Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Carol Curtis Catalog


When I grabbed the transfer envelopes at the antique mall the other day I really only gave them a glance. Just a peek to see if they were worth the dollar marked in pencil on the faded flap. I had no idea what a gift these were going to be.


"Revolutionary" 
They appear to be monthly packs of needlework that could be purchased through the monthly WorkBasket magazine.


Mail order the number from the catalog.


To receive the corresponding Revolutionary color transfer.


Heat transfers that were the first of their kind.


Detailed to perfection.


Two sheets per order.


Colors and stippling I remember on Mama's kitchen towels.


Colors that are true to their period.


Along with instructions and ideas should you need them.


Perfect...but there was more.


Stitching patterns from floral to nursery themes.


This baby slipper made me sigh.


Sheet after sheet of daily needlework. So many that I lost count of the pictures I took. Never used simply waiting to be remembered. Three dollars for a peek at the past. I lingered with my fingers over the raised print and thought about the woman who must have eagerly awaited their arrival each month in the mail. Time spent around the radio at night as a family, hours at the kitchen table watching a boiling pot. It was such a pleasure to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of this beautiful pastime.

17 comments:

Perfectly Printed said...

what a lovely find!!

chris

Tammy's in Love said...

I can't decide which one I'd start with! The lilacs are so perfect...but then I saw that little giraffe! I feel a baby apron comin' on! Have fun!!!

XXOO,
Tammy

Unknown said...

Don't you just love it when you stumble upon a wonderful find? I love estate sales. Hopefully you will use a few of these.

laurie -magpie ethel said...

They certainly made their way into the right hands...I see lots of projects in your future.

Shirley Hatfield said...

It wasn't just the transfers that were wonderful...but what you wrote about ehem. Such feeling! I was honestly touched by your words. Thank you for sharing this.

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm so glad that they found their way into your home. I can't wait to see what you do with them. Simply wonderful.

Mecky said...

Those are great transfers. I really like the lilac one. That is just darling!!

vivian said...

what a great find for you! perfect for you! looking forward to seeing what you will do with them.
xoxo
vivian

craftyles said...

Can't wait to see what you do with your find. I'm sure something adorable will be coming out of the patterns. Have fun!

Mary said...

Such a wonderful buy. They are all beautiful.

ImagiMeri said...

Daaaaaang, you are one of the most fortunate woman folk I've ever known. I would just stare at them, too, and I'd want to touch them so badly, but I'd be afraid of damaging the fragile transfer.

Lucky, lucky girl.

Love ya,
Meri

Unknown said...

Oh, how pretty! I love a good find. I really loved the lilacs.
~~Dorothy~~

Kathy said...

WOW! This post just knocked me over. What a great find!! I don't know if I could bare to use them or bare not to.

Unknown said...

Renee- I’m up for the Easter Swap. When will we receive our swap information?

Cindy

donna said...

SCORE! That is a great find. What fun.
Hugs
donna

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

So much talent here with you - I love to pop in for a visit. I love the Easter baskets/bags you made. And I am really impressed with that envelope you found. I used to stitch a lot (before Baby Bee was born) but I haven't for several years now. I am really wanting to get back into it. I know I would be inspired by such a find!

GardenOfDaisies said...

Ooh how wonderful! Just look at those lilacs!!