I have been looking forward to signs of spring all winter: the start up of flea markets in Norway. Yesterday was the first! One of my most precious finds was this vintage tin which I filled it to the brim with the lovely hand made lace and doilies I found yesterday! What good fortune!
Flea markets in Norway are held at schools by sports teams or school bands. The parents spend weeks carting everything from furniture to toys to fabrics and plant pots to their designated storage area. So they have virtually tons of new and used items that they have gotten for free. People are happy to save the hassle of having to cart off their junk themselves. The flea markets are advertised in the local papers and on the internet. You can see what an overcast day it was and catch a glimpse of the patches of snow remaining on the ground here from my view on the bus on my way there.
Each flea market is opened to a crowd of people waiting outside. The pushing and shoving to get in is actually a bit dangerous. You have to just go with the flow as you are swept into the doors by the crowds pressing you on all sides.
And once inside the very first stop was the textiles! Here you see the curtains. I sometimes find wonderful cotton curtains that I can reuse.
There was a lot to look at and it was fun to watch while they brought out even more! Doesn't she look eager to get her hands on it all?
Tomorrow I will show you photos of some more of my finds! For now I barely have had a moment to sit and write this as my littlest one came down with a tummy bug again. Oh, this one is a really bad one. It is hard to see her so miserable. Right now I am so hoping that she will be able to sleep tonight as we could both really use it!
Wow, fleamarkets in Norway sound really interesting. I bet the prices are also reasonable. Beautiful finds you have there.
I hope your little one gets well soon!
Posted by: Inka | March 30, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing your finds; I've never had any luck with flea markets around here, but maybe it's a different story inside the city? I will renew my efforts this season, anyway. Sorry to hear about the little one. Try Biola! It's tasty and nutritious and has all those good probiotic thingies. :)
Posted by: Katy | March 30, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Luck you! Looks great like great stuff there. I'm afraid thrifting up here won't be as exciting :) If we head down to Portland, that may be another story...
Hope your little one feels better soon!
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | March 30, 2008 at 09:52 PM
I'm sorry, you're having a hard time. Poor Lily, poor you. Great vintage lace! Hugs from Denmark
Posted by: Mette | March 30, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I'm jealous!!
Posted by: Barbara | March 31, 2008 at 12:10 AM
My little one came down with a stomach bug last night too :( I hope she make's a speedy recovery and you manage to get some sleep, it's hard work isn't it. Lovely vintage finds though.
Posted by: Sarah | March 31, 2008 at 12:13 AM
flea marketing in Norway sounds brilliant - can't wait to see more of your finds...hope the little one feels better soon
X
Posted by: annieb | March 31, 2008 at 12:40 AM
I love a good flea market!
Hope your night wasn't too rough and your sweetpea is well again.
Posted by: kirsty | March 31, 2008 at 01:18 AM
how fun! i bet you found some great things!!! can't wait to see the photos!!! have a wonderful week.
Posted by: nathalie | March 31, 2008 at 02:30 AM
wow! what fun, hope you got some great buys cant wait to see them!i hope your little one is alright, hoping it passs soon, for both of you take care.
Posted by: fiona | March 31, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Hope the little one is feeling better real soon, never fun to see one of your one sick;
Veel beterschap!
Posted by: Margy | March 31, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Finally! The flea markets! My greatest source for fabrics, I can never get enough!
I also love old leather purses, wacky artwork, teacups and small pieces of furniture.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of your finds!
Posted by: HanneJ | March 31, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Oh how i need to get to europe for te textile finds! Oh, i cant wait to se what you post tomorrow! What fun!
Posted by: Five Flowers/ Emily | March 31, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Waw, great!!! I'm jealous too :o))) Just kiding. I'm so happy for all of you happy flea market shoppers. i wish we had something similar in Slovenia. Looking forward to seeing your tomorov post!
Hugs to Lily. I hope she'll be better soon.
Posted by: Anja | March 31, 2008 at 08:24 PM
emily-
next year i think i'd better come to norway for flea market season!!!
your finds and picks are making my mouth water!!:)
in other news- i hope lily is feeling much better!
hugs.
Posted by: mosey handmade | April 02, 2008 at 05:13 PM
get better soon, lilly!
emily, thank you for sharing your flea market finds. don't feel sheepish- it's not easy to find good 2nd hand craft supplies at any other time fo the year! and noone would begrudge you that beautiful vintage fabric. better that you grab them than they get thrown out!
now, to find some flea markets around here... hmm..
Posted by: melissa | April 03, 2008 at 01:34 PM