Moonflower Murders │ Vintage Television

Last year, I watched a fun mystery series on PBS called Magpie Murders. It involved writers, editors, and murderers. It's always fun watching what other writers write about their writing characters. 

(It does make sense, just read that sentence a few more times.)

Well, the sequel to this little series is back (which I found out two episodes too late) and it's called Moonflower Murders. I need to find a way to watch these older episodes (the PBS website has streaming to the most recent episode, so trying to find episode one may be tricky).

I've also been watching older episodes of the period classic mysteries Sister Boniface and Father Brown, both set in the 1950s. I watch so many of these mysteries for their wardrobe array; these two are superb.

If Moonflower Murders is anything like Magpie Murders, they will be fantastic. There is a bit of a story within a story - a murder within a murder. Which means double the mystery.

Cheers.

Vintage ‘70s Plaid Wool Pendleton Board Shirt

Is it even fall if I don’t post a Pendleton shirt?

This beauty is in excellent condition, minus one repair on the inside sleeve of one cuff.

It's always a joy to thrift a Pendleton. Especially one that's about 50 years old and in near-perfect condition. This one is the coveted "board shirt," meaning it has a loop collar and two breast pockets.

It's in the shop!

Vintage Mug Monday │ Rx: 8 Ounces Hot Drink as Needed

Here’s an adorable vintage mug. The prescription is valid; it's smart and logical: hot drinks are the remedy. 

And the cute pig on the front makes this mug all that it can be.

The Doctor is in. And he says hot drinks are the answer to everything. 

Happy vintage mug Monday. May your mug be vintage and your coffee hot.

The mug is in the shop. ♥

A Glass of Wine

I told my husband the other night that I only wanted one glass of wine.

This is what he brought me.

Apparently, he can read my mind.

Because this is the best size of just "one glass of wine" I've ever seen.

ProCore Golf Tournament in Napa Valley

Two weeks ago, my husband and I went to a PGA golf tournament in Napa Valley at the Silverado Resort.

This is the second time we've gone. It's now called the Procore Tournament (formerly Fortnet). And because it's not one of the big tournaments, the crowds are smaller and the event feels almost like a private tour.

We followed a group of three golfers and other than one group of two, the caddies and an official, we were the only other two following.  It was like watching an event made for us. How fun is that? 

The greens were just breathtaking. Sunrise on a golf course is pretty magical. My husband was in heaven being able to watch these guys play, oh, about five yards or less from him. Sometimes, it was more like one yard! It's too close for me. To be close enough to reach out and touch the players is a little too close (I think it's more because if I were playing, I wouldn't want people standing three feet away from me while I was trying to tee off!)

They had wonderful tents of food and treats. We hung out in the Meiomi Wine tent when the day got warm and we needed a sit-down. They are the official wine of the PGA tour. And, in my humble opinion, I had one of the best cabernet sauvignons ever.

We're not sure if this tournament will stay on the tour. Despite the stellar location of Napa Valley, we've heard the turnout isn't what the tour is looking for. I hope they don't take it away. It's now become a fall tradition for us to go to Napa and watch some spectacular golf in a private setting.

Until next year, Napa...

Pristine Greens

Sunrise on the putting green.

Morning Light

I took this shot the other morning when I was headed to an outdoor event in the Napa Valley. 

Sunrise is always a spectacular thing.

Even if that sunrise is in a mirror...

Good morning. ♥

A Little Red and Green │ Autumnal Colors

I saw this lovely color palette this morning on my walk and had to snap a picture of the contrasting colors.

Yes, these are Christmas colors, but so much of fall has green and red in it too.

This color combo is something I'd love to live in for most of autumn and winter.

Nature is, perhaps, the best wardrobe coordinator.

♥

My Fairy Garden Front Yard

Mushrooms this time of year are fun. Well, they're fungi, actually, but you know...

I took a couple shots of the mushrooms in my front yard. Autumn is when our dew point in Northern California drops so we get a whole lot more fungal activity than the previous six months combined.

There is a fairy world waiting to be discovered underneath them.

