Tuesday 15 April 2008

Magpie, butterfly or squirrel?



Yes the birds may sing and the flowers may blossom but one surefire way of knowing that Spring is truly here is the increase in available gorgeousness at the car boots! I found lots of little treasures this week and thought I'd share them with you before they're all squirreled away around the house. Candy striped sheets that remind me of my parents bed when I was little and the babysitter would let me sleep in when my parents went out. A lovely lace bathroom curtain. Pretty floral embroidered tablecloth and a fab old enamel container which will be planted up with some summer flowers (comes complete with rusty drainage holes). None of this lot was more than a couple of pounds.
Do you remember this post here, where I found an old eiderdown for just a few pounds? Well who says lightning never strikes twice in the same place?



This one was £5, a bit whiffy and mucky but has scrubbed up really well. I love the faded, muted colours of its blossoms and it was great to see the pale pink emerge from the murky brown washing water.



M has given up trying to deter me from buying more, yes we're long past the "what do we need another one for", raising his eyebrows and rolling his eyes stage, these days the eiderdowns are greeted with a smile.



So in our bedroom which is fast becoming an eiderdown sanctuary for abandoned quilts I have a wonderful dilemma - what do you prefer?



Muted ?



Or loud?
The jury's out on that one, but I think there's room for both (just).



At the bottom of a pile of goodies I found this toast rack to go with my favourite crockery set.



Two more chocolate boxes and tins - the little tin reminds me of where we go on our disastrous boating trips in the summer and the larger lupin covered box just makes me want to fast forward to summer.



And finally this little box. Its graphics are beautiful but its contents are not. Pins for butterflies (yuk).
I think I'm more of a magpie than a butterfly, filling my nest with treasure. Or maybe a squirrel. I bet Squirrel Nutkin had the odd eiderdown or two.
Anyway apologies for not replying to all of your many and wonderful comments this past week. The girls are still on holiday and not much time is being spent at the computer.



Here are some photos from our walk yesterday.



Beautiful free treasures that any magpie, butterfly or squirrel would enjoy. Perhaps the best kind to find.

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Kim what fabulous treasures you have found, your pictures always make me smile, they are so gorgeous. As for muted or loud,there's definitely room for both!Enjoy the rest of your week. Jackie Mx

Garden Girl said...

I do love the stripey sheets- my parents had the same ones, with lovely thick pink and purple blankets with satin edging.The eiderdowns are beautiful- I love the faded muted ones in particular, don't they make you want to stay in bed, snuggled up all day?x

Simone said...

This is such a lovely post. I prefer the muted eiderdowns as I am a little faded now too! You had some great finds at the boot fair, especially the toast rack that matches your set. I have those same stripey sheets at home, handed down to me by my mum. Unfortunately they are used as dust sheets in decorating now! Yikes!!!!

tess said...

I vote muted too, they're gorgeous. You've found some lovely things, we're planning the opposite, have a car boot stall to get rid of stuff, but then we don't have beautiful treasures like those.

Brierley + Clover said...

Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog - and I have to say that I just LOVE the muted eiderdowns - I bought one on the weekend for $2 but it's so dirty and fragile, I'm a bit scared to wash it! Really like the one you just bought - it's lovely!

Jade x

Just Original said...

You look like your getting over run with eiderdowns, you should maybe be kind and give one to a lady that hates car boots and always keeps getting out bid on ebay! Only joking! Hope you are having a good time with the girls!

Vanessa x

Tracy said...

You always find the sweetest treasures, Kim! as for color factor...I'm with muted. I love bold colors sparingly--like for clothing or jewelry. In the house I can only live with pale, serene colors. Your muted duvets have a lovely old-fashioned quality I think is charming. Have a beautiful week ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Fantastic finds. I'm still waiting for the rain to stop falling at the weekends in Essex so that I can finally get to some car boots. I love the old enamel planter - I'm sure it will look beautiful all planted up in the summer.

Sian said...

What luck you have had. I love car boot sales but always spend myself out on the second hand book stalls. I might check out some for eiderdowns now though.
Hope your hols continue to be beautiful :)

Alchamillamolly said...

Wow what a blog full of treasures for us to 'oooooh' at. My Mam and Dad had those sheets as well - we just don't seem to have many car boots round here anymore - maybe yorkshire folk are too tight!! I like the muted eiderdowns best - I had one that was so ripped and holey that Alan and I washed it and took out the feathers in the garden on a clam summer day - so where did the wind come from?? We were bent double laughing - the feathers were everywhere. I couldnt have rescued it and I did get some lovely pieces of fabric - the cotton is like Tana Lawn its so fine........

Anonymous said...

Fantastic finds! What car boot sale do you go to???

I obviously dont go to the right places!

Carol said...

