I don't know about you, but I'm a BIG fan of vintage afghans! You can find a vintage afghan in just about any thrift store out there, in all sorts of colors and designs, from all different decades. Yup, it dosen't matter what decade, somewhere, some one was knitting or crocheting an afghan! I usually snag mine up when I see them out and about at various estate auctions. I can never afford to drop $200 on a quilt or $80 on a chenille blanket, but I've always been able to afford a colorful fun granny afghan! I think no matter where you live, you should be able to find a basic vintage afghan at a reasonable price. So, my advice is to go buy them now, while there's not a huge competition for them and a healthy inventory out there!
This weekend, I attended an auction where I was lucky enough to acquire 3 beautifully made vintage afghans. They were under a table, tucked away in old department store boxes and smelled like a cedar closet! These afghans have been carefully cared for. I wish I knew more about the afghans. The one on top left corner is extremely old...I'm guessing 1930's perhaps. The others I'm assuming were from the 1940's and 1950's. They are all extremely well made. No one wanted them. The ladies were all going crazy for the box lots on top of the table and could have cared less for the colorful afghans under the table. It always amazes me what's hot at auctions and what big time dealers are buying to bring to their clientele. Here's a hint....it's not afghans!
This auction had a HUGE selection of very cool mid-century items. The prices were going high! This husband and wife kept everything
and some of it was NOS! It was a really fun auction to be at. (You learn a lot just by watching and seeing what things are selling for and what people are buying) She had
lucite purses, bakelite, vintage dresses, vintage ties, bark cloth
fabric, the list goes on. Not a lot of MCM things, but basic things that
everyday people used in that time period. It always blows my mind to
think that there are still elderly people living in the original homes
they bought 60 years ago who still live with the original items they purchased 60 years ago. I love old people who still live in a time capsule....I wish I could just hang out in their houses and look at all their stuff while they tell me stories about their life.
This is what happens when you leave your boxes unattended in the house for a few minutes around here. A box squatter moves in.
Happy Sunday!
~MaryDeluxe
I've picked up quite a few afghans over the past few years at estate auctions. Every once in a while they sell for a decent price, but all of the ones that I've snatched up I have managed to get for $2 each. They're by far better than fleece blankets to cover up with in the living room during the winter!
ReplyDeleteI agree, much better and more stylish than fleece blankets! Snag them up now before it's to late!
DeleteMaryD
That's so funny, I was at the Salvation Army yesterday and they had quite a few afghans and I was wondering are they worth anything? Next question, how do you wash them?
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the age, design, condition, and craftsmanship of the afghan. A well crafted handmade pre-1960's afghan is probably worth more than a 1970's manufactured one. Like anything else, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it!
DeleteFor cleaning, I think it all depends on what type of fibers are used to make the afghan. Newer afghans can probably be thrown into the washing machine on gentle cycle and hung to dry. Older pieces, colors that might bleed or pieces with wool should best be left to the dry cleaners.
MaryD
Thanks, next time I see one, I might pick it up!
ReplyDeletelove afghans! the tiny flower design is super cute. we use a newer one that my sister made as a bedspread and have a couple from our grandmothers that we use for snuggling. (side note: hess's box! haven't seen one of those in a while.)
ReplyDeletemy nana (great grandmother) made those by the dozens. I have two of them and they are among my most treasured possessions. Lovely!!
ReplyDeleteI have two afghans, it's nostalgia for me and the girlfriend likes them and she felt a little sentimental when my mom gave her one that my grandmother made, my mom made the other. I like everyone see them all the time and had considered buying them to arrange in a large display for resell.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbors are in their 80s and bought their house when it was just a plot of land in the 40s. I really need to find an excuse to go over there and be nosy: I'm sure they have loads of fun treasures!
ReplyDeleteI love old afghans, too! When I see a pretty one in a thrift store it's almost impossible not to buy it...I think of the person that spent soooo many hours working on it, and then to see it sitting there all lonely and unappreciated just breaks my heart! (I know, I'm a freak)
ReplyDeleteYou got some beauties, there...my favorite is the one with the pink edging. Love it!
I also have a mean case of the box invaders in my house ;-)
I have wondered why no body talks about these!!!! I am laying on a zig-zag patterned one right now that my Grandma made back in the day. I think she called it Croshay. I guess the zigzag and square patterns that are in your pics were VERY popular once upon a time, they are still quite a few floating around my family members. I love these things!
ReplyDeleteI see those all the time- just for a few dollars. I've resisted so far, but those black ones with the flowers are really nice...;) I think I read about them getting hot in some magazine, though, so get them now!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Mother & Grandmother made afghans their entire lives. My 16 year-old son was just 8 when my Mother passed away & he cherishes the afghan she made that was on my bed throughout my childhood. Thanks, this post made me smile.
ReplyDelete