I just returned from Brimfield. This is my second year going there. If you've never heard of it, or heard of it but have never been there - let me tell you that it's quite an experience!! Brimfield is a tiny little town in Massachusetts that has the most massive antique market everrrr... 3 times a summer (May, July, September). Vendors come from all over the world to sell their treasures. They set up right on the grass outside in these big fields and you have to wander through the sea of tents and tables full of vintage everything, to find what you're looking for. I would recommend going if you love vintage stuff, love hunting for unique items, and have some cash burning a hole in your pocket! I was on a hunt for inspiration for work. But I also found some amazingly cool stuff for myself as well.
A day in the life of a Brimfield shopper goes something like this:
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Alarm goes off at 4:15 am. Don't shower, there's no need. Brush teeth, tie hair back.
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Put on good walking shoes, shorts, a tank top, a warm sweater, a hat, sunglasses handy for later, a good bag or backpack, and a wad of cash in pocket.
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Grab a bagel from the hotel lobby and meet shopping buddies looking as tired and strangely dressed as you do. Get in car and drive to the fields. Arrive by 5:15.
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Pay $5 and park in field. Walk through cold wet grass in the dark, pay for ticket to first field entrance and wait in a heard of old and similarly strangely dressed folks.
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Gates open and everyone pushes their way in - practically running - and you feel the need to run also. But run to what, to where? It's a hunt, not a race. Stay focused. They aren't looking for the same thing you are. Keep telling yourself that.
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Spot what you're looking for and start digging through it. Find a gem. Negotiate a price with the dealer. Pay cash. Wander to the next tent. Repeat until hungry or need restroom.
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Get a Pilgrim Breakfast Sandwich, a big bottle of water, and reluctantly use the Port-o-Potty.
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The sun rises. Remove sweater. Put on sunglasses. Realize it's only 9am. Continue the hunt.
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Shop until delirious from the heat of the sun and drag feet and bags back to the car by 3pm or so. Notice sunburn. Turn on car and blast the AC while waiting in the bumper to bumper traffic out of Brimfield.
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Nap at hotel until dinner time. Eat somewhere nice and enjoy the act of sitting.
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Return to the hotel, shower, and climb into bed by 9pm.
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Repeat day, for as many days as you choose to stay.
What did I get this year, you ask?
An apron to add to my collection:
Assorted buttons!
Another apron. Look at this awesome stitching technique! It was all across the hem, and across the little pocket.
Sew awesome.
I was in love with these as soon as I spotted them laying in a pile in the grass. There was a huge pile of them, and very very dirty and dusty. They are from China and the dealer said that she thinks they were used as Chop Stick holders. Once I get them washed up, I'm thinking I can display the 2 colorful ones in the sewing room.
And the three black ones in the living room. I'll post pictures once I do!
A LIFE magazine from 1940!! The ads and articles inside are SO great!
And I even picked up a Playboy. It's actually really cool. The ads are the best part. Most are for cars, liquor, cigarettes, and speakers. Manly, 70's things.
Eating here is a must:
For dinner one night, we ate at Cedar Street Restaurant. Look at this amazing dessert!! It is Mixed Berry Sorbet - with a cookie spoon - in a Martini glass!
Here's a view of a pond behind one of the fields. It's sooo pretty in Brimfield.
The only down-side is that I came back sick. Maybe it was digging deep into old dirty, dusty bins of scarves that haven't been washed since 1955? Or 1890? Icky.
