Friday, September 4, 2009

Brockin' all over the world...

No, of course I haven't been brocante shopping all over , but who can resist such a cheering pun? OK, the French couldn't (they are masters of word play) and neither could I... apologies if you have higher tastes in either music or humour!

However, I have picked up some lovely things both in Brittany and back here near Toulouse, so it would be perfectly accurate to call it 'Brockin' in two diverse regions of France', if you want to be pedantic.

Firstly, when I went to visit elizabethd, she very, very sweetly gave me not only this pretty set of fat quarters (they are featured behind my giveaway items) but also bits and bobs of embroidery, lace and buttons from her collection, including some initialled napkins! This is only a little selection of what she gave me... Thanks so much!
At a brocante market in Auray I discovered the truth in what elizabethd has always said - broc in Brittany is priced high for the tourists! It did make me re-think what prices I am willing to pay down here though - the prices I sniff at for embroidered French linens would look very good up north! I did however buy some ephemera, including some vintage papery bits and bobs from my giveaway, and these buttons:
Once home, I set off for my before school timetableing meeting with a little time to spare, and popped into Vetirelais. 'How much for this tea set?', I demanded, not noticing that it can't be a tea set as one container has a lid and the other has a spout, but nothing is teapot shaped.
The price was good - very good. And the china was paper thin - terrifying to pick up!
It's Limoges! Michaela has noticed that my flowery collection is 'Limoge-style', but actually, it's quite chunky, and I feel safer with it that way! The real thing is porcelain and I am going to sell it on, as I don't dare keep it in the house...
The charity shop had no paper for wrapping, so it came home in a smelly onion box wrapped in this lovely sailing boat fabric. The fabric will go very well in my red, white and blue scheme for autumn, once I've washed it very thoroughly!
Chanel seems at home as I unwrap everything...
In the second charity shop, when the meeting was over, I discovered a button drawer for the first time! What a haul..!
Now, if you like France or brocante, please remember to enter my giveaway (click the button at the top of my blog). It's full of old and modern school goodies, for la Rentreé.
Sarah at Red Gingham is also having a giveaway - click her button just below mine to enter that one!
And Denise in the UK is also giving away some lovely stuff, as well as having a very charming swap. Please click her button to see what's going on chez elle...

Tomorrow, I have more to say on my Rentrée resolutions, assuming I have enough time after the Forum des Associations...

13 comments:

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hello Floss
What beautiful finds! I really like the Limoges set. I can picture them being used for a lovely afternoon tea. Lovelyred nautical fabric.
Have a great weekend
Isabelle x

Selfsewn said...

Love that boat fabric, isnt it like the ck blue boat design.

marble rose said...

The non tea set is so beautiful Floss!

Fleur
x

Pomona said...

We found exactly the same thing when we went to Brittany - and this was about 8 years ago when the vintage thing was not as big as it is now. But you have made some great finds anyway!

Pomona x

Unknown said...

I love those buttons! Yes I do! suzie. xxx

silverpebble said...

Ooh, such treasures. That porcelain/pottery is exquisite. Buttons buttons!

Michela said...

Hi Floss! Great finds and that Limoges set is really lovely! I know Limoges porcelain beacause my mum sell many items on her stall! And we have some sets at home!
Have a fantastic weekend!
P.S.Hope that your boys' rentrée went well!

Joshy and belle said...

Hi Floss, i love the vintage china it is so pretty, and the boat fabric looks really ck-ish! fliss xx

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

WOW did you do well,

Victoria xx

sharie said...

Pretty vintage china and it came home in nice fabric too!

Lululiz said...

Oh, Floss what an absolutely wonderful find,I am drooling over the Limoges set, it is seriously gorgeous. The buttons are a great find as well, however, buttons are somewhat of a banned subject with me at the mo, I'll tell you all about that some other time.

Anonymous said...

I love the tea set, it is beautiful! xx

JuanitaTortilla said...

I just realised from this post's title, "Brockin' all over the world" that I/we call it "Brocki" too! In short for 'Brockenstube', which means a second-hand / thrift shop. The one place I always go Brocki-ing is Brocki-Land.