Faribault and Why Shift Matters

I just came across this wonderful Faribault 100% wool blanket and scooped it up for a mere $2.00. Just as the Civil War was ending a German immigrant and cabinet maker Carl Klemer founded the company in 1865. Starting with a carding machine powered by horses on a treadmill Klemer's company supplied blankets to the Army, military, airlines and department stores. Faribault had been listed as one of our nation's oldest family owned businesses. A change in the trade laws about 10 years ago have made it almost impossible for our textile industries to compete with cheap labor overseas. Faribault was just another casualty in that shift.

These blankets are a reminder to the demise of the American Textile Industry. The last great hold out for quality American made woolen blankets shut their doors in 2009. Over 200,000 U.S. textile workers have lost their jobs since 2003.

Good Garage Sales Always Have A Story

The best buys at any garage sales always come with a story. I found this mint condition Japanese tea set at a moving sale. They were an elderly couple in the midst of downsizing to a smaller place. When I asked the gentleman about the tea set he shared that his wife had a story behind it and he took me over to her. I recognized her from some place but couldn't quit put my finger on it. She shared that she had purchased the set when she was 18 years old in San Francisco. She was on a youthful adventure as many were in 1965 and had visited a small shop in China Town. So many years this set had graced her Danish Modern home and now she was parting with it and her memory to embark on a new journey. I promised it would make it to a good home. It can be purchased HERE.

SOLD

Catherineholm I Hardly Knew Ya!

I had this piece listed for 10 minutes before it sold. This was a mint condition Catherineholm relish tray. I happened to spot it on a back shelf in a consignment shop. Grete Prytz Kittelson is said to be one of the best known Norwegian designers in the Scandinavian Movement. Kittelson participated in the "Design in Scandinavia" exhibition from 1954 to 1957. Towards the end of the 50's her products were manufactured by Catherineholm and her enamelware could be found in many Norwegian homes.

Hurray for Football & US 12!

Last weekend was the US 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale Extraordinaire! One hundred and eighty miles of garage sales. It took us almost 4 hours to just do 20 miles. I was able to pick up a few things here and there but admit most of the garage sales had been picked over by Saturday afternoon. My friend did very well, finding 2 beautiful onyx lamps. I was delighted with my UND decanter and just in time to kick off the football season. It made for a fun afternoon and gave me a chance to get to know Michigan a little better. I'll be ready next year.....until then there's always football.

A Koi McCoy or Roseville Jardiniere

I'm not a McCoy or Roseville collector and have only admired most jardiniere's from the distance but I recognize an uncommon piece when I see one and this is one. I found this gorgeous koi/fish jardiniere just down the street at a garage sale this morning. I believe it dates to the 30's but have found only a few references to this mold on the Internet. A great find for only $5.00. The antique dealers were a little jealous when they arrived a few moments later to see it in my arms.

Pop Culture, Collectibles & The Campbell Soup Kids

The Campbell soup label has to be one of the most recognizable labels emanating from the later part of the 20th century. Andy Warhol made it the icon of American Pop Culture and Americans made the Campbell Soup Kids part of their family. They've changed a bit through the years, even slimming down but they're still the symbol of "mm mm good". Campbell Soups first collectible was issued in 1905. Since then thousands of different items have been produced. America's fascination with collectibles hasn't seemed to wane even with a recession. The question is are collectibles an investment or just for fun? Is it common or rare? As always the market is driven by demand. Remember when old comic books where the rage? Only the rarest of issues have maintained any value now. What may be in demand today may not be in a couple of months. Americans are fickle creatures. It's all about time. None of us can predict the future so if you purchased collectibles like baseball cards, Department 56 Christmas Houses or Campbell Soup items enjoy them, use them and be prepared for their second coming. You really can't go wrong when you invite the Campbell Soup Kids into your home.

You can purchase the Campbell Soup items pictured HERE. SOLD I have yet to find this bread box anywhere online which leads me to believe it's not so common.

Danish Make Over

It's been a while since I shared a garage sale find. For one thing I was in a class for 2 weeks and the rain in June never seemed to end. I have made a few purchases and this post is about a great find from this morning's bike ride. I seem to find the best things when I'm not looking very hard. If I've said it once I've said it a dozen times, I can furnish a one bedroom apartment for $500.00 or less and do it well. This excludes the mattress and box spring for obvious reasons. These chairs are actually much prettier in person then the photo. I spent $8.00 on the pair and another $12.00 on new fabric. A little Old English furniture oil made to help with minor scratches and the end result is a striking pair of chairs featuring dove tailed joints and full back support. There's a beautiful white Danish Modern sofa at the local thrift shop for $30.00 that would be perfect with these chairs. It can be done............and you can do it too.

BEFORE