VINTAGE TEXTILES SELLING AT BRIMFIELD
We visited with textile dealer Charlotte Jason, of Meadowbrook Farm Antiques (email: meadowbrookfarmantiques@att.net; 860-546-9219), on the opening day of the outdoor flea market in Brimfield, Mass. (www.brimfield.com, www.brimfieldshow.com), and learned that vintage textiles were selling well. Jason, who has specialized in vintage textiles for the last nine years, said the items that are highly sought after now are:

1. 1950s Aprons
Whether embroidered, cross-stitched, chintz, or organdy, 1950s aprons are a great way to get a vintage textile at a modest investment. Most vintage aprons sell for $8 to $25 each. “People use them as aprons, curtains, or even as layers of clothing,” says Jason.

2. 1970s Tea Towels
In linen or cotton, printed with roosters or strawberries, or embroidered with anthropomorphic fruit, 1970s tea towels are highly sought after. Some tea towel designs are even signed, sending the price higher than the average $10 to $25 each.

3. 1940s-1950s Chenille
Floral designs in a wide range of colors are sought after by collectors who want to add vintage flair to a twin or full bed. Chenille bedspreads that are in good, plush condition sell for $35 to $145 each. Jason says some collectors buy “cutters,” a term for chenille in poor condition, that they cut up and use as fabric.

4. 1950s Embroidered Pillowcases
A lovely element for a summer guest room, vintage cotton pillowcases embroidered with floral motifs sell for $25 to $55 each.