Thursday 1 August 2013

Look what I bought!

The other day I was in a thrift shop where I found two lovely items.

The first is this beautiful cushion in Tvistsöm. I am not yet sure what this stitch is called in English, but it is a kind of Cross stitch with a long leg. It is very common in Swedish embroidery and much loved.
I am charmed by the design, pattern and colours. May I add that it is in pristine condition.
The next item is this fantastic bridal crown. It is beautifully executed in crochet lace and  starched so stiffly it resembles a piece of china.
Although I am already married, have no intention to remarry and am therefore not in need of a bridal crown, I just could not resist the temptation, but had to purchase this jewel of crochet art.

16 comments:

Pamela said...

You hit the jackpot at the thrift store! I love when I find these unexpected treasures.

carorose said...

Lucky you my eyes have turned green with envy. I think the stitch is called long armed cross stitch that was used in the pillow. It is still used quite a bit today. And that crown! Crocheted tiaras are very in with the pre-school set here, think how popular a crown would be. I made some crocheted snowflakes for a Xmas tree about 30 years ago. I startched them within an inch of their life and they are still stiff and used every year on the tree.

Cynthia@wabisabiquilts said...

Wow, you really found two gems - just beautiful - and wouldn't their original makers be so pleased that these items are in appreciative hands! Perhaps the crown can be placed on a doll's head?

latha said...

Absolutely, both look wonderful!!I wonder how they starched the crochet piece to stand like this...You are lucky to have them..

Claudia said...

You really found little treasure. I like the colours of the pillow and the crown is amazing!, Queenie!

margaret said...

2 wonderful buys Queenie but isn`t it sad that things like this end up in a thrift store, my girls will have to open one to get rid of all my stuff as they are not interested in any of it!!

Anonymous said...

Wow what treasures you have found! The cushion is beautiful and the crochet crown is stunning, are you going to display it in your home?

Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD said...

Such beauties and I'm also busy admiring your fabulous armchair! :)

Queeniepatch said...

It was a fantastic surprise; my lucky day, maybe?

Queeniepatch said...

You are quite right; the stitch is called Long Armed Cross Stitch. It is perfect for a sturdy cushion.
As for the crown, it was a real find! It must have been some 40 years ago that they were still used for weddings; these days no bride will have a crown or even a veil (unless she is royal!).
My plan is to display it for Christmas, maybe attach fine threads and hang it in the X-mas tree.

Queeniepatch said...

I do hope the original makers will approve of me as the new carer of their creations. I will display the crown at Christmas, maybe attached with thin threads and hanging from the tree.

Queeniepatch said...

It is HEAVILY starched, with laundry starch, I guess. In olden times sugar was used for starching but this crown does not appear to be 'sweet'.
I am indeed lucky!

Queeniepatch said...

Can't you see Christmas in these items? The star pattern in the cushion, and the crown would make a nice X-mas ornament.
I think I was really lucky the day I found these lovely items.

Queeniepatch said...

Swedish design TODAY is very modern, graphic and 'sharp'. Young people would probably not like these two items. It is sad that relatives don't appreciate things their grandmother or mother made and used.
I, however, am very happy these items ended up in the thrift shop and not on the tip!

Queeniepatch said...

Yes, both will be displayed at home. The cushion has these beautiful stars and the crown could be a delightful Christmas ornament I think.

Queeniepatch said...

Believe it or not, the armchair was once bought from the same thrift shop!!! The shop is a bit classy, but not expensive, and all profit goes to worth while charities.