The International Collectibles & Antiques Show -Charlotte, NC

After visiting the new show a couple of weeks ago I must say I was very excited and a little nervous about going back to Metrolina’s old/new show, The International Collectibles & Antiques Show. I wanted it to be just as big as it always was but I was afraid that some dealers were picking one show over the other. We went on Friday at about 10 am and found a parking spot right up front. In all fairness, I have no idea how crowded it was on the weekend but it wasn’t crowded on Friday. Going through the gate, the outside vendors are set up! Hooray! I saw several of my old favorites and found a few cool things to buy right away. Truthfully, there were not as many dealers outside as usual and no sign of Linda who is always in the process of setting up under the mall.

Checking out Piccadilly Lane I found a sweet little Mid Century chair at a booth where everything was half price. Good thing we brought the SUV.

This booth also caught my eye. Bed of Roses Boutique is run by DeAnna Jackson. Her and her husband restyle old pieces of furniture in a shabby chic kind of way. I love this piece designed by her young daughter and made by her husband.


There were only two rows of shops open in Piccadilly. The whole middle row, all but vacant, so on to the buildings we went.

We stopped and shopped at Harry’s booth. He sets up along side of building C and always has great bargains and interesting treasures.

Building C is filled with an eclectic mix of booths and very few empty spaces. Sandra of Salvage Art is set up and I get to meet her new puppy Lady Marmalade. OMG what a cutie! More on pets later.


A little known fact about me is that I’ve got a somewhat unhealthy obsession. I hoard buttons-there, I’ve said it. I have discovered, while discussing this vice with other vintage clothing dealers, that I am not alone. Oddly, this makes me feel better. Many vintage clothing dealers that I know ‘hoard’ buttons. It starts out innocently enough. You rescue buttons from damaged pieces and pick up jars full at flea markets. But it doesn’t take long before you have an entire cabinet - or in my case closet - stocked full with a bazillion buttons that you would not even think of selling. I am not proud, but I love buttons for some reason.

So when I came across Kristine Tibbetts’ booth I was in awe. She has a beautiful booth where her buttons are organized and displayed. Little boxes full of buttons, jars full of buttons and buttons sewn to cards. Glass, plastic, wooden, leather..okay, you get the picture. She is a true collector and she definitely knows her buttons. Notice, I didn’t call myself a button collector. I am but a mere hoarder and browsing Kristine’s booth the differences between a hoarder and a collector become very clear. That’s okay-I can live with my little vice.
Next was the covered mall and, honestly, it looked about half full. The next building, building B had very few dealers but my favorite jewelry seller was there. Tom Smith "Smitty"
of 'For the Time Of It' is always set up right inside the main door and to the left. He carries the most beautiful estate jewelry and has great prices. If you are looking for something special for your sweetheart (or for yourself) be sure to stop by his booth.

As we cross through the breezeway and go into Building A we spot a lady wearing a fabulous vintage patchwork mink coat. I couldn’t help but comment on it and she tells us that she had just bought it! For less than $100! Good for her-bad for me. When I asked her where, she pointed to a booth and I immediately recognized Elaine of Stony Run Antiques.

Had I known she was here I would have started in Building A. Oh well. Elaine and her husband Jim have a wonderful antique store in Oaksboro, NC. It is in a quaint little house and the whole upstairs is full of vintage and antique clothing and accessories. Unfortunately she is only open by appointment so I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like. I do see her regularly at Hinson's Auctions though, which is also in Oaksboro. So, I am always excited when I get to check out her treasures at the show.

By now we’re hungry and there are lots of choices here for lunch. There are two cafes in this building and today we chose the little one in the back. The food is made to order and doesn’t disappoint. I recommend the BLT but my daughter loves the baked potatoes.

Re-energize after lunch we start up the aisles of this last building. I don’t think I have ever seen an empty space in Building A and today is no different.

I am a squirrel lover and so this little guy caught my eye.


As I look around the booth I am surprised to see another squirrel and then another. It was a bit weird and exciting at the same time. I don’t usually see a lot of squirrel collectibles and certainly not a bunch in one place. That’s when Brooke pointed out the sign.

Okay, I get it. They specialize in Early American Antiques and American Stoneware (and squirrels).

