Visiting Flea Markets

This past weekend, I was super excited to be treasure hunting at 2 flea markets on the same day.  My husband and I were kidless, (the boys are away at camp) so we headed out early for the Mukwonago WI flea market that was held on Sat. and Sun.  As we were approaching Lake Geneva, the black storm clouds were also.  It was pretty scary driving under them.  Thankfully, we didn't hit any bad weather.  The rain had already passed at the flea market.  The dealers were still setting up, so we just went around it about 3 times to make sure that we didn't miss anything.  Of course, we had to get the cheese curds even though it was only 9:30 in the morning.  It's not a flea market without them.

We spent a few hours at the Mukwonago flea market and then decided to head over to the Rockford Vintage Market.  It was slightly out of our way, but it was one that I had never been too.  There were about 30 dealers there and the prices were good.  It ranged from vintage, primitive and repurposed items.  (The breweries were selling beer too).  I found a few treasures so the trip was well worth it.  Check our their facebook page for the Rockford Vintage Market.

Crystal Lake downtown area will be having sidewalk sales Thursday-Saturday.  On Saturday, the Antique Mall on Crystal Lake Avenue (across from the Carriage House) will be having a flea market.  The Church on Walkup Road in Crystal Lake will be having a rummage sale on Friday July 24 starting at 9am. Friday and Saturday will be the final Gallery in the Garden in Woodstock.  It has many artists selling their goods with music and food also.  It is located on Lawndale Avenue next to the house that was in the Groundhog Days movie.  

Happy treasure hunting! 

Using Vintage Fabric

I love to make pillows out of vintage fabric whether it is a vintage tablecloth, doily or quilt pieces.  I won't cut up a vintage tablecloth unless it has holes in it or some pretty bad stains.   I have a collection of crochet flowers and vintage buttons.  I like to use them on the pillows that I make to add pretty details.

Recently, I bought a Singer sewing machine from Jo-Ann Fabrics.  They had a sale a few weeks ago and I had always wanted a sewing machine that had an assortment of stitches and a buttonhole maker. Today I finally used it to make a pillow using a vintage tablecloth and the trim that was on it.   Such little pleasures in life!

Stops Along the Way

This was the week for college visits.  It was also the time to visit new towns and new antique/vintage stores.  While it was bittersweet visiting the colleges, it was also exciting for a new chapter in all of our lives.  My first child to go away to college.  All of the memories surfacing in my mind of his youth and all of the new memories to come.  I know that I have another year with him at home, but, boy do those years go by fast.

Ok, I'll wipe those tears away and focus on the stops that we made along the way.  Reflections of the Past is a vintage clothing, jewelry and consignment clothing store located at 182 West Main Street in Whitewater WI.  I like her selection of vintage clothing.  Treasures for the Home at 18 W. Beloit Street in Darien WI had a nice selection of vintage items and great prices.  They will be moving in the next month so check with them first before going there.  Needles 'n Pins Yarn Shoppe has a huge selection of yarn located at W903A County Rd A in Delavan.  Check out their hours before going since they are closed a day or two during the week.

                                          University of Wisconsin Whitewater Landscaping

Donn's Antiques & More at 104 N. Main Street in Toluca IL was a fun find.  We stopped by with only 10 minutes to go before he closed and he stayed open for longer because he sometimes does that.  He has a nice selection of vintage items and some you have to dig for.  Reclaimed Resale is at 104 S. Menard St in Metamora IL.  They had a nice selection of thrift store finds but the vintage items were a little pricey.  Fun to look through though.

Tomorrow is the Heritage Fair at the Historical Museum in Union IL.  The barn opens at 9am with a vintage sale.  This is always a fun place to visit.  The flea market in Cedarburg WI is tomorrow also.  Saturday July 18 is the Rockford Vintage Market (see their Facebook page for more info).  Also that Saturday and Sunday is the flea market in Mukwonago WI.  July 30 is the rummage sale at the Calvary Church on Route 31 in Crystal Lake.

Happy treasure hunting!

Surprise In My Driveway

My friend, Cecilia, and I leave surprises for each other.  She is my treasure hunting buddy.  So, how nice it was the other day when I drove into my driveway and saw the cutest pink metal chair sitting there.  It is the perfect compliment to a potted lavender plant that is in a vintage bucket.

She said that she knew it was perfect for me as soon as she saw it.  I love when I find treasures that I know will be perfect for someone.  I usually put it away for a present at a future date. Those mean so much.