The T-Cozy

Going Dutch

Featured for sale this month on my sister blog, Kitsch Encounter, are vintage items with a Dutch theme. Here's a peek . . .

By the late 1940's, kitchens were becoming family gathering places. Brightly colored textiles became popular as well as items bearing flowers, fruits and a Dutch motif. These themes could be found on kitchenware, shelving paper, tablecloths and decals that were used to dress up just about anything.

These six items embody that colorful postwar era. Click here, Kitsch Encounter, to be redirected to where you'll find detailed descriptions and prices for each item.

Susan

Spring Mark-Downs

If you're in the mood for some kitschy savings, mosey on over to my sister blog, Kitsch Encounter, for some spring mark-downs.

And stop back to check out the new vintage items that will be listed for sale next week.

Susan

Tablecloth Transformations: Part 2

Like the tea towels in my last post, I made these four tea cozies out of vintage cutter tablecloths.

Small enough to fit T-Party's personal size Bee House teapots, these cozies sport floral and fruit patterns.

Aren't they pretty? Let's have tea!

Susan

Tablecloth Transformations: Part 1

The great tablecloth transformation has begun! I've started recycling my lovely cutters into useful and pretty new items. I decided to begin by sewing up some tea towels, which turned out to be more of a challenge than I expected. I like making ample-sized towels measuring about 20 by 28 inches. But these "used and abused" vintage tablecloths have so many tears, small holes and little spots, it was difficult to find enough fabric to work with. I was able to make just five tea towels! Have a look . . .

Here they all are on display at T-Party . . .

Sewing smaller items that require less continuous fabric should be a lot easier. I've already started on some tea cozies that I hope to share with you soon. Unfortunately, my digital camera's rechargeable battery has finally burned out and I'm waiting for a new one to arrive in the mail. Luckily, I shot these tea towel photos before it died.

I never paid attention to how often I whip out my camera for blogging until now. It feels really weird without it. I'm going to try my hand at my daughter's camera in the meantime. We'll see how that goes.

Susan

Vintage Variety

I've put together an array of the very sweetest vintage items which will be offered for sale on our sister blog, Kitsch Encounter, starting on Friday. Have a look . . .

Left: a charming bonneted girl planter in lovely spring pastels. Right: a vintage soap powder dispenser, similar to the ones in my collection.

Left: a pretty and versatile planter, like the ones I use to corral small items around my house. Right: an unusual shelf in the shape of a ball jug pitcher. Wouldn't this look great hanging in the kitchen?

Left: a framed Mother's Day verse with a very nice sentiment. Right: a vintage tea towel with a fruit design. Very Carmen Miranda!

Left: a wooden napkin holder with a Dutch motif decal. Right: a cute little crochet pot holder dress from my personal collection.

Left: a small glass ball jug pitcher with an orange design. Right: a sturdy vintage floral tablecloth with a flower and grid pattern.

Click here, Kitsch Encounter, to be redirected to where you'll find more photos, prices and detailed descriptions of each item. (But remember, they won't be listed until Friday.)

Cute stuff, don't you think?

Susan

A Little More Milk Glass

I had no idea how popular milk glass has become. The last lot I listed on our sister blog, Kitsch Encounter, sold within a week. So here are a few mores items offered for sale for you milk glass collectors out there.

The bright opaque white of this vintage glassware goes with everything. Very useful and decorative, I can just picture the little milk glass basket filled with blueberries in the summer, the large bowl brimming with apples in the fall or the vase holding daffodils this spring.

Click here, Kitsch Encounter, to be redirected to where you'll find more photos, prices and detailed descriptions of each item.

Susan

Hat Happy

So what does one do with a boat load of vintage hats that one has acquired? Bring some in to sell at T-Party, of course!

I really should list these on eBay as several are by well-known hat makers. I'm sure collectors would relish them. But I'm not in the mood to do all of those darn eBay listings; so tiresome and boring. It's much more fun to display them at our shop for now.

I brought in about one third of the collection which now hang around T-Party's stairs by our front door. Have a look . . .

These vintage hats are mostly made by hand and are beautifully crafted with lovely linings and trims. Back in the 1920 to the 1950s when they were most popular, hats like these gave women a chance to express a bit of their individuality and creativity.

Aren't they fun?

Susan

Look What I Found

This has been a good week so far. My Thyroiditis is waning and I'm feeling better. So much so that I decided to get out and shop a bit yesterday for some new vintage inventory for T-Party. I think I found some wonderful things. Have a look . . .

The picture frames, hats, clothing and shoes are all from the same collector. I don't usually buy or sell vintage clothing, but this lady practically begged me to take these items off her hands because she is moving. The hats are amazing; from the 1920s to the 1940s and in great condition. I photographed only some of them; there are over 65 in all!

The ornate frames are pretty cool, too. They would be perfect to hang as is, sans pictures, like they show in so many decorating magazines.

The remaining items are from my favorite antiques mall. Sometimes I go there and don't find a thing. But I got lucky this time and came across some things that are truly charming, don't you think?