We took our time browsing and shopping and talking to dealers. I have to admit that a lot of the talking was done by my daughter Brooke-not me and was about Aashka, her dog-not antiques.
That girl goes nowhere without her ‘baby’ and I have to tell you she was quite upset when I told her that I read on the website that they were no longer allowing pets at this show. She called the show to confirm. Even the new sign above the front gate read “no pets”. Obviously, none of this had any impact on her because here we were, Aashka in tow. And no one seemed to mind. Plus, like I said before, Sandra had Lady Marmalade with her and there were other dogs there also. I’m feeling a little guilty for having left Trigger at home. Oh, well.

All in all it was a great day. We saw a lot of beautiful antiques, met some new friends and caught up with old ones, scored some treasures and had fun. Oh, one last note. As we were leaving I asked the lady at the gate what was up with the new ‘no pets’ policy. Guess what. She told me they changed their minds and they decide to go back to their old policy of allowing pets. Icing on the cake!
You can see more pictures here.

The Charlotte Antiques & Collectibles Show

There's a new show in town and I had to go check it out.
Well, it's not really a new show. The Charlotte Antiques and Collectibles Show, which has been held at Metrolina for decades, has moved to Concord. So now it's dubbed The "Greater" Charlotte Antiques And Collectibles Show. I am not keen on the new superlative. Moving the show to Concord did not make it "greater" for me. It's a freaking hike to get from South Charlotte to the Cabarrus Arena and there is no direct route to get there. And, after attending the "Grand Opening" yesterday, I can't say the show itself is "greater". Okay, there is paved parking and the buildings are pretty and new if that's what you're looking for. But the parking lot was near empty at 11am Saturday when I arrived and that can't be a good sign.

No lines to get in and only about a half dozen outside vendors. That was the worse part for me. At Metrolina I always shop the outside vendors first and, honestly, that's where the bargains are.
So, moving on, there are 2 buildings. The smaller one on the right is where they stuck the new stuff. There were about 2 dozen vendors in there selling anything from fudge to reproductions to carpets. It was not a good first impression (or second impression as I was already disappointed over the lack of outdoor sellers). I did see one booth that I recognized from Metrolina and I am totally perplexed as to how she got allocated to this little annex building.
Sandra of "Salvage Art" is one of the most creative people I know. Her booth is always filled with her own creations like the desk lamps and wall hangings she makes from vintage ads or the purses from vintage patterns. When I asked her why she was in this building she said she was told that the big building was only for real vintage and antiques-high end stuff. She said I would know what she meant when I went in. As I said goodbye to Sandra, in my head I was crossing off a mental list of my favorite vendors that I guess I won't be buying from here.
There's the guy that sells cheese and butter, the guy that sells display items for jewelry, Linda who sells the best vintage clothing and sets up under the Mall at Metrolina and of course Harry who always has the best bargains outside.
Okay, on to the main building I go expecting to see only high end, authentic antiques. First impressions: "Wow, this place is huge!"
Lots of vendors. I'd say there were probably twice as many booths as you'd see in the main building at Metrolina in a building three times the size. So it's pretty roomy with wide aisles and lots of seating for bored husbands (not that I ever bring my husband-I know better).
So I stared down the first aisle. So far so good and I find another one of my favorite vendors right across from one of the two concession stands. More on the food later.


Unfortunately I do not remember this lady's name and she was very busy with customers so I wasn't able to ask. I do remember that she is from Pittsburgh and she always has beautiful vintage linens and purses. If you go, be sure to check her out.
This is where I stopped at the concession stand. If I do ever visit this show again I will be sure to eat first and bring a drink. It was early and the only breakfast item they offer is a sausage biscuit for $3.00. It was one of those awful frozen ones you buy at the grocery store. And the sweet tea was $2.75 for a medium! Other than that they have a very small selection of items. Hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, nachos, popcorn etc. All at premium prices and all pre-made and wrapped up and sitting on the warming shelf. And don't bother looking for the other food vendors that you are used to seeing at Metrolina. Absent are the barbecue stand, the Java Hut, the candied pecans, kettle corn, funnel cakes and the beer. I'm just saying.
So I continue shopping, or browsing really as I really didn't buy much. There are a lot of antique jewelry and furniture dealers with real period pieces but scattered throughout there seems to be several vendor selling strictly reproduction pieces. And the guy that makes 'art' by framing old ceiling tiles was there as well as the guy selling new jewelry displays, a booth with Obama and McCain buttons and a guy selling vases made of coral. All cool stuff but not antiques. So there goes the theory that there are only high end, authentic antiques in the big building. Are you confused yet? I was.
I did discover two very unique booths that I hadn't seen before. The first booth belonged to Nanette Johnson of Floyd Virginia.

