"Why buy anything new ...." was a pondering kind of statement that came to mind as I was sitting at the kitchen table and my eyes caught in an admiring gaze upon an old, exquisitely crocheted item that I had recently purchased at a flea market and draped over a chair.
"Why buy anything new when I can get something so lovely, " I was thinking. And then a piggy back thought : when had I last bought something new. I began to look around the kitchen and then that question changed to - what had I bought new.
After a great deal of looking at the things in the kitchen I realized, out of the hundreds, I had bought four things new. This spoon was one of them and the man who sold it to me many years ago had carved it from an old tree, was actually carving it when I first saw it and I bought it as soon as it was finished.
The other three were a set of cutlery from Pier One Import in Toronto twenty-five years ago, a Salt lamp from a touristy store in Sidney BC when my brother was on a visit out here two years ago and purchased because he had one and liked it very much, four pottery bowls made by an artist who lives a block or so away and was selling some of his work at the Fernwood Tuesday Market two summers ago.
Everything else, except a few things that were received as gifts, was bought at garage sales or thrift stores or flea markets or rummage sales or church bazaars or found in a free box.
Why? It's a habit acquired many years ago that became a lifestyle. It's satisfying, meaningful, liberating, fibre archeology, creative, economical, exciting, often surprising , thought-provoking, challenging, environmentally-friendly, educational, an adventure, a means of shopping the world without leaving home. And it is fun.
Hi Again; I am just about in the same boat as you, as nearly everything I have is second hand by now. I agree that it is fun. I can find cashmere sweaters at the thrift store for 5 bucks, True, they may not be my color, but I have dyed one.
I had to say that my one purchase that has to be new is shoes. Last week I purchased 2 pairs of brand new Crocs. I am enamoured of Crocs. I even wear them in the winter with thick socks, as they are practically skid-proof with their big treads. Consider buying new Crocs. Cheers Fran from Calgary
Posted by: Fran Dale | December 01, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Good morning Fran
I know there are many people who are sharing this adventure and I love to hear details, so thanks! What did you dye the cashmere with? And have you any luck felting cashmere sweaters? And if so what did you do? I have Crocs - I will definitely try them outdoors - skid proof footwear is high on my list of things to know about.
Posted by: karen | December 01, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Karen; I use an acid dye .......I use them to dye wool warps for weaving scarves......gives a nice subtle effect and takes away from the blocky look. It's bad for the environment, but I do love color. I use vitamin C tablets for the mordant. I have only dyed one cashmere sweater; it was darkish grey in a loose peasant style with elastic neckline. I cut it up the middle, dyed it violet, and wear it all the time tied as a shrug. So light and warm.
I don't know blog protocol; very well/ I found a few weaving sites and then yours. Hope it's okay to comment without my having a blog. I admire all the time and energy that goes into one, but doubt I shall ever do one of my own. I've never even got around to journalling.
I/ve never tried to felt cashmere; it shrinks a bit each time it's washed, though.
A lady in seattle unwinds them and uses the wool for weft in shawls, and bamboo for warp. She offers $50 credit for each sweater toward a scarf or shawl; I managed to send her eight. I have another dozen or so sweaters; I can't imagine unravelling that fine yarn; my eyes aren't that good, I guess. Cheers Fran
Posted by: Fran Dale | December 03, 2009 at 07:16 AM
Morning Fran
More than okay to comment! The only thing that comes to mind is that if you had a blog I could then see your woven scarves with the dyed wool warps - I like how you say it gives a "subtle effect and takes away from the blocky look". They sound gorgeous. Vitamin C for the mordant had me smiling.
Posted by: karen | December 04, 2009 at 08:10 AM
just wanted to say THAT SPOON IS AMAZING!!!
Posted by: laughing purple goldfish | December 19, 2009 at 01:44 AM