Have you ever thrifted fiber art?
Last year, I stumbled upon a large piece of fiber art at my favorite thrift store. Yes, I have a favorite.
It was $10. Ten. Diez. Dix. Tio. Deich.*
I will go to my grave not understanding thrift store pricing.
My working theory is that it’s at the whim and bias of whoever is doing the pricing that particular day. In this case, I surmise that whoever priced this art did not care for fiber art or didn’t think anyone else would either. Thank goodness.
If that person could also price all the marble-topped tables, I’d be forever grateful.
Now, if this art looks vaguely familiar to you, there’s a possible age-related reason for that.
I have no idea who stitched this, but I can tell you that it came from a 1970s-era stamped embroidery crewel kit from Paragon Needlecraft. Is this jogging anyone’s memory?
These vintage kits are presently selling on eBay for at least $40. That doesn’t include shipping or the frame that you’ll have to buy. I also saw someone on Facebook selling one of these completed kits in a frame for $75.
Remember, I paid $10.
However, I didn’t have the fun of getting to stitch this myself.
But I kind of want to now. By kind of, I mean definitely.
The kit is called “Birch in the Wind,” if you want to search for it yourself. You can also search for vintage Paragon Needlepoint kits. Paragon was active from 1937 to the 1980s, and its products could often be found at JCPenney in the United States.
Please note that there is a window to the right of this Birch in the Wind. If that window were open, the wind would be blowing in the correct direction to make this art accurate. This is a detail that no one would think of because it’s not a real tree, but it delights my brain.
Have you ever used a Paragon Needlecraft kit? Was it ridiculously fun?
Let me know! You can comment on this blog post, email me here, or reach out via direct message on Instagram or Facebook.
Happy Decorating!
*That was ten in English, Spanish, French, Swedish, and Irish. Yes, Irish is a language. Don’t say you don’t learn anything here.
Living Room Sources:
97% of the items in our living room are thrifted or handmade, so that’s not helpful. Here’s what you can shop:
Rug: Loloi x Chris Loves Julia (The Jules in Terracotta/Multi)
Brass Side Table: Target (Keep in mind, it doesn’t come with the live edge top. I added that.)
Blue Pillow Covers 12×20: Amazon
Pom Pom Throw: Similar
Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me today! Here are some other blog posts you might enjoy.
Live Edge Side Table – Target Hack
Brass Plant Stand From a Lamp Base
Happy Thrifting: Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
*affiliate links in this blog post*