The image above from the Romantic Homes article is what drew me to Red Chair. I just knew a love affair was blossoming even before I passed under the little bright red chair hanging above the entry. Stepping across the threshold didn't disappoint, I was immediately enveloped by old French villages, lavender fields, stone houses from centuries ago. I closed my eyes and saw French country girls weaving linen and hemp into sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases....and those amazing sacks to store precious grain to see their families through the harsh Winters.
Home came these packages, lovingly tissue wrapped and sealed with vintage European postage stamps. I wanted to buy so much more but you know how it is when shopping on vacation, not enough time to measure, contemplate, savor the delights offered............and you don't want to make a mistake when spending hard-earned money!
So many unusual items around each corner, every nook and cranny hiding sweet buttons, old trims, fabrics, sewing items, hat blocks, even brass rings, you just had to reach for them. 
So many gorgeous old books ~ you know how they set my heart pounding! 
Lots of antique and vintage ephemera including French ledgers, journals, music sheets. Keys, ivory game pieces, all displayed with panache ~ Jocie's background in graphic design certainly shows in every corner of Red Chair. 
These are my purchases from Red Chair now at home ~ they were easy to pack and are things I will really enjoy. A thick, creamy French linen tablecloth for my farm table. A long bolster-size heavy natural hemp grain sack with dark blue embroidered initials MT and double stripes ~ searching for a readymade pillow to fit. Large linen napkin/tea towel with my initials MS - had to have it! Two French blue covered paperback books, aged to perfection, and now at home with my other French books purchased last Autumn in Provence.
As mentioned earlier, I'm definitely hoping to return to this shop some day. If you are ever in the Peterborough, NH area and longing for some lovely antique/vintage things for your home, I think you might be pleasantly surprised to find Europe within reach.......and no passport required!
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lovely purchases...and the store looks amazing.
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful day.
Mary, what a beautiful shop, looks like a great place to find treasures. Love what you found, esp. that white soup tureen, which I'm now collecting too. I've luckily found several a yardsale prices.
ReplyDeleteHow fun that you got to meet up with Janet at Housepeepers too! Always a treat to meet other bloggers.
I know you have fond memories of this shop. It sounds a lot like the one you love to visit at home. Glad you had fun and found some treasures.
ReplyDeleteNancy
As you said in your last post, Mary, more time was needed to explore The Red Chair and now seeing additional pictures, I can truly see why. I love when items are set up in little vignettes. It sets my imagination going. I can visualize exactly where I would love to add to a grouping in my home (or even start one!)or where I would love to use or display my find.
ReplyDeleteThe treasures you brought home look well thought out, even though you didn't have a lot of time. How fortunate to find a tea towel with your initials!! WOW!! I'd love to see the tablecloth on your farm table. It sounds lovely.
Thanks for treating us by sharing everything!! Oh yes, the blue antique books!! Now, they look very, very old. What is the copyright? Do you collect the books to read or display (or read and display!)?
Mary, I have also wanted to ask you a question and I hope I am not bothersome. You know how I love English Cottage style and I am looking for some linens, cutains and rugs. Do you possibly have any email addresses for magazines from the UK that I can order subscriptions from? I am looking along the lines of versions of Better Homes & Gardens, Country living, Coastal Living... I may be able to find shops online that way and also see more of the style (I don't like that word but can't think of a better one) I adore. You can leave a comment or email me at blndy9@yahoo.com.
Thanking you in advance.
Lovely post!
xoxo
Jane
Traveling and finding special treasures are the very best!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! I LOVE these old things! Nice blog!!
ReplyDeleteYou found a lot of wonderful things. I always head over to the linens too! There is just something about them especially when they have been embroidered. What a lovely idea to wrap the packages using old stamps.
ReplyDeleteMary, what perfect finds! I felt very much at home.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I am drawn to the lines. Just recently I had misplaced my great grandmother's monogrammed
ReplyDeletetable cloth. Then, kazam, I found it. Thank goodness. Holiday time I need all the lines I can find. Love that store.
QMM
I just noticed you like the music of Edith Piaf. Did you see the movie about her? I had never heard of her, but did love that story.
ReplyDeleteQMM
Lovely! How exciting for you! Your treasures are great!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lisa
Hi dear! I couldn't leave a message on the post above. Lots of great pics! I'm sure you two had lots of fun out there! Hugs! Vanessa
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! And isn't it amazing how such simply wrapped packages look so elegant? I am a definite lover of old books. Such workmanship went into each one, and I really miss having that in our mass-produced society. Sometimes the old ways are best! ~Lori
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