Well, we did it. We made it to Brimfield. And let me tell you, it was quite an experience! I'm not sure what I had expected, but it wasn't exactly what I had pictured. For one, it was huge. HUGE!!!! Yes, I knew it was going to be big, but I really had no idea. I consider myself to be an experienced shopper, but even I was a bit overwhelmed by it all. If you've never been before, just picture a VERY long street lined on both sides with huge fields and each field brimming with dealer's tents. Or see for yourself....
It goes on and on like this for as far as the eye can see. There are many different antique operators at Brimfield and each one has it's own field with it's own days and hours of operation. We were only there for one day, but I did mange to make it to about 80% of the fields. We were blessed with very good weather - not too hot and, although it threatened to rain, it never really materialized.
It was hard to even know where to begin, but we started with May's, as it was just opening for the first time on the Thursday that we were there. We got there just before 9 o'clock and there was a long line of people waiting to get inside the gates.
Ideally, it would have been great to have had a few days to leisurely walk around and peruse each and every stall, but given our time constraints (and the girls), I was only able to take a cursory look in most of the booths. I was a little disappointed that I didn't find more. I have no idea how much great stuff may have been scooped up in those first few days of the show. I probably missed out on a lot. Nevertheless, I found some really great stuff.
I was very focused in what I was searching for: vintage floral fabrics, millinery flowers, vintage hats, anything made of tulle or embellished with ruffles, vintage wallpaper, vintage ribbon & trims, and tole trays. Surprise, surprise, right! So, here are some pictures of some of the pretty things that I found...
I am always on the lookout for millinery flowers, so I was very excited to see tubs and tubs of them.
You had to pick through them, but there were some beauties to be discovered.
I really wanted to find some vintage hats and there were tons of them.
This dealer had some lovely prom dresses.
Yummy ruffles.
I'm still kicking myself for passing up this gorgeous vintage bias cut gown.
Vintage fabrics and clothing were everywhere. This vendor had them stuffed in garbage bags!
But, if you were willing to go through all those bags, there were some treasures to be found.
I love these pretty floral print bedspreads.
And the print on this vintage bed jacket.
There were sets of barkcloth drapes and old fabric panels.
Lots of buttons, trims, and lace.
There were several dealers specializing in shabby chic items.
This booth was breathtaking.
I soooo wanted to take this vanity home with me.
I loved the delicate carving on this bed...
and this pretty toleware sconce...
Some pretty scraps of vintage wallpaper in pastel colored frames.
A basket with some delicate millinery flowers.
Loved this flower basket door knocker.
A stunning glass tieback in the prettiest aqua blue.
Wonderful old tins.
Fabulous tole chandeliers and sconces.
Old ceiling tins and wrought iron fencing painted in pastel colors.
Aren't these old wood spools fantastic!
A very old pin cushion with a pretty lavender millinery flower.
So, yes, Brimfield was great and I would totally go again. I'd probably do a few things differently. I'd definitely go on the opening day, I'd bring a big cart with me (you can buy them there at reasonable prices), and I'd stay for at least several days in order to see as much as possible. Other tips: bring lots of cash (they do have portable ATMs there), wear comfortable shoes, have lots of sun block and water on hand, and don't drink too much - those port-a-potties are not for the faint-of-heart!
Tomorrow is Target Tuesday, but I'll be back later in the week to show you all the pretty things I bought at Brimfield. Now, I must go start unpacking and try to get some laundry done...
:-)
Jessica