Nanette & Mike own Floyd Antiques 116 N. Locust St. Floyd, VA. They specialize in antique tools, dollhouse miniatures, primitives and, my favorite, vintage clothing. Nanette and I chatted for a while and she talked me into making the 2 hour drive up to visit the Floyd Antique Show & Appraisal Fair on March 8th, 2009. If her booth is any indication of what to expect then I know I am in for a fun day.
The other dealer that I am happy to have met is Roberto Frontera-Suau from Elizabeth City, NC. A biology professor by trade, this charming Spaniard shares with me a love of vintage clothing. His booth was breathtaking and the clothing he displayed was divine. He says he specializes in 20's and earlier and he had some beautiful examples like a lovely mid 19th century wrapper. But he also carries later, more wearable vintage like 40's suits and dresses, dresses from the 50's and 60's and this stunning 30's gown that he had on display.

So, all in all, I am glad I went to check out the new location but I will still be a regular at Metrolina. That's right! I forgot to mention the best part. As much as DMG would like us to think that their show is the only one in town, the show at Metrolina will go on! Many dealers there refused to move to the new location and many others chose to do both shows. Besides, the new show is only going to be held 5 times a year:

• January 30-February 1, 2009
• April 2-5, 2009 "Spectacular"
• June 5-7 2009
• August 28-30, 2009
• November 5-8, 2009 "Spectacular"
  

...whereas the show at Metrolina-now called The International Collectibles and Antique Show , will continue to be held once a month.

• February 5-8, 2009
• March 5-8, 2009
• April 1-5, 2009 – spring ‘Classic’ show
• April 30-May 3, 2009
• June 4-7, 2009
• July 2-5, 2009
• July 30-August 2, 2009
• September 3-6, 2009
• October 1-4, 2009
• November 4-8, 2009 – fall ‘Classic’ show
• December 3-6, 2009

A few of the dates conflict which seems rather like poor planning to me but, if I have to chose one show, I'll be shopping Metrolina. Maybe I'll see you there.

Warm Winter Coats and Sweaters - Make Mine Vintage

We're adding some truly amazing vintage coats, jackets and sweaters to the site this week.


Come on in and get warm!

Vintage Holiday Party Dresses

The holiday season is fast approaching and the party invitations are rolling in. The all important question is "What do I wear?" The Vintage Peddler has a beautiful selection of vintage party dresses so make us your first stop for holiday shopping.

Find more vintage party dresses here.

There are also some very nice vintage holiday dresses listed on Ebay right now, too.

Do you buy vintage sewing patterns?

If you do could you please give me your opinion by posting a comment?

I have so many patterns to list (see below) that I may need to rethink the way I list them. Right now, on my website, I show a scan of both the front and back of each pattern, a brief description and, along with the vintage size, I provide the measurements given on the pattern. I also state the condition of the pattern as well as if it is cut or uncut.
Here is a typical pattern listed on my site.
I have tried different versions of this layout and you'll find some listings where I didn't show a picture of the back of the pattern.
If all I had to do was scan the pattern, add a title that included the company, pattern #, brief description of the garment & measurements I could list all these patterns a lot quicker. Of course I would include the condition of the pattern. But if they don't sell then it is all for naught.
So here are my questions.
When you shop online for vintage sewing patterns how important is it to you that there is:
(on a scale from 1 -not important to 6 -very important)
1) A picture of the back of the pattern envelope.______
2) A detailed description of the garment (ie gored skirt, inset sleeves).________
3) Measurements._________

Post your comments to help a girl out.
Thanks!

