I was hoping to take a few day trips during my break to check out some new antique shops, used book stores, and local craft boutiques, but I just didn’t have the kid-free days to do it. Jeff could tell that a day out would really be good for me, so he took on school/kid duties and I took a day trip to Stillwater, MN. We went there in the fall (you can read about that trip HERE) and I loved that town! There are several antique malls, an amazing used book store, and a yarn shop that I didn’t go to during our previous visit.
It was 2º and windy, so it wasn’t exactly a delightful day to be walking around outside, but it was still refreshing to get out of the house and soak up some inspiration that comes from being in a different environment.
I tried to turn the day trip into a mini-teeny-tiny-creative retreat and listened to the audiobook and a couple of podcasts on the drive. I hadn’t had the planning and creative business enrichment time I hoped for during my break, but this gave me some things to think about for when I do have the time to plan and ponder.
Once I parked, I made a beeline to Black Letter Books, a delightful used book store with an impressive art and design selection. Art books are a particular favorite of the owners, so keeps that section well stocked. I sat on the floor, picking books off the shelf one at a time to thumb through them and either put them back or add them to my stack. I love finding books of artists I’ve never heard of or ones of my favorite artists that I don’t already have. I did take pictures of my bookshelves before I left so I wouldn’t buy a book I own! When you have a growing collection of books, it’s easy to do!
I ended up buying five books and discovering two new-to-me artists – Childe Hassam and Edmund Tarbell, both American Impressionists.
Here are links to the books I purchased, if you’re interested…
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I had to do a bit of book rearranging in the studio, but I am determined to fit as many books in there as I can!
I also picked up a few antiques. I found this beautiful French antique copper jelly mould…
It looks like it was newly retinned and is very heavy for its size.
I added it to my collection hanging from the kitchen pot rack.
I also found this gorgeous English set of bone-handled knives and forks. I cleaned them up and was able to see the markings identified them as being made by Savory of London. Julia is going to help me research the hallmarks, but I believe they are silver plated with bone handles and are from the mid-to-late 1800s. For $35, this set was a bargain!
When I unpacked them to show Jeff, I said, “I know you were really worried that we didn’t have enough flatware, but I’ve got it covered.”
Okay, in reality, I have too much flatware. And dishes. But, no matter. These were too good to resist.
They joined some of my crocks filled with Civil War-era American flatware, English fish forks, and French Ivory.
One of the things on my list was a darning egg or mushroom. I found a bunch, but only one that really “spoke to me.” I was hoping to find one that was older and had more patina, but I loved the design of this one. I’m looking forward to trying out some darning and mending with this little fellow…
And, when I was waiting in line, I spotted this sweet flannel child’s slip. (These were worn in winter for warmth.) I picked up the hanger and turned it around and there was no doubt it was going to come home with me. First of all, it was $30. Second, it had a hand-written tag on the back. Written in pencil was – Made in 1878 for WBR. And all of the details from the hand-sewn buttons, the fine weave of the linen, the pleats in the wool flannel, and the scalloped edge along the bottom were just so delicate and beautiful.
I love using little dresses as art, so I’ll find a fun way to display this piece.
For my last stop, I went to Darn Knit (Anyway), a little yarn shop in Stillwater. For a niche shop in a small town on a cold day, it was hopping! There were women shopping, several people helping customers, and winding purchased skeins of yarn. In the back of the shop, there was a table surrounded by women knitting and chatting. It wasn’t a structured class, but a gathering of women of all ages making various projects and talking about life, knitting, techniques, and yarn.
I bought some dark blue and cream yarn and some wooden needles for cabling. (Making cables is next on my list to learn.) And, on a whim, I picked up this wool bundle, which might as well have been named “The Marian Bundle.” It’s pretty much my color palette, give or take a few of the brighter yellow-greens. I have no idea what I’ll make with them, yet, but I’ll have fun playing with them.
I came home from the trip in the late afternoon, bringing a bag of take-out home from Mon Petit Chéri for me and Jeff to enjoy together for an early dinner. Since we couldn’t make the trip together, I wanted to bring a little bit of Stillwater home for him. I also bought him a couple of antique spokeshaves for him to play with. He’s getting into wood carving and I’m all about it. I already have a mile-long list of things he can make for me! Poor Jeff.
These days, it’s easy to choose to stay home. For me, anyway. I like being with my books, in my studio, and working on my projects. But, that day trip was such a good reminder of how nourishing it is for the soul to get out into the world, even if it’s just to check out a few local shops in a neighboring small town on a cold day.
I hope you’re inspired to do the same…
26 Responses
As one who finds myself home way too much this winter, you have inspired me to brave the elements and explore a bit. You found such interesting and wonderful items and have grand plans for them all. The little slip with the handwritten note reminded me of how I received some family items from a great aunt of mine. She would pin notes to the fabric ones (she gave me a hand embroidered sleeping cap from my great grandmother from Germany) and tape notes to the solid ones. I was so happy to know the history of each item. I still have the notes so I, too, can pass the information along to the next generation…otherwise the history will be lost forever. By the way, I think you are the perfect “Poet of Domesticity.”
