thrifting in PA

by | Jul 4, 2022 | Antiques, Favorite Finds | 37 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

My mom and I went out to a local antique shop and thrift shop on Thursday and it felt so good to be hanging out with her in some of my old haunts.  Before we get into thrifting and what I bought, I wanted to clear something up.   When I shared my shopping adventures on Instagram, a few people were deterring me from buying anything.  “You just downsized!”  “Wait until you have a house!”

Very valid points except for two things.

One – I didn’t downsize our belongings because we are planning to downsize our house (although we might.)  I was downsizing because of the cost of moving and storage.  I didn’t want to pay to move and store something that would be more cost-effective to sell and replace on the other end of the country.  We wanted to move pieces that we really loved, that were easy to pack and move, and were likely to be used in whatever house we buy.  Some items were just too big and bulky to move and store or I was concerned about damage.  Moving is also a great opportunity to clear out things that I’ve just been keeping out of default.  If I didn’t really love it or use it, it was sold.  I also learned when we moved from a 1940s cape cod to a 2013 suburban house that some pieces just don’t transition from one house style to another.  I would prefer to curate things that are just right for our next house.

The plan always was to buy things on the other end.  I saved up all of the money I made selling things just for that purpose (and it’s a pretty nice chunk of change!)  I’m not planning on replacing everything but buying things we need for our new home (once we buy it) or things that speak to me; things I’m excited about.  I also like hunting for things that would be fun to photograph, style with, write about, or paint as a subject.  In addition, I just think it’s interesting to see what’s out there and how things are priced.

So, while we’re traveling around and I don’t have a house to take care of, I’ll be checking out local thrift stores and antique shops just to see what I find!  I’m not going to buy any furniture unless it’s a piece that’s a no-brainer, because I would prefer to buy pieces when I know the spaces I’m furnishing.  But, I sold almost all of our lamps, all of our tables, several dressers, both of my desks, my drafting table, most of our upholstered chairs, bookshelves, cabinets…all of that to say that we’re going to need some things on the other end.

Two – There is an assumption that I don’t have room for anything because we don’t have a house.  Ah, but I do.  And it’s not really my parent’s garage.  We have rented a storage unit to store Jeff’s camper (he has a small teardrop camper for guys’ hiking & fishing trips) and there’s some room to store things that we kept out of the moving containers, but we don’t have to haul around with us everywhere.  My house purchases will go in that storage unit until we close on a house.

Now that I have overexplained the situation, let’s do some thrifting!  We actually went to an antique store first (Rebel’s Roost in Gettysburg) and then we went to the thrift store that was just down the road (Adams Rescue Mission.)  I didn’t take pictures at the antique store, but I will share what I bought.  I did snap a few pictures at the thrift store, though.

I loved the wall of ties!  When I was in high school, I would buy thrift store ties and vests and wear them with a white dress shirt and a pleated skirt.  I was a thespian, so if you get it, you get it.

adams rescue mission thrift store | thrifting in PA | miss mustard seed

The rack of old prom dresses made me laugh, too.  My friends and I used to pick out dresses for each other to try on for fun.  I ended up buying a 1950s mint green prom dress from one of those ventures.  Again, thespian.

adams rescue mission thrift store | thrifting in PA | miss mustard seed

One nice thing I saw that I didn’t buy was a heavy, gold-framed beveled mirror for $30.  I sold all but one of my mirrors, so I’m sure I’ll be buying at least one eventually, but I want to wait until I know what I need and where.  This was tempting, though.

adams rescue mission thrift store | beveled mirror | miss mustard seed

Naturally, I looked at the dishes.  You just never know when there might be an ironstone cake stand or some other rare piece hanging out at a thrift store.  I didn’t find a cake stand, but I did find a pretty fluted bowl.  Do you see it?

adams rescue mission thrift store | thrifting in PA | miss mustard seed

At only $2, I couldn’t resist picking it up.  I enjoy having stacks of nested ironstone bowls and I do use them for all sorts of things.

