Monday, September 30, 2013

First time in a Brocante in France

Would you believe me if I told I'd never been to a brocante before even though I had a beautiful collection of Christening dresses? If I told you I have a weakness for white camisoles and handkerchiefs and had never stepped inside one of these places before, would you believe me? 

I wouldn't.  But there is a very big reason why I avoided these places like they were the pest. I was an allergic child and teenager, and whenever my mother went into these places, I didn't.

Our teacher had sent us an email before the workshop asking for old pieces of fabric, ribbons, buttons, books, etc... And I searched and searched my home and nada!!

The first place we visited was in the beautiful town of Brantome. And it was the place of my nightmares; dark, humid, moldy, and smelly. But I did manage to grab a few things without breathing.

Then we visited Ali Baba, oh yes, the name! Not like the first place. I could breathe, which was not a good thing because all of a sudden I had time to look and look. And boy did I look!!

It was a good thing I had a weight restriction on my suitcase, otherwise one of these sticks would've come home with me. Just kidding!

And no this little hat didn't make the cut either, I still have a long way to go until I start using things like this. But isn't it pretty?

 Fabrics in a rumble call my name really loud and clear.

 And as you can see, I listened.

 And listened.

 And listened some more.

I love white. White fabrics. White linens, and white camisoles. Embroidered initials are the best. And handkerchiefs make me really happy!

So this is what I got:

  • 40 handkerchiefs
  • 7 camisoles
  • 1 vest
  • 1 collar
  • 1 linen bed sheet
  • 2 pillowcases
  • 2 pieces of lace
  • 2 old books
  • 4 kinds of ribbon
  • 1 bib
  • 2 doillies
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 bloomer 
  • 1 1922 comic book 

Let me just tell you that a "lot" of handkerchiefs (6 or 7) was 20 cents!!

The only reason why I'm glad I don't live in France is that I won't be tempted by places like these.

Do you like brocantes? Do you have a favorite one that you want to share? No, maybe don't share, I don't want it in the back of my mind torturing me.

Have a great day.
Giova.

6 comments:

  1. OHH I love this. Have never been to one, and like you would never stop going if I lived in France ;-) Still I would;-)
    Happy Monday x

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    Replies
    1. The positive side of not living in France, who would have thought that there would be a positive side? There you go, we don't have to worry about getting lost in Brocantes!

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  2. Wow you listened A LOT! You can tell it makes you happy! All of the antique fabrics make me sneeze, although they look adorable ;) And no I can hardly believe that you never visited a true brocante! There are so many here in France... but you would go nuts, so many nice fabrics everywhere!
    Personally I like brocantes, but love vide-greniers even better. No pretty antiques, but more regular stuff. I found some nice things in the past, but never at the same place and I also try to never look for something in particular, it's all about surprises.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm such a good listener, haha ;)
      I know about the allergies, I had to air dry everything, leave outside, then wash and iron, now there as new!
      These were all surprises, I wasn't looking for anything, it is the truth ;)

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  3. Sabe que es lo mas terrible? Que de ese sitio, no me sacaria nadie, nunca mas!!!! Por Dios!!! Bello, increible. Ahhhhhhh...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pues a mi casi no me sacan de ahi. Lo malo es no tener plata ni cupo en la maleta, jaja o lo bueno todo depende del punto de vista!

      Delete

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