I'm rediscovering the seventies

I often get emails from people looking for specific vintage sewing patterns. If I have time -I do try to look through the inventory I have that I haven't listed on the website yet. Problem is that I have accumulated such a large collection that this is getting harder and harder. I really need to devote about 2 weeks to listing just patterns. (more on this later)

I have been infatuated with the 40's and 50's for so long that I have been especially lax in listing 60's & 70's patterns.

Well I got an email the other day from a really sweet customer asking if I had this pattern:

Simplicity 7623

With my partner/daughter Brooke working the Southern Christmas Show this week I found myself easily distracted so any excuse to get away from the computer was welcome. I really did think I recognized the pattern. So I went on the hunt. Thats when I relized that I must have over 500 vintage sewing patterns from the 70's alone that I haven't uploaded to the website yet. I thought for a moment that they must have started their own free love, 70's style, commune in my stock room and, left alone in the dark, well...multiplied. So anyway, what I thought would take me a few minutes sort through ended up taking up the afternoon. And even though I never did find that pattern, I did thoroughly enjoy taking a walk down memory and 70's fashions. I think I found my inner hippie and I definitely came away with a renewed appreciation for high waisted bellbottom pants, angel sleeve tops, maxi dresses and peasant skirts. Now I just have to find my old lace up moccasins.

Oh, I did find these 70's shirt patterns that were kind of close.

I'll get these and more listed soon but if you see one you like before then just let me know.

Peddling Purses

Work From Home - 1920's Style

Hand made Handkerchief Co. Chicago

Good work if you can get it I guess! $2.00 a day you say? Sign me up! Not!

This document and packet of silk handkerchiefs came in an old steamer trunk that I bought a couple of years ago at auction. The trunk is chock full of Victorian era through 20's clothing and textiles that I am just now going through and photographing to list for sale.

But this letter and the accompanying silk and trim really fascinates me so I thought I would share. To say "We've come a long way, baby." would be a huge understatement.

The document is dated July 20, 1929. The Hand Made Handkerchief Co. of Chicago placed advertisements in newspapers throughout the South offering young wives and mothers the opportunity to do "pleasant dignified work" from home so that they can "earn the necessary money to get the many little things that (they) you have often wished for."

Well, first they are asked to send in $1 because they "cannot afford to send this material out promiscuously as too many people would be asking for it" don't you know. Then they will send them out 2 partially finished handkerchiefs. After finishing these handkerchiefs, if they pass 'inspection' they will send the young lady out the material to begin work. Oh, it will come COD for $2. So- so far it has cost this lady $3- but fear not. For each silk handkerchief that she intricately embroiders she will be paid 20 cents! She is told that she can earn up to $2 a day!

I think whoever owned this trunk was much like myself. Lured in at first, she cut her losses at $3 and this little stack of silk is all that is left to show for it. Much like the Mary Kay starter kit and Avon samples I have sitting in the closet.

Window Shopping in Florence, Italy

Pea coats!
It snowed here in Charlotte last night-can you believe it? So of course the schools all closed and the kids are home. It is just raining now but the damage is done and I won't get much work done so I thought I'd write a little.
I snapped these pictures last June while I was in Florence with my daughter. Eighty degrees and the department store windows were featuring pea coats. The fashion forward Italians already knew that the pea coat was going to be a must have this winter. And why not?
Pea coats have been around since the 1700's. Originally used by European Navies, the pea coat got it's name from the fabric it was made of. First called a pilot cloth coat, pilot coat, p-coat and finally a pea coat. The US military issue has
long been a favorite of mine and at The Vintage Peddler we try to keep a good inventory in stock. We carry mens' pea coats and ladies' pea coats so if your looking for a pea coat - check us out.

The Chemise-New in 1958

And apparently not too welcome...funny.


and she doesn't like it on children either...



You must watch the ladies fashions!

It's an Intimate Sale - Vintage Lingerie

We are having a huge vintage lingerie sale! All auctions start at just $9.99. Vintage lingerie from the 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's. Name brands like Vanity Fair, Van Raalte, Shadowline, Givenchy, Valentino Intimo, Lady Lynne, Joseph Magnin, Intime & more. Peignoirs, Nightgowns, slips, girdles, crinolines, babydolls-we are selling it all. Stop on by for a peek.