Love the dew drops on the grass surrounding them. These photos remind me of many of the books I read as a child with enchanted fairy worlds living just below the surface of what we see.

'Tis a beautiful thing.

Vintage '60s Mohair Sweater

I sourced a wonderful mohair men's mid-century sweater this week.

It has two areas of wear, but for $1.99, I had to get it. These sweaters are in such demand right now. The late grunge singer Kurt Cobain made this sweater style popular and probably pushed young people into wearing vintage back in the early '90s.

We even have the previous owner's name sewn in ♥

I understand the vintage appeal. They're great sweaters. My dad wore these and I even sold some of his years ago.

I'm going to try to repair the hole in the elbow. It's going to be a strange repair. I may use a patch, or I may use thread and create a closure so that at least you won't lose your elbow when you wear it!

The separation on the front is an easy fix with some thread and I hope to list it in the shop soon.

Even with repairs, visible repairs, I still expect to get a nice return. Being able to prolong the life of an item of clothing is a great feeling.

Cheers to sustainable fashion.

Saturday Mornings in September

The trails in my neighborhood are beautiful in the fall.

My mornings are perfectly crisp. The light is elegantly nice for morning eyes.

Have a wonderful fall weekend, everyone.

Drink some cider, pick some apples, do all the autumnal things.

-Heather

Vintage Native American Basket

A few years ago, I thrifted a small very vintage Native American basket.

It has some damage, but it is petite and sweet, and having loved vintage Indian baskets for years (and knowing I couldn't afford them) coming across this was like finding gold.

It was about $5 which is a very decent price, despite the damage. I don't care about the damage. I just want to preserve it for the rest of its life.

Do I know the tribe from which this was made? Unfortunately not. If someone does know, based on the design, let me know in the comments. I would love to know.

Meanwhile, it sits on display on my sideboard. Sometimes, I move it to a cabinet with glass doors so it's more protected from dust and decay.

I'm thrilled to have even thrifted it. 

What a find.

Upcycled Pumpkins │ Vintage Fabric

My fabulous friend was out antiquing the other day with her daughter. They came upon upcycled pumpkins made of vintage fabric. Meaning, that old fabric is re-ignited with love for a new product. In this case, it's vintage fabric repurposed into the most adorable pumpkins.

Well, she sent these to me! Which is perfect because I don't have much Autumn decor. Not by choice, it's just many of my decor pieces have outlived their lives and I now maybe have one ceramic candle pumpkin. 

These are perfect autumnal decor pieces for me. 

One of them is made of old chenille. The fabric was probably an old robe or blanket in its original life. 

The other one is made of vintage Pendleton fabric. It looks like it could've been an old Pendleton skirt or jacket. Thick, amazing, fabric. 

What a fantastic idea. I often see old fabrics with holes and damage in my vintage clothing sourcing, which is disappointing but also part of the vintage life - holes happen. Yet, the balance of the piece's material is in pristine condition. 

Repurposing the fabric is ingenious.

I wish I knew who to give credit to for these (someone in Idaho), but I just adore them. It's a fantastic idea and I adore the skill someone has to create these. 

Happy Autumn.

Thank God it's Vintage Friday │ Vintage 1850s Grumpy Kid

1850s grumpy girl, courtesy of  Historical Pictures

"You're telling me it's supposed to be 100 degrees again in a few days?"

This is my current look at that situation.

Autumn could be a lot faster to get here. But, alas, I can wait. It just makes fall all that much better when the temperatures agree to match up with the time of year.

Have a great weekend everyone. Thank God it's vintage Friday. TGIVF.

-Heather 

A Few More Thrifted Finds

I was able to pick up a few great vintage items today.

It's not my usual Tuesday haul, but think of it as an advanced screening of next Tuesday's "could be" haul.

My son had to take his car in for repairs so I'm currently sharing my car again.

Of course, this is all first-world problems, but I have to change my schedule to accommodate everyone's schedule.