Susan

Just Browsing

We are closed for winter break this week at T-Party. So this post is for those of you who've never been in and also for our current customers who want to do a little virtual browsing while we're away.

I hope you've enjoyed these photos of some of the "smalls" we have for sale at our sweet little antiques shop and tea room. We'll reopen on Saturday, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying having time off to spend with my family. Today we head into New York City for lunch with my niece and nephew. Hopefully we'll hit a museum and I plan to stop by Tinsel Trading at last. Should be a fun day!

Susan

Going Green

A lovely grouping of green vintage pottery can now be found for sale on our sister blog, Kitsch Encounter.

I've always been partial to anything green. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth. It is a calm, restful color that is soothing to the eye.

Click here, Kitsch Encounter, to be redirected to where you'll find more photos, prices and detailed descriptions of each item.

Isn't it time you went green?

Susan

Hearts and Flowers

February 14 will be here before you know it. So we're getting ready here at T-Party with our special Valentine theme tea along with some sweet vintage items for sale. Here's a peek . . .

Our Valentine's Day theme tea will be offered from February 6 though February 14. Along with our delicious tea sandwiches and signature scones, Cynthia is preparing these delectable treats: Sweetheart Brownie Cakes, Heart Sugar Cookies, Mini Valentine Cupcakes and Strawberry Tartlets.

Yum! There's nothing better than edible valentines!

Susan

Amusement Park Memories

At T-Party, we try to sell a wide array of interesting items and sometimes even works of art.

We are pleased to feature the work of photographer Tom Kretsch, a talented artist whose pictures capture special moments and magical places.

Tom and I go way back to when my kids were in elementary school and he was their amazing physical education instructor. Tom is now retired and enjoys spending time traveling and doing his photography.  

Tom Kretsch's work captures the natural beauty and sense of peace in landscapes, villages and personal vignettes across the Americas, Europe and Latin America. He uses the element of light, texture, form and color to create striking images.

His new series, called Amusement Park Memories, features images of the color and magic that surround old time amusement parks like Old Orchard Beach in Maine and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in California. 

Framed in bright metal frames, this series is kitschy and oh so fun; almost as good as being there.

You can see more of Tom Kretsch's inspiring photographs on his web site at peacefulplacesphoto.com.

Susan

Vintage Valentines

As promised, here are more items I have listed for sale on our sister blog Kitsch Encounter. Aren't they just the sweetest valentines?

I know it seems early to be talking about Valentine's Day. But I want to make sure that, if purchased, these cards will arrive well before February 14.

For a closer peek, go to Kitsch Encounter for more photos, descriptions and prices.

Susan

This and That

The milk glass pieces I listed on Kitsch Encounter at the beginning of this month sold within a week! So I've just added more fun and funky items for sale on our sister blog. Have a look . . .

Click here for more photos, detailed descriptions and prices. I plan to list more valentine items over the next few days, so be sure to check back this weekend.

Susan

Getting Cozy

At T-Party, all of my handmade tea cozies sold this holiday shopping season. So yesterday I diligently spent my day off sewing up a few more.

I keep my sewing machine set up in our upstairs guest room, but lately I prefer to sew in my studio where the light is brighter and I have a nice view of our backyard.

These cozies are made to fit the personal size Bee House teapots we sell at T-Party. Using my own pattern, I cut vintage fabrics for the outer layer, quilted interfacing and coordinating mini-print linings.

My favorite part of the cozy process is selecting the trim and button embellishments.

Seven tea cozies, all done and ready to go to the shop. Actually, only six will find their way to T-Party this time.

I've decided to keep one for my Bee House teapot at home. Here's the one I was partial to . . .

Now I'll have a well-dressed teapot this winter, too. (If it ever starts acting like winter as today it reached 60 degrees here in Connecticut!)

Susan

Got Milk . . . Glass?

Winter white! A lovely grouping of milk glass can now be found for sale on our sister blog, Kitsch Encounter. These vintage pieces are heavyweight, very opaque, quality milk glass.

This collectible glassware is very versatile and goes with almost everything. Their bright white color beautifully sets off whatever they hold.

Click here, Kitsch Encounter, to be redirected to where you'll find more photos, prices and detailed descriptions of each item.

Susan

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Winter has arrived in the Northeast. Snow and sleet closed schools on Thursday and another storm is supposed to arrive tomorrow. But at T-Party, the Knit Nook faithful are ready for whatever Mother Natures throws their way.

Above, Joan Barere guides Rosemary as she finishes up a cozy red hat for her son Jesse, who will be home on break from college soon.

All done. Lookin' good, Rosemary!

Also at T-Party, we have an arsenal of winter accessories for sale to help battle the cold; all knitted by Joan; all lovely.

Time to bundle up!

Susan

Apron Envy

I'm so excited. I recently purchased an amazing lot of vintage aprons, about 36 in all, each more wonderful than the next! It's been hard to decide which ones to sell first, as I'm inclined to keep them all. But I like to share my treasures, so I've brought in a group to T-Party that are just perfect for the holidays. Have a look . . .

