Photography by Ellen

Beautiful old things.

Some of you may be completely disgusted with me after reading this post, and that's ok. I get it. But I won't apologize :)

I've really been trying to figure out what kind of look I want to go for in my new apartment. I know that I need it to be beautiful and functional (very functional) - I end up living in filth pretty easily, so those cleaning products need to be within easy reach and the clothes hamper can't have a lid. I got some small things the other day at Ikea, have been packing the few things I already have, etc. I'm not taking a moving truck there because it's just too expensive, so I'll have to buy everything big when I get there (other than what can fit in my dad's mini van). I have, however, found some great stuff recently that I will be able to bring. Guess where? In the garbage. That's right. At the side of the road, on people's lawns, on the sidewalk. The highlights are a really cool telephone table with a seat that I'll use as a coffee table, a mirror (brand new!) with hooks underneath (the mirror is cracked, but it's only $10 to get the glass replaced while the whole thing retails for over $40), and the thing that's featured first in this post. Probably one of the things I'm most proud of owning, even though I've only had it for one day. I think it's so beautiful, and just so perfect. I'm so excited to have it in my living room. And I found it at the side of the road! It had a sign on it saying it was free to a good home.

Here it is (one part of it) - a Singer sewing machine in a wooden stand with drawers and an iron bottom! It even works! From what I can figure out it was made in Newfoundland in 1936. You've probably seen these before.. The sewing machine actually hides inside the table until you want to use it, so I can use it as a normal occasional table type thing or as a decorative piece with the machine out or I could actually try to sew with it.


Here's the base:


A view of the whole thing (excuse the setting.. Shooting with the 85mm inside a tiny house doesn't work too well):


And some detail shots... Isn't this the coolest free thing ever??





And then, when I was thinking about how beautiful the sewing machine is because it's so old, I got thinking about my violin. It's also old and very beautiful (although it's missing a string right now, I snapped it off lol). I don't play anymore, but did for a few years and I really enjoyed it. Aren't violins gorgeous? I love the curved edges and the deep wood tones. And this violin has a really sweet sound when you play it. This violin has been in my family for a while, and it's at least 100 years old. I think I'll start playing again sometime soon.







And here's the whole thing in a spot where I could back up a little more.

p.s. All edited on my laptop again, so don't judge me. And no b&w because I'm too scared to try in Elements.

p.p.s. I would never take anything upholstered out of the garbage. Just so you know lol.

p.p.p.s. Questions from the comments of the last 2 posts are answered.. Sorry I'm so slow about that.