So, I hopped out today and picked up a few things to post next week. Here's what I found:

• one vintage '60s Mohair wool sweater - This needs some love and repairs, but they are so hard to find - and in demand - I wasn't going to leave it behind. 
• one vintage '70s embroidered Levi's shirt - These are the best!
• one vintage '60s hunting olive green vest - I couldn't pass up the color (again).

Have a wonderful rest of your week.

-H

Deer in the Wild

Because my neighborhood is built within a mile of a river, and because there are a million trails around it, seeing deer in the surrounding area is a regular thing.

But I don't minimize these sightings. Nature in nature is always beautiful even if commonplace.

Here is Mama Deer and her two fawns were out for breakfast this morning. Their natural camouflage always amazes me (the other fawn is out of the shot).

Autumn and Nietzsche

I'd have to concur. That's where I feel this season.

In my soul.

All we need is Autumn to truly live. ♥

Vintage Good Housekeeping September Issue

Saw this vintage GH cover on Pinterest and it's so vintage-y wonderful, by Jessie Willcox Smith.

I wanted to share before September is over because, I can't believe it, but October is around the corner.

I fawn over fall. I'd venture to call my behavior obsequious.

It's a magnificent season...

Pumpkins Galore

Is it even fall if you don't take a snap of the pumpkins in your Target?

Didn't think so.

Happy Autumn. My work here is done. Fall can NOW come in with full force.

(Ignore the 100 degrees just outside your door today, local NorCalians. The memo was lost... )

Thrift Haul │ Vintage Finds September 24, 2024

Today, I went to four thrift stores, sifted/ looked/ glanced/ and glazed over probably 100,000 pieces of clothing or more. Out of that number, I came out with only four items to sell.

That's how it is. The good stuff is one in 25,000 or so. Sure, there were plenty of other vintage items that I saw, but now that I'm starting my 15th year on Etsy, I've become more selective.

True, true vintage - i.e. 1980s and older - is where it's at for me. 

But... it's worth it. Even though I can't see straight and my eyeballs want to fall out of their sockets, this is all a part of the "labor of love" that sourcing vintage is all about.

Here's what I got:

• one vintage '80s Pendleton, made in USA, wool shirt - nice!
• one vintage '40s / '50s loop collar corduroy shirt - wow!
• one vintage '60s mid-century yellow thick cotton robe - love this color!
• one vintage '90s Banff t-shirt - from 1990.

All good stuff. All of it. And headed to the shop this week.

Thanks for taking a look with me. ♥

Vintage Mug Monday │ Damn I'm Good Coffee Cup

Truthfully, this is never my morning sentiment.

I'm usually stumbling out of bed just to get to the coffee maker.

And if I make it without stubbing my toe, then I'm off to a great day.

But, I saw this vintage mug the other day. And it just... made me laugh.

For starters, nobody is worthy of this phrase.

And two, there should be a comma after "damn."

Regardless, the point is this: the only Being truly worthy of drinking from this cup every morning is our Maker.

Yep. That first sip is always the best, I can hear Him say. And as He looks upon the sunrise, or every sunrise in the world simultaneously and in all the dimensions of time, this line... this line is His to own. 

Like, forever.

So,  if you're looking for God's coffee cup, here it is.

I have it on loan and, quite perfectly enough, it's in my shop.

Happy vintage mug Monday. May your coffee be hot and your mug vintage...

 

Vintage Olive Green 1940s Cardigan

This old olive green cardigan had its hooks in me when I first saw it at the thrift store near me.

I walked by it for a couple of weeks, thinking someone else would buy it.

Why didn't I want it?

Because it has wear, the elbows were becoming threadbare, and because it was a larger size, it sometimes can be a difficult sell. (Too small or too large and the item can sit in the shop for a while...)

But, the age and wear of the sweater is what made it so special, I knew this, which is why I was so conflicted.

Also, olive green is my favorite of all the colors ever made (God knows His stuff); the wool is old, the zipper is old, and the cardigan was probably handmade.

I think someone amazing made this, which is why there aren't any labels.

Judging by the zipper (Talon) and by the patina on that zipper, this feels like a 1940s cardigan, maybe early '50s.

So I waited. And waited. And looked at it and put it back over and over again.

