For many, many, many years my dear mother-in-law volunteered with the local hospital ladies board. Every year they have a huge rummage sale to raise money for hospital programs where she would help to sort, tag and then sell items. It was a social time as well; as they worked in the dust and must, these ladies would catch up with one another’s lives. Sadly, although she would dearly love to help, my mother-in-law is no longer able to withstand the rigors involved with this event.
Since I was on vacation on the Friday of the sale, we decided she would come along with me to see some of her friends and shop. Little did we know the heavens would open up with pouring rain just as we approached the sale. I dropped her off at the entrance since there were no handicapped spots available. She braved the pelting rain as I parked the car. My trek back to the main barn soaked me from the bottom of my rain slicker to my shoes. Dedicated thrifters are we.
It rained so hard that they had buckets and pails set up all around the barn to collect the leaks. The barn was packed since no one wanted to go out into the torrential rains. We managed to get some shopping in and to see some friendly faces among the workers.
This is my mother-in-law guarding our purchases. She found two beautiful plates which I wish I had gotten a picture of. Over the years she has purchased some really lovely things for herself and her family at this sale.
I found three mugs; two are pictured below. The third mug featured some pretty birds admired by my mother-in-law so that one stayed at her house.
The Irish mug is also a music box which plays “Irish Eyes Are Shining”. It was worth buying it for the song alone. The other mug is Toile by American Atelier. I was also drawn to the interesting colors of this embroidered piece of vintage linen. The lone bird salt shaker looked like he would be at home with my other white bird salt and peppers. I was right; he fits right in with the rest of the flock.
I also found a milk glass sugar bowl, a little white pitcher and some beaded hors d’oeuvres picks. The total of the items in these two photos was less than $4.
This was part of a three-piece set for $2. Isn’t the edging so pretty? This piece has edging on both ends; the other two pieces are smaller and are edged on just one end. I can imagine the set displayed on a dresser and night stands.
These red-embroidered hand towels were $1 for all three. They will need some tender care and a good soak.
In the “antique” section I came upon an envelope stuffed with vintage cards. The moisture caused some of the gummy flaps to stick, but I managed to salvage most of the cards. These tiny birthday greetings were part of the grouping.
I spied this set on my first walk around the dish area. When we were almost ready to call it a morning, I went back to see if they were still around. Yes! I hastily picked up the box and proceeded to the check out.
The box had some pieces of the vintage Franciscan pattern, Antigua. For $5, I thought it was a deal too good to pass by.
I spent about $15 total at the sale and had dried off somewhat when we decided to make a break for it between the rain drops. Although the sky opened up once again to soak us on our way out and thus prevented us from visiting other barns, our spirits were not dampened as we had a fine time.
I hope to join the parties at Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl’s Thrift Share Monday, Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?
Updated to add this exciting news. I’m feeling the love!
Tammy
Tammy Loves Dishes 
The little lone bird is so lovely. I think you got a deal on the red embroidered dishtowels, they look like they could be vintage french so be gentle with them, they are my favorites (I only have found one in my thrifting adventures). You got a ton of great stuff!
You found some real treasures! I love the milk glass and I always have room for an ‘orphan’ salt shaker!
My goodness…you got some more awesome goodies…love those beautiful red towels (I have only one). You are going to be featured at NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY on Monday…please feel free to grab my featured button for your blog and thanks so much for coming to the party.
Blessings,
Linda
Lovely thrift treasures. The milk glass is very pretty and I do love, love. love the vintage cards. ❤
You found some real treasures, especially those red dish towels! And your MIL looks like a real sweet lady!
I love the red and white towels! I bet they’ll turn out great. Sometimes I soak linens for a week before I put them in the washer. Good luck getting yours clean!
I especially like the bird and vintage linens. How wonderful to thrift with your Mother-in-law.
What fun, minus the rain. Nice finds. Who is the maker of your dishes?
Leah, they are by Franciscan.
Wow, I’m amazed by how much stuff you managed to find (and all for only $15!?). I especially love the milk glass pieces and those vintage birthday cards are super cute. I’m glad you made it to the rummage sale with your mother-in-law despite the rain!
WOW! What great finds! I love all of the linens — especially the one with the blues in it! And that Franciscan dinnerware is SO great — love the color of that!
You and your mother-in-law are certainly dedicated thrifteers! Great finds, too! I love that darling little milk glass pitcher with the beaded hors d’oeuvres holders!
It looks like you got some wonderful treasures. But more importantly is that you took your mother in law to enjoy the thrifting. God bless.
– The Tablescape
It will be a day to remember, and you have some wonderful treasures for memories!
You made some wonderful vintage finds here! I love the red and white hand towels and those dishes wow..you did great!
That sure was fun and you made you MIL really happy too. You found some really nice items at great prices…Christine
I just had fun going back through your posts and seeing all your bargains! I think my favorite is the Irish mug. If it played I’ll take you home again, Kathleen it would be perfect! 🙂
Enjoy your treasures, I did!
Hi lovely lady.
I love all your sweet Treasures !!! and for a great prices also.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my new Tablescape ,
I hope you have a great weekend.
XXOO Diane
Ok, so I’m back leaving a comment AGAIN but this time I just stopped by to let you know that I’ve nominated you for a “Liebster Blog Award” which is given to up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Check my blog for more info: http://nataschasstuff.blogspot.com/2011/11/liebster-blog-awardpass-it-on.html
All the best,
Natascha
Thank you, Natascha. You are too sweet.
Looks like you had a fun day with your MIL. And some great bargain shopping. Thank you for joining TTF and have a fun day!
What a great haul for $15.00. Love the toile mug, and those dish towels. I bet your m-i-l is still smiling about sharing this day with you. laurie
What great finds. I am so envious of those red trimmed towels, and for only $1!!!!
What a fun day you had with your mother-in-law; she looks so happy with all the goodies. Good thing you didn’t let the rain stop you. You sure found some amazing treasures. I’ve never heard of a music box mug…how sweet. Love your whites and lace too. What a deal on the dishes.