Sitting beside my refrigerator, I have an old freezer basket chock full of kitchen-y goodness. I don't think anyone, including me, knows how much stuff is in this basket. Let's delve in and have a look, okay?
Here's the basket. Forgive some of these photos - I took them with my iphone and I am still learning how to use that contraption. (But, oh Lord, I love that thing...)
First and foremost, the infamous crocheted watermelon potholders. I never set out to collect them. I rescued them one by one from yard sales and thrift stores. Some have even come my way from blog friends. Tonight I counted and I have 51 of them. Crazy, I know.
Along with watermelon potholders, I love and appreciate anything utilitarian that someone put their hard work and time into creating. Doilies and potholders are another weakness. The SCT often puts a bundle of three or four out for 25¢ and I always snap them up.
I like red ones the very best. Each one is different hand has a different use. That ruffly one on the top is a pot scrubber. Can you imagine scrubbing a crusty old pot with that beauty?
I have a few in orange.
A few more in yellow.
This doiley is huge - it goes in the center of a table with all the Daffodils around it. It is fantastic. And a favorite of my Mom's. :)
Of course, you have to have green. That lily pad potholder is divine.
And you really must have blue too.
Maybe even a purple or two.....or three. The tiny one is a wee little coin purse.
Then there are some in all different color schemes. I love the two pansy doilies in the corner. I've never figured out how they made that swirly one in the bottom corner either. So sweet.
Wait! Did I mention pink? You have to have PINK!
These trivets are made out of bottle caps - each one carefully crocheted with tiny little loops around each bottle cap. A couple of the grape clusters have gotten too close to the hot burner over the years, but that doesn't bother me - I still like them.
You would think that was close to the end of the basket, but you would be WRONG.
Hey - how did those wooden ones get in that basket?
A few more colorful items. The red, white and blue one is a dishcloth. Like I could ever use that beaut!
There are dresses and undies. :)
And lots of potholders too.
Feedsack potholders, kiwis from Australia, sweet embroidered apple faces and rug hooked houses.
And the final addition arrived in the mail today:
Eight tiny aprons meant to be "worn" on a Soda Bottle with the straw tucked neatly in the pocket. The 1950's version of Wine Charms. I saw them in Beth's Etsy Shop last week and I tried to resist them. They were still there three days later so I decided fate wanted them to be mine! And now they are. Love!
Do you think I can put anything else in that basket?
I think I can! I know I can! I know I will!
Do you have any secret stashes?
I knew you collected the watermelon potholders but who knew that much gorgeous crochet and other items were in that basket. Watch out if some of them go 'missing' if I ever visit you... :) Wonderful collection! hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteHi Shara,
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic! I especially like the watermelons and the daffodils. Daffs are my birthday flower...I know when they start showing up that spring is on the way.
xox
Pam
What a stash! Am amazed at the variety of colors and patterns that were created..those women of yesteryear knew how to rock a potholder or doily! Love that daffodil one!
ReplyDeleteThat is one bottomless basket! Love the watermelons and all the handmade potholders. I have some my Grandma made.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us!
That's like the Mary Poppins bag of refrigerator baskets. :) I'm seriously agog that so much fit in that basket!
ReplyDeletecould you make those watermelons into a bedspread/ quilt type thing, it would look ace !
ReplyDeleteBeing a crochet addict, I have a huge stash of yarn. But it's not exactly a secre, just a closet full! Also, there is a lot of work represented in your collections. The swirly thing, as you call it, isn't as hard as it looks if you do how to crochet. I love the daffodils.
ReplyDeleteShara, that is an awful lot of stuff for such a little basket. I am amazed at your super-powers.
ReplyDeleteShara - Hi!
ReplyDeleteI discovered your AWESOME blog a month or so ago. I am in awe of your mastery of collecting so many fabulous items. You are the queen! They are all beautiful. I don't know how you do it - I did not know that so many watermelon potholders existed within one person's range, or so many other fab creations. I am truly inspired. Thanks for your blog!
-Eleanor
Loe the collections. You even have a few of my favorite heart pin keepers in there. I've only ever found one but I've made three that I think are really pretty. And now I know that the metal basket I have is a freezer basket. :)
ReplyDelete