I just got my paints out and ran to the computer to see what you’re up to today. Not painting, but you still inspired me to get back in there and create! I’m glad you’re back!
Thank you for sharing a special day. I’m in need of a get-away day also! I love the darning egg. My grandmother used to have one that I played with many a day — and I did learn how to darn sock with it. Enjoy your treasures!
I was wondering when you were going to discover the knit shop! My sister lives in Marine on St Croix, and I make it a point to visit Darn.Knit.Anyway on every trip we make up north to see her in MN. It’s my favorite knitting shop probably of all the ones I’ve ever been.
They also have a nice email newsletter that I enjoy.
I love your antique finds! I think I too am in need of a “field trip” of inspiration – just have to wait out another snowstorm and then I’m going to pick a town and go exploring! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
I remember my Grandmother using a light bulb to darn socks!
Debbie, that’s ingenious !!!
I use a light bulb also. But seeing the wooden darner, I am on a chase to find one. My mother had a heavy hand blown one from Corning Glass Works.
My dad darns his socks using a l’eggs egg from the 79’s!
Too funny! I had a saved few of those and used them for beads and small notions, but eventually I was convinced to let them go. Too bad. If 1 turns up in an unopened box, I will definitely try darning on it.
I have mended many a sock with my grandma’s wood egg!
It’s been years since I have been to Stillwater- Kirk and have stayed at a few bed and breakfasts for weekend escapes and we love it. I am so sorry I forgot to tell you about Stillwater!?♀️
Thank You for inspiring me to get out more which I need to do, but right now we are snowed in here in NJ so will wait until weather gets warmer. And since my career took me to the skies and the roads for over forty years I am very happy to stay home and enjoy the shows on the new Magnolia Network esp The Lost Kitchen. Maybe I will get to enjoy one of Erin French’s dinners some day. Oh Well a Girl Can Dream And I so look forward to your posts each day ! Enjoy your finds you have a wonderful eye !
A dear friend recently moved from Minneapolis to Stillwater. Since it’s a bit of a drive you have now given me even more wonderful reasons to make the drive.
So excited to see anyone out and about. It’s been a solitary two years.
You have reawakened my love for books starting with the cookbooks your readers posted about. I have quit a collection started, but have not taken the time to really enjoy them yet.
Maybe your yarn can go into another room where you can knit while watching TV and then you’ll have another shelf for books!
You have inspired me to get out and browse in a new antique shop. I love finding new places. The mold you found is beautiful! It looks wonderful hanging from your pot rack!
Glad you got to take your trip…looks like a wonderful time….
Dont laugh but I could not figure out what a darning egg was until I read Valeries comment about darning socks ?
Oh goody so glad you are going to get into darning. I found a wonderful “egg” last year but have yet to use it. Bring on the inspiration.
Sounds like a lovely trip with beautiful treasures. Not too long ago I went to an estate sale of a lady who quilted for many years. I couldn’t get over everything she had. It was sad that family didn’t want much or she just had too much – even completed full quilts. I bought some delicate tatted lace wound on a piece of cardboard with a note – Use tatting made for pillow cases by ? Forsee, Keep. So much work. It is so sweet.
Marian, I love the blue floral plate that you photographed for this post. Do you know the maker / design?
I have a couple of child half slips I inherited in bag of textiles. My mom pointed out that the eyelet on one was done by hand. I think I will follow your lead and frame them.
I have a weakness for textiles.
Dear Marion, you are always such an inspiration. I just deep cleaned my fridge and now I’m going to treat myself with a vintage shopping outing!
I’m curious to know what you’ll wind up doing with the little slip you found!
I love Childe Hassam. I had a poster print of his from Isle of Shoals hung in my apartment for years. I am sure you will enjoy his work.
I think you might also like Buffalo MN, the first weekend of every month they have fun sales! The Buffalo Nickel has everything you like and more. Check out Second Hand Rose on Facebook too!
Next time you venture out that way go to the other side of the St Croix. Hudson is a lovely little spot to visit. It has a ton of cute vintage shops and an amazing chocolate shop that hand dips truffles. And a wonderful theater that puts on a great show… even has a pipe organ for concerts.
Also if you head down Main away from the river there is an amazing ice cream shop that makes its own ice cream. We lived in this area several years ago and it’s where I first discovered your paints and sold my first pieces in a shop by consignment.
Thank you for the inspiration! Your day trip sounds lovely! Your blog is so beautiful; it is a pleasure to view, well, for the most part. I know you have to make a living doing this but pop-up ads are such a turn off. There are ads galore listed on the blog entries, and then to have to deal with pop-ups on top of that? I think they are somewhat self-defeating. You probably need a certain amount of foot traffic to get money from the ads, but seeing them makes me want to avoid visiting your site in the future which leads to a loss of foot traffic.
Besides that, it’s obvious you are at the top of your game. You produce beautiful work! Thank you for the inspiration and best wishes to you and your family.