For those of you who are too far away to stop by T-Party, I'd be happy to list these for sale on Kitsch Encounter. Just leave a comment below and let me know. If there is interest, I promise to provide more detailed descriptions on K.E. by Monday.

Susan

Lots of Little Things

Here are some peeks at a few of the fun little things we sell at T-Party. . .

 


From top left to bottom right:

Low-tech toys like kazoos, tiddledy winks and harmonicas; vintage Santa and snowman holiday ornaments; sweet handmade angel ornaments; retro Minnie Mouse dolls; sequin rings and bracelets; new (but based on vintage) books; ceramic tea bag receivers; old-fashioned thumb toys; Sis Boom lavender sachets; vintage mini tole trays (and a pin cushion chair made from an aluminum can!); sports themed nutcracker ornaments; and fun card games for kids.

From vintage to vintage-inspired, antique, folk art, nostalgic or new . . . we have something fun for everyone at T-Party!

Susan

New Hats by Geraldine

Geraldine Purcell is a milliner who makes custom made hats. And here at T-Party, we are fortunate to sell her lovely creations.

She was kind enough to drive all the way down from Rhode Island yesterday to deliver more of her signature items. Geraldine's hats are handmade, vintage inspired, one-of-a-kind and simply beautiful.

Her web site is ShabbyCloche.com. The cloche hat is a fitted, bell-shaped hat that was popular during the 1920s and was associated with the flappers of the era. To wear one correctly, the hat should pulled down close to the eyes.  

Each of Geraldine's hats is a work of art. My favorite is the blue chenille cloche shown above left. Cynthia prefers the one she is modeling above right, made from an interesting harlequin diamond pattern fabric. How very 1920s! And what a stylish way to stay warm this winter.

Susan

Sneak Peek

Here's a little preview of what I plan to list for sale on Kitsch Encounter this weekend . . . it's just a matter of finding the time. The end of the month is always a little hectic here at T-Party. There are bills to pay, inventory to do and an email newsletter to write and design. So it's been busy, busy, busy!

This first item is a vintage canister that has a Bakelite knob and dogwood blossoms; very nicely designed. Old canisters make great storage in the kitchen, home office or craft room.

This vintage bark cloth case has red rick-rack and a retro button. It's perfect for eyeglasses or to carry small items in your handbag. Made by yours truly.

This personal-size Bee House teapot comes with one of my handmade tea cozies and a 4 ounce tin of my tea blend. The artichoke-colored teapot has a handy built-in infuser, the cozy will keep your tea toasty and the tea is a yummy Rooibos, or red tea.

This copyright 1881, first edition of The Five Little Peppers is a classic. The intricately drawn cover is beautiful and has gold accents and five red peppers.

This vintage 1960's play iron still has its original box. Wouldn't this be fun to display in a laundry room?

When these items are listed on Kitsch Encounter later this weekend, I will provide more photos and detailed descriptions for each. Thanks for taking a sneak peek!

Susan

Let Santa Ho Ho Hold the Bag

To help with your holiday shopping, fun vintage items will be listed every week in December on Kitsch Encounter, our sister blog. Here's what's new today . . .

Wrapped in a cello bag with sparkly red fill, this set consists of a rare Santa-shaped tea bag receiver and four tea bags by Ashby's of London. I have six none left; sorry!

Designed by Howard Holt in 1959 and made in Japan, these tea bag caddies have a red nose, red hat and a curly white beard with gold accents that forms the rest for your tea bag. Housed in festive wrappers, the four tea bags are the following flavors:
Santa's Breakfast: The bold flavor of China Black Keemun tea.
Holiday Green: A fresh, light tea that brews to a soothing transparent green.
Cinnamon Plum: The rich essence of ripe plums blended with a mild black tea and sprinkled with freshly grated cinnamon stick.
Vanilla Spice: The deep vanilla flavor is perfectly balanced with just a light touch of spice.

Click here to go to Kitsch Encounter for price and ordering information. Plus, look for price reductions on remaining items that were listed in November and September.

Be sure to check back throughout December for more fun and funky vintage items for sale.

Susan

Handmade = Heart + Soul

Here at T-Party, we are big supporters of items made by very talented people. We sell lots of vintage goodies, but we always carry quite a few things that are made by hand. This holiday season, I discovered BuyHandmade.org that lets you affirm your belief that handmade treasures make some of the best gifts. Click on the link if you'd like to take the handmade pledge. I did!

Some of the lovely handmade things we sell at T-Party are pictured below . . .

Sweet chenille cupcakes by Carol Riley of Chenille-No-5.com.

Beautiful hand sewn tote bags by T-Party's very own Cynthia of Belle Island Bags.

Rick-rack tea towels, tissue cozies and fragrant lavender sachets by Janet McCaffrey of Primrose Design.

Here are some very compelling reasons, from the Buy Handmade web site, to purchase handmade gifts this year:

Buying handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-