Until finally, I realized it was waiting for me to take it.

Not to mention, by the time I did want to purchase it, lucky me, the thing was 50% off.

Good things are worth the wait.

Some things are meant to be.

And as so often is the case, when we have to wait for something we love, getting it can be the most rewarding thing. Which is how I feel about this vintage cardigan.

This beautifully worn-in, aged, imperfect, handmade, x-large cardigan is in the shop.

 

Happy Fall 2024

Took a beautiful walk this morning on our first day of fall. Can’t argue with God’s handiwork.

Simple things make the first day of fall perfect ... 

Enjoy your day.

Autumn 2024

Fall begins this Sunday. While the weather isn't particularly fall-ish, as it often is here in Northern California come Autumn, I know the season will arrive, albeit slowly.

While Autumn arrives for many on the East Coast now, and the leaves change and are done by mid-October, we have a lingering change; one that easily pushes far into November. 

While getting to fall in my area can be frustrating, because I want the cooler temps, I also know, our fall lasts a very long time. So, in that way, I've learned to be thankful for the warmth of now - through October - because I know it will transform eventually. 

I love this pictogram created and drawn by Brooklyn Swenson. I'm planning on doing most of these. And I have already purchased (thrifted)  the vintage sweater. (And I will continue to do this all fall long for the shop. Vintage sweaters are one of my biggest weaknesses for myself and the shop.)

Happy fall weekend, my vintage friends. Enjoy the season.

-Heather

Vintage Civil War Marine Corps Belt

I just listed a few more fall goodies in the color range I adore in my Etsy shop. Olive greens, squash yellows, and dark reds and blacks. 

I found a reproduction vintage (probably '70s) brass confederate states Marine Corp belt buckle made by the incredible J. Purdy company. They have a two-hundred-year history as the rifle and arms makers to the crown and other European aristocracy. Quite interesting. (Their modern clothing line is incredible, by the way. I'll take one of everything.)

This belt was most likely used for re-enactments and costuming. There's only one comp on Ebay that sold a while back. I can't find any others at the moment. This one is beautiful.

It's all in the shop.

As I've mentioned (pretty dang regularly here), I love autumn and the colors it brings.

Why not have the clothing match the surroundings...

Have a wonderful weekend ushering in the fall my vintage friends. 

Thank God it's vintage Friday... 

 

Vintage Hawaiian Clothing │ Lauhala Dress

I have two new Hawaiian items in my shop this week.

One is a gorgeous late '60s/ early '70s Hawaiian dress.

I found it at an estate sale close to my house.

She's a beauty.

I also came across a vintage late '60s bark cloth men's shirt.

The abstract mid-century pattern makes it all the much more amazing to me.

Most Hawaiian shirts are floral or have tiki designs on them.

Not this one!

Aloha, all...

 

Autumn Mist │ The Mist and All - Dixie Willson

It's turning Autumn this weekend.

Thought I'd give a little push into it early with this sweet vintage poem.

The Mist and All,

by Dixie Willson.

Vintage Finds │ Thrift Haul September 17, 2024

This is my favorite time of year! (As you all know.)

Autumn is the best. Autumn allows for the best clothes, best weather, and the best seasonal smells (Yes, to me. Rain, dead leaves, and cold mornings = perfection).

The (almost) fall finds have been fabulous. Today's haul was nice. Only a few items, but all are great items. Lots of reds and greens.

• Vintage Confederate State Marines Corp belt buckle - I don't know when this was made exactly. I'm pretty sure it's a reproduction. If it's original, we're talking about the 1860s. If it's newer, which I think it may be, it looks 1960s/ '70s. Regardless, it's beautiful. What a find! Heavy brass and made in England.
• 

• vintage '80s thick wool buffalo plaid shirt
• vintage '60s olive hunting-style vest
• vintage '80s plaid Scottish-made deadstock scarf
• vintage '40s hand-knitted wool blend olive green cardigan

I even picked up a few Pyrex pieces I didn't have to add to my collection.

Everything else, is headed to the shop.

Thanks for following along!

-Heather