Hi Kim, Yes I am twitching...lots. Nothing is happening...plug went on Friday so I did think that we were 'off' ! just off out to buy some Caster Oil now........
OOOOOHHHH I love all of your gorgeous bits. You make me laugh...your M say just the same as my N....emm do we really need that! I bought a couple of nice enamel bits yesterday. Love that eiderdown you have far too many nice ones...can't you sell one or two...to me!
Stripey sheets I remember them well. I think we all start to turn into our Mothers as we get older - my Mum was always buying from Boot Sales, embroidered table cloths, napkins, china etc etc....now I am doing it!
Carol xx

Heidi said...

You are the queen of the car boot sales Kim! All your finds are wonderful. How fun that you found another piece of your set of dishes. I love the muted eiderdowns but they do mix well and you should have in your home what you really love. My favorite find this time is your box of butterfly pins. Yes it is a little gross subject sticking a pin through a pretty butterfly but I love the top of the box! I like unusual items like that.

On another note.....my mother just got the knitting book as one of her birthday presents and loved it. She already has ideas for using some of the patterns for baby items too.

Hugs ~
Heidi

Thimbleanna said...

You always find the best treasure Kim! I think I definitely prefer the muted eiderdowns which is odd, 'cause I love bright colors too. I guess I just think of you surrounded by beautiful, muted roses! ;-)

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Oh be still my beating heart...
What a cornucopia of gorgeous treasures you have there Kim..
I am a lover of the muted paisley quilts and remember my own eiderdown from my childhood with a delicious peppermint green and pink pattern.. I have two stuffed into our linen cupboard which really ought to be displayed..
How do you wash them without them going lumpy??
Lovely post as always..
Love
Michelexx

French Knots said...

What a super haul! I love the idea of somebodies treasures being valued again and enjoyed. I picked up half a dozen of those stripey pillowcases the other day still in their original packaging, so nostalgic.

andsewtosleep said...

Hi Kim
what lovely treasures you found. I am trying with enormous difficulty to avoid car boots this Summer. We are getting so overloaded the house is in danger of bursting at the seams (well... slight exaggeration there) but we do have a lot of things. All of those quilts are beautiful - to think they've managed to stand the test of time.
Hope you are enjoying the holiday
Mary xx

Sal said...

What finds!I especially love your crockery set..what is it?
A lovely blog to read..thanks ;-)

carolyn said...

You really did get some great bargains!

Wayfaring Wanderer said...

What lovely finds, the butterfly box is my favorite of the bunch.

Twiggy said...

lovely stuff, I love the plates and cups
twiggy x

cd&m said...

What a lovely walk and those treasures - sigh...

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Everything is so beautiful, Kim! You certainly have a coveted collection of eiderdowns! I like both muted and loud! =) And the darling little toast rack is just too cute!

Lucy Bloom said...

Hi Kim, well your car boot finds have made me green, my local ones never have treasures like that, or if they do, someone obviously gets to them before me!
Now, as for Miss Blossom, she could never be overshadowed, she has the advantage of being 'the real thing' whilst mine is just a young pretender!
Enjoy your week,
Lucy x

Donna Lynn said...

Oh how I want to go shopping with you!!! Love your blog and I must say I love the softly colored elderdowns the best!
Stop by and visit me sometime.
Donna Lynn

Gill said...

Great finds Kim, it was great to get out to the boot sales on Sunday (we went to three....), weather isn't looking good for this weekend though :(
I think there's room for all the quilts in your bedroom,they look beautiful. Have a good week
Gill x

Linda said...

Hi Kim,
You did get some fabulous bargins the eiderdowns or as we call them either quilts or doonas are just wonderful. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Cheers Linda

julia said...

How many eiderdowns??! Fantastic finds, aren't car boots the best!
Julia x

meggie said...

Lovely treasures. New life with you!

Betty said...

Stripey sheets and muted coverlets! Makes me want to crawl right into bed, despite the beautiful weather.

Rowan said...

You had some lovely finds, the quilt is so pretty, I'm on the side of muted but then that's the sort of thing I like myself:) I remember candy striped sheets from my childhood too, my mum had some just like the one in your photo. I enjoyed the photos of your walk, makes me want to visit Sussex again.

Greentwinsmummy said...

you cn never have too many eiderdowns :o) I wouldnt be without our big one on our bed,our attic room is jolly cold & a feather eiderdown warms in a way a duvet cannot!my nan had those sheets I think in the end they just fell apart from years & years of use,very nostalgic.
Lovely treasure haul,I really must see if I can get to a boot fair,I havent been to one for years!!!
x x x x

OhSoVintage said...

Goodnes, you are certainly a lucky car booter. You seem to find such treasures. Are you the type who lingers and inspects everything at every stall or are you more of a skim with the eyes and move on person? I am definitely the latter which is probably why I don't find as nice things as you do. Eiderdowns don't seem to hold the same fascination for men, do they? They just can't get as excited as we do about being able to display another one. Need? When did a woman buy anything because she actually needed it? I like the muted colours best but all your eiderdowns look lovely.
Ruth x

Raindrops said...