adams rescue mission thrift store | white ironstone bowl | miss mustard seed

I did look at the “big honkin’ heavy books”, too because most of the books I like (art, decorating, and design books) are big honkin’ heavy books!  No luck today, though.

adams rescue mission thrift store | thrifting in PA | miss mustard seed

I did look in the basement, which I knew might get me into trouble because that’s where the furniture is.  But, the frames were also down there and antique frames are at the top of my hunting list right now.  I’m looking for old frames for my paintings because even a mediocre painting will look better in an awesome frame.

An unpriced French chair caught my eye.  Oh, man…I knew I might get into trouble.  It was sturdy, in excellent condition, and had a great shape.  Of course, I can reupholster it so I don’t even look at the upholstery anymore.  I just look at the bones and imagine what it can be.

adams rescue mission thrift store | French chair | miss mustard seed

My mom asked about the price for me so I didn’t have to hobble up the stairs on my broken foot.  The chair was $5.00.  Okay, I will have to tolerate any looks and sighs from Jeff over this one.  I don’t need to know what kind of house we have.  A French chair will always be welcomed and used in any house of mine.

I also bought this large gilded wood frame for $5.00.  I didn’t like the ratio as a landscape, but when I turned it vertically, I instantly liked it better.  I’ll have a wood panel cut to fit it and paint a portrait or maybe even an abstract to go inside.  Or, I might frame a large antique document from my stash.  There are enough options that it was worth buying as well.

adams rescue mission thrift store | vintage gilded wood frame | miss mustard seed

I shared my $12.00 thrift store checkout pile on Instagram and immediately received comments about the photo-bombing doll in the background.  No, I didn’t buy her!  I just didn’t notice she was sidling up to my finds.

adams rescue mission thrift store | thrifting in PA | miss mustard seed

At Rebel’s Roost, the antique store, I bought a couple of small blue and white 1800s plates and a couple of small ironstone dishes.  I also bought this antique print…

age of innocence Victorian phototype print | miss mustard seed

I initially was drawn to the frame, but my mom told me my great-grandma, Rosa, had this print.  Knowing that there was a connection made me love the antique print even more.  The Victorian phototype print is from a painting called “Age of Innocence” by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1788.)

My big splurge for the day was a wooden yarn/string winder for $40.  I just love utilitarian pieces like this and the winder worked perfectly!  I would definitely use it for balls of yarn that are getting to the end and more likely to get tangled.  I also buy some hanks that need to be wound into balls, so I can use the winder when I’m using one of those for a project.

antique wooden yarn winder | miss mustard seed

antique wooden yarn winder | miss mustard seed

I was hoping to find some more frames for paintings, but all of the frames I found were pretty pricey.  I just need to keep hitting thrift stores and antique shops and I know I’ll trip across some well-priced old frames eventually.

We’re heading to Raleigh in the middle of this week to camp out with Jeff’s parents and visit our kitties.  I’ll head out and hit some shops while we’re there!

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    37 Comments

    1. Eileen

      I have that Victorian print in a lovely frame and love it.

    2. Victoria E

      I have heard about how expensive it has become to move. I understand why you had to sell your large beautiful items. People with average things in average amounts are being quoted 10s of thousands of dollars in moving costs since the pandemic started. It makes sense to sell and start over. Yes and damaged items always happen. Can’t wait to watch you decorate the next house. Also Minnesota is so cold my dad grew up there and moved to California and never went back. Those were the days when California was really good.

      • Lynda

        Hi Marian

        I love Rebels Roost, especially when they have the flea market at the outlets. I live near Frederick Maryland. You got some very nice things. Love the chair and it was a steal at $5. Enjoy NC.

    3. Catherine

      Aha! I see that you’re back in my neck of the woods. Been to both places tons of times 🙂

    4. Norma

      Marian, l love your taste and your positivity! You are so inspiring. I am sure your new home will be wonderful, and I loved your finds at the shops. Have a fun time.

