

Here I sit in my
pitty Econo Lodge in
Chicopee, Mass; the closest I could find to
Brimfield without breaking the bank. Hate these places, but what's so bad about 200 tractor trailers all
idlingall night.... Yikes. Almost reminds me of another yucky motel on Rt 7 new New Milford, Ct. that was right next to an electricity plant. What we do for finding "great stuff".
Monday was The Vintage Textile and Fashion Show in Sturbridge. It was fun as always. The trend for more fashions than textiles seems to be growing. I enjoy going to see what the dealers are showing. There are 2 big rooms and several smaller rooms and hallways. I was quite restrained in my shopping, mostly because I didn't really find too much. I found a nice old french piece, a few very nice embroideries, a few trims, a few cottons fabrics and not too much else.... just to fancy and expensive. Too bad. But I made up for it at the great textile shop down the road in Sturbridge. I think I found many more treats here. Barbara owns the shop and I would imagine looks forward to the Textile Show customers. At her shop I found a favorite red and white trim that I have gotten from her before, a nice red work piece, bunch more trims, a super pretty english or french chintz, etc. I saw here today out at the flea market, she got a little time out in the sunshine, too.
Today I parked on the east end of the flea markets. Which was a great plan.... how lucky. Found a great parking spot and immediately ran into a friend from home. That was a nice surprise. And I was off. I had circled which shows were open today, but when you arrive it's all a bit overwheming. It seemed like folks were walking further east..... humm... should I go that way or head east??? I went east; later I realized they were headed to a show that was opening at 11am. I sort of missed that one, but geez.... I saw plenty.
I'd have to say I found lots of great stuff at the markets. I think if you don't like the price, keep going and you'll find something better. Today it just didn't quite. I kept finding great, cool stuff all day long. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, it did. I DID have a list of things that I was looking for to fill out my book projects. How lucky to be collecting goodies for a whole year for my new book. Yikes, but I had to buy fabrics.....
so I found..lots of tablecloths, a big stack of turkey red quilt squares, a nice chenille spread, a few small select french pieces, a few glass lamps, a cool iron shabby chic, lots of neat trims, some nice wood blocks, nice monograms tea towels, great funky aprons. These feet walked miles. It sure is fun to run into old and new friends. The weather today was so unbelievably beautiful, sunshine and cool. Everyone's spirits were on high. Last year I was here on Wednesday and it was soooooo hot that you couldn't move too fast.
Tomorrow is the opening of The Heart of the Mart. I am meeting George, one of my photographers for the new book and we are going to take a few photos of the good stuff at the show and I guess me, too.... Sort of embrassing...... what the heck. Another nice day ahead. And then back to Vermont and back in my own bed. And then to Boston for my son's college graduation; how could it be. Such a fast four years.