Totally Mod 60's Summer of LOVE!

We are having a summer blowout sale at The Vintage Peddler!
All this and more to be listed on Ebay Thursday night 5/18 and Sunday night 5/21 between 9-9:30 est. Lot with instant Buy it Now prices. So set your clocks and check our auctions on Ebay. You don't want to miss the fun!

White Hot!

70's Revisited or I survived clackers-Did you?

Click...clack...click...clack...click...clack...click.claclackclackclack...
remember?
I was about 12 years old when I got my first pair. Yeah-they were PINK!
Back then people didn't worry about silly little things like seatbelts, car seats, secondhand smoke or cholesterol. So, it should come as no surprise that little attention was paid to toy safety. Heck, clackers were harmless compared to some of the childhood toys I live through. I still have scars from a horrifyingly traumatic Creepy Crawly Machine incident. You remember-metal mold trays filled with hot melted goo. And, boy did that little light bulb in my Easy Bake oven get hot. Well, hot enough to cook brownies as well as fingers.
So, imagine my excitement when my daughter called me from an auction last weekend. "Mom, there's a huge box of Ka nockers here. I am not sure what they are but they look old." "Huh?" I replied. That's not what we called them so I had no idea what she was talking about. "You know. I don't know. There, like, two balls on a string with a little ring." She said. That triggered a flash flood of long repressed memories!
"Get'em!...you gotta get'em!" *must have must have must have*
You know that little voice. Come on, I'm not the only one that hears the voice. Why are you looking at me like that? Okay, moving on....
Long story short- apparently I wasn't the only one who remembered these and the bidding was fierce but in the end she brought home the prize. About 100 sets of Ka Nockers!
Yeah we have a few bruises but how could we help ourselves. It only took me a few tries to recapture the skill level I had at 12. Okay...that's not saying much. Ouch!
If you remember Clackers-(otherwise known as Bonkers, Champions, Clack Clacks, Clackers, Click Clacks, Crackers, K-Nokkers, Kabangers, Ker- Knockers, Klackers, Klick Klacks, Klik Klaks, Klikies Knicker, Knockers, Knockers, Krazy Klacker, Kwik Klack, Mini Poppers, Moon Rocks, Nocknocks, Popper Knockers, Quick Klacks, Quick Clacks, Quick Wacks) you may want to check out my website. I'll be selling some but not as toys! These are collectables. Times have changed. We do not arm out children these days. These suckers are dangerous.

Looks What's Coming

We have just returned from a huge buying trip and we are stocked to the rafters with incredible vintage!

We have been working like crazy photographing all our lastest scores so that we can get them listed and ready for you, our bestest customers. It will take us weeks to get all of this up on our website and on eBay so we are trying something different the week.
Since we just finished taking all these pictures and editing them we want to share our newest finds with you right away.

These will all be listed within the next few week but, if you see something you like and you just can't wait-please drop us a line and we will be happy to answer any questions on it or sell it direct.

PS - If you haven't visited our bookstore then check it out HERE. It is chock full of our favorite books on Vintage Clothing & Accessories.
Our pick this week is: Viva Vintage: Find It, Wear It, Love It by Trudie Bamford. Thank you!
We appreciate your business.

Customers like you make doing business a real pleasure.

Sneak Peek - Viva Las Vegas Listings to Post This Sunday Night

Sweater Weather - Vintage Style

By all rights the lovely Lana Turner was the original 'Sweater Girl'. Although she didn't like the term and thought it took away from her image as a serious actress the label stuck. And why not? The lady knew how to wear a sweater!

Whether at 15 (left) or 40 (right) Lana was, is and will always be our favorite 'Sweater Girl'.

Below are some images of real life 'sweater girls' that I pulled from the pages of some old knitting pattern magazines that I have. If you are a knitter and would like a copy of any of these patterns just drop me a line ($5ea)

Newly listed on TheVintagePeddler.com & on TheVintagePeddler's auctions are these fabulous vintage sweaters (below).

Just in time for Viva Las Vegas. Bring out your own inner Pin Up Sweater Girl & wear 'em like you own 'em!