Great expectations

Last Sunday, it was finally time for another flea market. This one is being held every year in a neighbouring village on the first Sunday of August, and we are always looking forward to it.

The organizers must have struck a deal with the weather gods, as they usually manage to have good weather.

I remember several years when it was so hot we had to wear sunhats and we were glad of any stalls offering some shade under umbrellas or awnings.

One year, I had to buy a scarf to cover my neck in order to avoid sunburn while looking down at the goodies on offer.











This year we had a mixture of sunshine and clouds and although it was quite windy, making me regret the dress with the swingy skirt I wore, rain never threatened to make an appearance.

The flea market is very well organized with parking space offered in some nearby fields. Due to the abundance of rain, the fields were too waterlogged to be used this year and parking was further away on an industrial site, from where a shuttle bus whisked you free-of-charge to the flea market itself.

Although we love this market, with its variety of stalls set up along the streets, it can still be a bit hit-or-miss.

Two years ago, we hit the jackpot, as not only did we find a huge lot of the 1960s Boch pottery we are collecting, Jos also hit upon this 1960s wall-mounted Philips record player, which needed some TLC but is now taking pride of place in our living room, where it is occasionally spinning a vintage record.

2014

2015

Last year, in contrast, was less successful, but I still managed to pick up this vintage summer dress and a pretty basket which is now holding my button collection.

Needless to say, we had great expectations this year, but in spite of the many lovely things on offer, we only bought a few odds and ends.

It was still fun, though, as well as a great workout, as we walked (or rather, sauntered) without pause for almost four hours. Were we glad to finally get back on that bus!











Here is what we found:

A Bakelite razor, made in England. Although we aren't avid collectors of Bakelite, we still pick up the odd item here and there, when the price is right.

A stack of plastic bangles found at different stalls.











More brooches, obviously. Flea markets are the place to pick them up cheaply.

The little purse in the bottom right photo is a travel sewing kit.

These two cream plastic rose brooches are vintage, and made in France. They are not that rare but you can still expect to pay around € 5 for them. These were € 0,50 each, so I did not hesitate and took them both, even though I already had one in my collection. At another stall, a similar brooch was priced at € 7. One of the brooches has already found its way to a new owner, in the form of a present.

The blue rose is a huge plastic ring.

A small enamel flower-decorated teapot, which will join the plain olive green one we already have.

This white vintage handbag was waiting for me at one of the last stalls, and I snapped it up at € 3.
And no, I really didn't make him, Jos insisted on carrying it!

All in all, we had a great day!

August, in fact, is a great time for flea markets, with several coming up shortly.

Let's hope summer comes up trumps with some lovely weather for them.

Dress and bag (seen in first photo): Think Twice
Cardigan, beads and belt: retail
Shoes and (free) brooch: flea market