    5. Addie

      I hope the ONE mirror you didn’t sell was the one from the dining room!!! That was a beauty. I knew you sold your bedroom bedside ones and they were lovely also…newer I believe..?..
      YES!!! to buying the print, the one like Grandma Rosa, Gorgeous!!!!
      Take it from me….you were smart to downsize things pieces you weren’t madly in love with. I payed storage and moving fees for about 6 large pieces that in the end didn’t really work with this home. I sold some and donated the others….errrrgh!!!! Live and learn…..I really had never moved out of state and used storage before. AND I didn’t expect to be in storage as long as I was…..Oh!!! well…all ends well.
      Can’t wait to see your new place!!!!
      Happy 4th!!!!

    6. Beverlee

      Thank you for sharing your finds. I think it should not matter to us, unless we are paying for it/storing it.
      I believe you are past the point of needing supervision.
      Happy Fourth of July.

      • Dominque

        Those were my thoughts exactly!

      • Ms. P

        Yes! What you said.

        • Catherine

          Me too!

      • Faye

        This. 100%

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! That’s true! I think that people are well-meaning and just don’t see the full picture. 🙂

    7. Mary S

      Hi Marian,

      I TOTALLY understand your reasoning getting thrift items even tho you don’t have a designated space for them. The chair – was a steal. and you know it will fit in anywhere. I can even see you reupholstering it while you’re in transit. Why not? Your taste in fabric probably hasn’t changed from then and now… Silly to pass up a huge bargain just bc you don’t have a space for it. You go girl!! And that Victorian print is so FABULOUS!! Glad you brought it home with you. I would have had a hard time leaving it behind too.

    8. Faerie Pabich

      We made a cross country move 8 years ago and did exactly what you are doing. We didn’t want to pay an outrageous moving bill, so selected pieces we would love no matter where we landed and sold everything else. We bought new things once we had a house and knew exactly what we needed. You are tackling it exactly the right way!!!

    9. Betsy

      If it’s Johnson Brothers made in England it comes home with me. Great chair.

      • Erika

        I love all your finds! I am a little envious of your upcoming fun, designing and decorating another house! We downsized 8 years ago and I love my house, but maybe I need to freshen things up a little hehe?

    10. Irene Kelly

      Just wanted to know if you sold that beautiful mirror amoire pictured in your book on page 140 ? Also on page 186 Hutch, page 215 armoire, page 262 chest and page 199 clock ?

    11. AnnaRae

      The joy of the hunt! One of the best things about owning an antique. I have a friend of 35 years that we have been on many of antiques hunts together thru the years. We have so much fun recalling the “hunt”. This adds to the joy of owning the piece. Going to shops that you use to frequent often would be sooo much fun. I get it. Different houses require didn’t treasures. You got great pieces. Can’t wait to see the chair with your touch. Thanks for sharing. Love antiquing!

    12. marylisa

      I haven’t been thrifting in a while. I need to as it is so much fun. I totally let things go and acquire new collections because things are good when they find a new home

    13. Jo Ann

      Reading the post from Eileen Kelly I thought it would be fun for you to identify pieces in your book that you sold. I’m curious about the beautiful armoire from your sewing room. I loved that piece. And I’m curious about the married piece of drawers on the bottom and shelves on top. I am living vicariously through you.

    14. Claire

      Did you sell that beautiful blue plaid sofa/loveseat furniture?

    15. Donna Doble-Brown

      NO! Not your drafting table too! Gosh, I loved that piece . . . .
      WOWY I guess you did purge!
      So glad you and Mom are tooling around . . . Have fun and Enjoy ?

    16. Sandy

      Oh Marian, so glad for the fun time that you were able to spend with your mom. My mom also had a print of the Victorian little girl. Enjoy this time dear little lady as you anticipate the home ahead. By the way, the yarn winder is fabulous, as well as the bargain chair.
      Bless y’all as you travel to visit Jeff’s folks…and the kitties.

