I decided to go out to the Textile show in Sturbridge by myself and I had a great time- I think I was prepped for it by the weekend in New York. It made everything look like a bargain!

First I went to Wright’s Factory Outlet but they had almost nothing I wanted. I needed some white rickrack but there was none- the first time I’ve ever been there and there hasn’t been a huge pile of it. All they had was fuzzy rickrack- not my style at all. O well, onward to the Antique Textiles Vintage Fashions Show and Sale (yes that’s the official name).

I found some great vintage fabric that reminded me of Liberty- same sort of feel. After seeing the Liberty at Purl Patchwork at $35 a yard, $20 for 3 yards seemed like a real bargain! I also got some flocked netting. It probably came from a hat originally, but I’m thinking doll dress.

Next, the white stuff. Other years when I have attended this show, I’ve come home with a bag of all whiteness. I guess I am expanding my colors this year. I love knitted lace- it is the one kind of lace I seem to actually regularly use on my dolls. Seems like a good reason to stock up. I also found 2 kinds of pretty glass flower buttons and some very interesting silk feathers. I bought a bag of 20 feathers to play with.

I was still looking for some white rickrack, preferably cotton. Once everything is labeled vintage, it all seems so much more valuable. One person had some various colors priced at $3.25 a package- too much for me. Down the aisle a bit, at another booth, I found more, unpriced. Geesh, I hate asking people for prices… but anyway, I was rifling through, seeing just what I wanted and trying to come up with how much I’d be willing to pay. I asked and she said 3 packages for a dollar! Now that was well within my budget. I took most of the rickrack she had, including 2 sizes of white (I have already used some of it today), plus cotton twill tape in very light pink, some rayon tapes and some sparkly glass buttons that will make great doll earrings. That was my bargain of the day!

I was on my way out the door and I saw this kimono jacket-

I just had to have it. So, I came home with a bag full of treasures. A great expedition. There is another show on September 4- much bigger then this one. Hmm, any body interested!