What great car boots you go to. I think there is room for both. Just change them to match your mood. Tricia

Heidi said...

Just got done reading your most recent entry....& now I want to spend the day "antiquing & rummaging"! You inspired me!... And those "eiderdowns"...I just want to crawl right into the photos & snuggle up! So enjoy your blog!...Enjoy the day!...Heidi

Pondside said...

Well, there is obviously a big difference between a UK car boot sale and any kind of Canadian flea market/swap meet as they may be called. I seem to find the ones that have old tools, old tires, old junk.....not even old junque! Am very envious of your beautiful eiderdowns and would vote for the muted look.

Jennie said...

I love love love candy striped sheets, they are just so cool (as in cold, not hip) and comforting!
The eiderdowns are gorgeous.
Beautiful pictures!

Emma Herian said...

Could that be the blossom of our Sloe gin - little squirrel checking out her Autumn provisons me thinks!
I can't believe you have so many eiderdowns - now I know why there aren't any at the booties!
XX Em

dottycookie said...

Well, didn't you do well?! I remember stripy sheets from my childhood too!

Curlew Country said...

I do love your photogrpahs Kim, wonderful. What a haul from the car boot you lucky thing - I love everything you found. Hoping to get to one this weekend, bet I don't turn up and eiderdown though! As for muted or loud, well the more the merrirer of any if you ask me. I've only got two but am working on building up a collection. The lupin box is divine and candy striped sheets - wonderful.
Stephx - very pretty walk you went on too, snow here again today so thank you for a breath of spring.

Pipany said...

Mued definitely! They are all gorgeous but I love the muted ones the most. By the way Kim, the beautiful rose geranium soap I won in your giveaway is amazing! My skin is now so soft and clear- thank you! xx

Anonymous said...

Lucky you- some amazing finds there, especially the enamel tub.I think I like the muted eiderdowns the best.
Have a lovely weekend
Lisa x

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Color me jealous!!! Wonderful finds and at those prices too!!! Your bedroom is a lovely haven :)

Sea Angels said...

Oooh Kim but this is terrible.....you shouldn't have to cope with all of those quilts...needing washing, ironing, and generally looking after, ( I am envious ha ha) I could always help you out....
I love everything I bet you were so tummy turning chuffed,I am so thrilled for you. Your walk looks so lovely, it's amazing how much more 'spring' you have down there to up here, never mind we will catch up soon.
Good hunting this weekend
Warm Hugs Lynn xx

Andylynne said...

Bounty of the most beautiful kind. I like both colors, but seem to always favor muted if I have to make a choice. I'm glad every one else had beautiful pastel striped sheets with their parents beds. My moms were dark green & lime green stripes. They were a gift, she tried to pawn them off on me when I was in the 6th grade. And again just recently! Funny how they looked almost brand new :)
Enjoy your treasures, they are wonderful finds, I bet you had a great time shopping

kari and kijsa said...

What great goodies!! Love both, but the muted just seems so soft and wonderful! All are fabulous finds!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Samantha said...

You lucky thing - so beautiful.

I can't decide about muted versus loud either!

x

Anonymous said...

Gasp! what a beautiful quilt and I love that birdy painting. You certainly do come up trumps at your car booties Kim. Muted and Loud, I think you have the knack of making both look gorgeous together. Our local charity shop had an amazing window display this week and I thought of all you lovely bloggers; there were all sorts of crafty bits and bobs and even some fibres for rugmaking. Only problem is it was closed each time I passed by so had to make do with nose pressed to window! Enjoy your weekend.
Carolx

Louise said...

Kim, your carboot finds are amazing, I must have a trip over to your neck of the woods! I love your crockery, and to find that toast rack, well I just can't believe it! x

Anonymous said...

Hi, I think muted, but all the eiderdowns are fab! and you've found some gorgeous things at the car boot.
Margaret and Noreen

mollycupcakes said...

A girl can never have to many eiderdowns lol
Our weather is so up and down we need to keep warm hehe!
Have a lovely weekend.
I wish I knew where there was a good bootfair in Kent with lots of treasures to be found :(

Hugs.

Catherine x

Anonymous said...
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Tori Leslie said...

Beautiful photos!

I just found your lovely blog and I'll be back to read more!

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

what beautiful treasures

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Oh my goodness!!!! Your boot sale finds are wonderful!!!! And your pictures are making me really long for a trip there! Everything looks so beautiful!!!

Love the eiderdowns.

Polly Pierce said...

Definately Muted! What lovely memories your pictures evoked. My mum still has one of the lovely paisley printed ones; and others.

There is a certain cosiness about wrapping yourself up in an eiderdown and counterpane, plus the weight is comforting!

When we had stripey sheets & blankets I used to make mine so tight that I had to wriggle to get into it! It was like a straight jacket...

Classics and Country said...

Your pictures are so dreamy. I love it!

CIELO said...

What an enchanted place.... I'm so glad I find you....

cielo