Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Freestylin’

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Yesterday was that rare day where the weather was perfect – no humidity, cooler temperatures and abundant sunshine. Don and I decided to drive around looking for garage sales which is something new to us. On these days, we borrow the lingo of our favorite American Pickers and say that we’re going freestylin’ – a fun excuse to explore areas that are new to us.

Don found a lot of old records that were 4 for a $1.00. I made the mistake of spying an old army cot and mentioned that my family had used them on our camping trips when I was a child. It was $3.00. Don went for it. Now it is on our porch. Hmmm. I’m thinking it could be an area to recline…covered with pillows.

I found this piece for 50 cents:


There’s no marking. If anyone out there knows the pattern, I’d love to know. Pretty, isn’t it?

Don got this:


We both grew up going to Big Boy restaurants. In his neck of the woods, they were called Bob’s Big Boy, in mine they were just Big Boy. That restaurant holds a special meaning for Don, so this will go on his desk. $1.00. As a vegetarian, I now cringe at all the burgers I ate in those days.

This next treasure was not found at a garage sale. Heidi gave it to me the other day.


Is this not adorable? This little handmade (I believe) rocking chair was designed to hold spools of thread. And the color! I’m totally in love with it. It even has a little slot on the back to hold scissors:


Do you think the seat is designed to hold a pin cushion? I have one that I know would look adorable on it. This will be moving on up to the studio today.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Comments

  2. Claudia….some of our best memories are Freestyling through the Garage sales together.
    Great finds!!!!
    and congratulations on being published…I must get a copy!
    Your husband looks like a fun guy!
    Enjoy your magazine fame, fun, fun, fun!!!!!!
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings…

  4. Hi Claudia:
    I had one of those little needle rockers years ago. Yes, it did have a pincushion, as did others that I’ve seen over the years.

    Looks like you and Don had a great day pickin’! Hope you have a relaxing Sunday.
    xoxo
    Donna

  5. Hubby and I ALMOST went garage sale-ing. Even slowed the car down while driving past one
    at the last possible moment we looked at each other and knew we have no room for one more single thing.

    Your pitcher is is cute as ever and I truly love your blue chair. A really addition to your studio.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and Commenting, Claudia.

    Hugs & Hearts,
    Gerry

  6. Hi Claudia, I love days like yesterday – and freestylin’ is the perfect way to spend the day! This little pitcher is so pretty, I love that carnation pink on the bottom. And I agree with you , that little blue chair is missing a pincushion – what a sweet little piece – I can’t wait to see it all full of sewing supplies! Ciao, bella!

  7. I passed up on a thread holder yesterday at the antique mall…Not in very good shape. Now, after seeing your chair, I am going to go back and get it. You are a bad influence Claudia! I know that I won’t be able to just buy the thread holder…..

  8. When we were married in Virginia they were called Shoney’s Big Boy and I loved them. But haven’t been to one in 49 year, honey. I’d forgotten about old army cots for front porches and hubs might just have one up in the attic. Old records? I have some somewhere up there. I might try selling them on ebay. Never thought of that. I was thinking of just throwing them away. I think they’re most large ones though. I’ll look through the pile and see. Does he collect old records? And that little sewing rocker is luscious looking, chick, a great deal…especially for you who loves that color.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  10. Good Morning Claudia,

    It looks as though you two had some fun. I love the little bench with the spool holders….soooo very cute and perfect for your studio.

    I’m still keeping you in my prayers and thoughts, hoping Riley and your mamma are doing better.

    Love ya’
    Meri

  11. Sounds like a wonderful day, and I adore that little spool holder! Have fun making that cot pretty and practical on the porch!

  13. What fun for the two of you. The rose piece is sweet. I recall Shoney’s Big Boy’s here but no more. Joe and I garage sale together every other Saturday. I am afraid it is an obsession at this point posssibly requiring an intervention soon. hugs♥olive

  14. Such great finds! The Big Boy makes me giggle… back in the day when I worked for another company there was a Bob’s Big Boy (about a foot tall) that would make an appearance in the annual Christmas Party white elephant gift exchange every year. Good ‘ol Bob…

    I love that little chair… such a great color! That seat looks like the perfect spot for your pin cushion. So cute!

