stunning crochet lace tablecloth is dazzling white but some of the joins between motifs have come undone, so it needs some tlc and attention.

One day, when the chicks have all flown, I harbour ambitions to use proper table linen instead of oilcloth - which may be misguided, but maybe the dream will be realised!

I have also struck very lucky on Freecycle recently, which may help with the display of my treasures.

I was frustrated by a lack of storage in our refurbished sitting room, and was delighted to succeed in freecycling this cupboard/display cabinet. The people we obtained it from had freecycled it themselves from someone in a neighbouring village, and although it is rather battered and needs some refinishing, it is a handsome beast with proper wooden drawers and backing.



The following week a similar item was advertised on Freecycle and it sounded very like. Again my bid was successful and I went to collect it, expecting it was one of the pair that had been offered but refused by the people we'd collected from the previous weekend. In fact, not. It was identical, but the new donors had bought it from new in the place of manufacture, J. Sutcliffe and Son, when they first married. Isn't that the most amazing coincidence? So my best beloved has another project lined up for him now, when the weather warms up a bit, and then we will have somewhere to display some treasures and store games and other entertainments. It's been a good month for recycling!