    17. Elizabeth

      Marian: No need to justify. You know what you are doing and we know you know what you are doing! We love to follow your journey and see what you can find In Your neck of the woods . I live in Massachusetts and you’d think we could beat you in the antiques department but not so much!

    18. Karen B.

      I love following along on your thrifting trips. I do believe your area has better stuff than mine. Haha. Everything you purchase will look amazing with your talented styling.
      Karen B.

    19. Karen

      Beautiful finds! I love that antique print of the little girl. When I was growing up at home in the 70’s my mom had a set of prints called Pinkie and Blueboy. I never knew what happened to them over the years since they just disappeared. Imagine my delight to find both in pristine condition at an antique store in Alabama last year. I didn’t purchase them but it was so fun to finally set eyes on this famous pair. My mom also had a gossip bench that also disappeared over the years and I found one just like it at another antique store during that same trip! So fun to walk down memory lane. If I had a bigger house I would have purchased both!

    20. SueA

      I cannot believe the gall of some people who would criticize you for what you do as an artist, a mother and an independent thinker. Shame on them and props to you for living your bold life so openly.

    21. Cheri

      I’m dying over here in Minnesota! East Coast here I come!

    22. Patricia Kasparian

      Your thrifting/antique finds are some of my favorite posts! Thanks for sharing those.

    23. Kimberly Carnegie Bruhn

      Even though I’m closer to your mum’s age (she is a Kim, too?) I can totally relate to your outfits! I loved finding vintage ties and bowties to wear with my vests and Esprit mini skirts and Bermuda shorts (with patterned tights)! Ahhh…those were the days!

    24. Kathleen Piersall

      While in Raleigh, consider a drive just south to Bostic & Wilson Antiques in Fuquay-Varina, they are starting today with a going out of business sale for two weeks. I have loved this store forever, so many things it’s hard to move around! Doesn’t hurt that it’s next to the bakery for scones and a smoothie! Enjoy your visit!

      • Marian Parsons

        It was less than 10 minutes away from my in-law’s house, so we went over there this morning. I did find a few good things!

        • Kathleen

          Glad you found Guardian Angel Thrift, Love that place too!

    25. Shelley

      Your Mom & Dad must be so proud of you. You have as much grace woven through your soul as you do talent. Don’t ever stop being who you are & doing what you do. I’m proud of you for “clearing something up”. It saddens me that you need to do that every so often. You have invited us into your life and home with open arms and then to put up with unsolicited advice & negative comments is shameful. DON’T change a thing! Hugs from Maine.

    26. Teresa

      Marian,
      Dont forget about Antique Marketplace in Lemoyne, PA. I know you use to frequent there alot and I would love to stop there on our trips up to PA. We are headed your way next week to Lancaster to see DAVID at Sight and Sound. We always take the Gettysburg way back home to VA so we will probably stop by Rebels Roost for a look around. Have fun in NC.

    27. Suephillips

      You should not have to explain why you sell this, why you buy that. But it’s very classy how you explain your reasoning of doing so. A very talented person you are and cannot wait to what you do next!!

    28. Mrs. Kelley Dibble

      Marian,

      I watched on The Miniature World of the Kit & Caboodlers’ YouTube channel today “Unboxing The Contents Of A 1920`s Dolls House! So Many Small Treasures!” I recognized in the doll house toys the print, “Age of Innocence.” The tiniest little round frame in there. “Miss Mustard Seed just bought that print on her thrifting jaunt with her mom recently!” That was neat because until you shared about it, I’d never seen the print before.

      *hugs*
      Mrs. Kelley Dibble

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

    Let's Connect

    WATCH ON YOUTUBE

    decorating, projects, and recipes for spring

    Categories

    Articles by Date

     

    our sponsors

     

     

    Bliss and Tell Branding Company

     

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This