    Hugs,
    Jill

  15. Hi Claudia! Ahhh YES, Bob’s big Boy and I have also seen them called, Shoneys Big Boy, Manner’s Big Boy and Elby’s Big Boy depending on what part of the country you were in. I think it must have had something to do with who owned the Big Boy franchise name. In any case, what a cute collectible! Have a great week, Nan

  16. How lovely that pitcher is! and that cute blue chair. Even if it did not originally have a pincushion, I think you NEED to put one there…very precious. And that Big Boy figurine….too cute for words.

    xox Rella

  18. I love the Big Boy! We had one nearby when we were kids and though we rarely ever ate there, the sign is iconic in my childhood memories.

    I have seen models of your little blue rocker before. They do often have a pincushion seat. Just adorable!

  20. Hi Claudia, You and hubby had a great day! I love the cute pitcher. A pincushion would be perfect on your cute little chair…Kathy

  21. Hi Claudia,
    I have a Big Boy just like that because I grew up going to the drive-ins as a teenager. He’s kinda hard to find.

    Love your little creamer too, such pretty colors.

    That little thread holder is adorable. I would say the seat is meant for a pin cushion. It would be perfect.

    hugs
    Sissie

  23. Oh what fun – Love Don’s new treasure!

    Glad to hear that Riley’s doing a little better.

    Enjoy your week!

    Leann

  24. Love the chair!!! how perfect is that for your studio… and yes, I think absolutely a pin cushion for the seat.

  25. Hi Claudia, you found some cute things freestylin! My aunt (who taught me to sew) had a sewing chair, but I don’t think it was a rocker. It held the scissors, spools and thimble and had a pincushion seat which I remember as very stiff. I think it was filled with sand or something gritty. I had forgotten about that! Linda

  28. Hi Claudia: I love all the goodies you purchased. That is one of my most favorite things to do on a weekend. I wanted to tell you, I tell everyone that I know you. I show them your article. I am so proud of you.

  29. how funny that you found an army cot for $3!! my neighbor and i spied 2 of them at g.w. for $5 each and almost bought them for…LAWN CHAIRS. that is so funny.
    love all your little treasures!! enjoy the nice weather while you can.
    oh yes…i DO remember bob’s big boy!!
    the best ice cream and breakfast bar!!
    cheers
    s

  30. hi claudia!

    a pin cushion would be completely adorable on your wee chair!

    sounds like you and don had a great time! we all need fun-in-the-sun days just like those! we went to a carnival today. fun + carnival-ish = ?
    LOL!

    xo
    elyse

  32. Love your finds! I also grew up going to Bob’s Big Boy! Love it to this day! My sister works at one. The little rocking chair would look cute with a pincushion. A perfect fit and the color is so you!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

  33. Fabulous finds! And yes, I do believe I have seen those rockers with pin cushion seats.
    What a fun day you two must have had.
    Hugs,
    Terri

  34. The “Big Boy” is kinda a cutie. Look at home pose like that :-)

    Love the rocking chair too. Oh maybe a pin cushion, as you said, is fitted in the chair. I think it is just adorable imagining different colors of thread, the scissors and a pin cushion in it. What a pretty way to organize :-)

    Mizpah,
    Li

    (I read your post about Riley and that was a scary thought! But I’m so glad that he is ok now. I hope and pray to that you Mom will be well. Take care on your trip)

  35. HI Claudia,

    Love your finds. Your creamer is a Homer Laughlin mold called eggshell georgian. They made many, many different designs with these same molds. I collect a decal pattern called Marilyn so through my ebay searches I have gotten to know quite a bit about this mold.

    That rocker is the best. I’ve never seen anything like it.

  36. WHAT GREAT FINDS, I LOVE GARAGE SALES, DON’T GO THAT MUCH ANYMORE. WITH LABOR DAY COMING UP THERE WILL BE A LOT OF THEM.
    HOPE RILEY IS WELL, AND HAPPY. PRAYERS FOR YOUR MOM.

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