Three Summer Day Trips for the Antique and Flea Market Collector

The calendar and the weather in New England has announced the beginning of summer.  It is time to pack up the family, load the family van and head north, in search of cool breezes and super bargains.


The challenge of a fun vacation time for all is being sure to include destinations that have activities and events for all family members.
Finding such destinations is not as difficult as I originally thought as I looked to plan 3 day trips that would provide lots of antique and flea markets to explore.

June                       Withington Auction    



The first stop on the trip will be in Nashua, New Hampshire. Nashua is the location of Withington Auctions for more than 30 years.  Although Dick Withington is recently deceased the fine tradition of his auctions continue.  Since the auction is held in a major hotel chain there is an on site pool and gym the kids can enjoy.  Within walking distance is fast food. The hotel includes room service with wifi and cable.  The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.


July                      Brimfield Antique Show

Select a date between July 14-19 to attend the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. The Show is actually hundreds of individual dealers who set up displays in a various fields.  The fields have individual names, hours of operation, parking, and admission fees.  The show was started in 1959 and has survived the digital age, boasting the largest attendance ever for the May 2015 show dates.  There are plenty of local places for lodging so plan on staying a couple of days to discover the wide range of offerings at Brimfield.


August                New Hampshire Antiques Dealer Association


August is time to head to Manchester, NH for the 58th annual antique dealers show.  This year the show runs from August 7 to August 9.  Exhibitors as far away as Michigan will display the finest   antiques for our buying pleasure.



Till next time stay well, stay happy

http://www.antiquestattheirongate

auctionmom80@gmail.com

 Vintage and retro clothing at affordable pricing

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A Las Vegas hotel where Frank Sinatra, Joan Rivers, Liberace and other stars…

A Las Vegas hotel where Frank Sinatra, Joan Rivers, Liberace and other stars…

Caring for Antique Textiles

Antique textiles come in a variety of forms.  Textiles include  clothing, scraps of fabrics, draperies, curtains, tapestries, quilts, doll clothes, needlepoint and much more.  I also include the upholstery on my antique chairs when discussing care of antique textiles  

How to care for your treasured pieces depends on many factors, including
size, age, material, and whether you want to display or store the piece for long periods of time.  My upholstered chairs remain on duty for sitting all year whereas my antique table linens are used occasionally  and mostly stored throughout the year.

Whether you use or store your antique textiles there are a few basics you must follow to preserve your pieces.



Before handling antique textiles tell yourself the piece is fragile, exactly how fragile the piece is will become known when you handle it.  Know that silk textiles "melt" and if you see melted silk immediately know to handle with care.

The 3 Basics of Handling Antique Textiles

1. Wash you hands before handling antique fabrics and textiles.  Natural oils from our hands can stain delicate textiles.  The use of hand lotions gives dust a surface to collect and the piece will get stained and require cleaning quicker

2. Keep your food and drinks away for from antique textiles. The obvious reason is the danger of spilling.  Water can create as much damage to a piece as coffee or tea.

3. Remove jewelry especially rings and bracelets that can catch on delicate fabrics leaving torn threads and pulls.  Even a long necklace can create damage to a textile if it catches and pulls on the piece.

 Storing Antique Textiles

1.  Keep antique textiles out of direct sunlight, rain, and any dampness.

2.  Store in acid free containers using acid free paper,  polyester batting.  Cotton sheeting may be used if available.

3.  Do not store antique textiles in cardboard boxes, directly in wooden trunks, or in plastic.

Preserving our clothing and textile heritage

 

When to Seek Expert Advice

1.  Identify the type of material the item is made from, date the item

2.  Before removing a stain

3.  Precautions to take if you want to wear or use the item

4.  Restoring or mending an item

5.  When you suspect insect damage

Till Next Time Stay Well Stay Happy

auctionmom80@gmail.com

www.antiquesattheirongate.com 

                                   

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