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In which I discover a tiny slice of sewing heaven

Tuesday, April 29, 2008



If you managed to click over to my Bethesda vintage/thrift store piece, you would know that the highlight of my trip (after the slew of really awesome finds—the $8 record player? amazing!—and trying on real, actual YSL vintage) was discovering the Bethesda store Accessories of Old. I literally stumbled upon it while walking around the neighborhood, and I'm so glad I did. Honestly, if there was a special heaven for sewers that loved vintage, this would be it.




I've never seen anything like it. Everything in the store—from the buttons to the ribbons to the various accessories, like barrettes and brooches—is authentically vintage and often in the original packaging. The owners, Andrew and Lisa, have filled the store with the huge amount of leftovers from Lisa's grandfather's sewing supply store, which opened in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1918 and was stocked with gorgeous items from Europe and beyond. For those of you who don't have Bethesda on your current travel radar, they also sell online. (Etsy crafters, take note!)



We are personally making up a shopping list for a major return trip soon. First up: All of our favorite cardigans are getting a makeover with vintage buttons. Next up: We are definitely making retro cocktail rings out of some of those really elaborate buttons! And then: We will learn to sew something that requires trim. Lots and lots of amazing trim. Sigh…


14 comments :

Taryn said...

i've been told about that place before and i keep meaning to go! thanks for reminding me.

Cutebee said...

I wish could find place like that here in Dubai. Might i didnt hard enough to find out...........
Love to go to the store in your picture.

Marissa said...

WHOA. This is, like, the greatest thing I've ever seen!

Anonymous said...

i live in bethesda and i had no idea that place existed. i'm so excited to go there. i'm not excited about the amount of money i'll probably end up spending there, though.

Smaggle said...

I really think I got a baby orgasm from those buttoms...

Elizabeth said...

Cute overload!

Alison Santighian said...

oh. my. goodness!

if only i had the time to sew...

hogan said...

wow, how awesome is that? i always buy lots of trim and take it out to gaze at once a year. so i probably shouldn't go here.

Sarah's Fab Day said...

I would love that place, looks like loads of fun!

miss milki said...

Wow! thanks for letting us in on the secret!

Top bird said...

It's trim-tastic! I'd have to buy those cool dog buttons. xx

Anonymous said...

I think I just had a small heart attack. Somebody turn down the a/c. How much are tickets from SoFla to D.C. going for these days??? Help...can't breathe...

www.pbchick.com

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bencurtis said...

This looks absolutely amazing!!! The pics are incredible thank you for sharing!!!