Enjoy collecting vintage everything

Another vendor Spotlight is Susan with a variety of vintage eclectic items to shop for at the market in The Bramble.

1. How did you first become interested in Blue Ridge China?

Gosh, in the late 80s, my friend Betty had such a glorious collection of Crabapple in her home that she used daily. She’d collected over the years and was happy to tell me about the Pottery and history of Erwin. I was intrigued from that moment.

2. How many years have you collected Blue Ridge? I started collecting in the late 1980s and actively added to my collection for about two decades. Some of my favorite collecting memories included trips to the Blue Ridge Show in Erwin with either Betty or my late mother, Jane. My mom loved to purchase Blue Ridge at Lakewood Antiques Market in Atlanta ‘back in the day,’ and enjoyed her monthly visits!

3. How did you become a BR, Vintage Glassware or craft dealer? I’ve enjoyed collecting ‘vintage everything’ my entire life, having a special draw towards dishware, glassware, mixing bowls and kitchen tools, as my mom was a great cook and I love to cook and entertain. I’ve seen over the years how many people are afraid to use a nice goblet, fearing it’ll be broken. My reply has always been that we’ll know it was a great party if something gets broken, which usually draws laughter and sets a relaxed tone. Vintage glassware and a nicely set table certainly elevate the most simple meals. I’m convinced that iced tea DOES taste better when served in a pretty goblet, versus a plastic cup. It. Just. Does. I’ve enjoyed selling over the years as I amass too many beautiful pieces, and love trying new pieces and sending certain ones out into the universe to be enjoyed by someone else.

4. My favorite 5 patterns: “Christmas Tree with Mistletoe” (because this plate was where Santa’s cookies were placed on Christmas Eve, though I had no knowledge of BR at that point in my life), “Poinsettia”, which my mother collected and used in her later years, and I still use the entire holiday season, “Crabapple”, as it’s such a simple and recognizable pattern, and the pattern that sparked my interest in BR, “Mickey” as the colors are not as common, and beautiful hues, and ‘County Fair’ as my aunt had a set hanging on her lake house wall near Melrose, FL and I have a few of her plates now (green border).

5. I’m in Elk Park, NC so less than an hour from Erwin, TN, so I do see BR often in our area.

6. I typically use my BR during the holiday season (Poinsettia and Christmas Tree plate), though deviled eggs taste wonderful when served on my egg plate!

7. My favorite collected items are the demi cups and saucers in many patterns that my mom and I collected for my daughter decades ago, and she still enjoys displaying today.

8. I’m excited to bring many of the pieces that my mother and I collected that I just don’t display or use anymore. Vintage linens, other vintage tableware and glassware that compliments the beauty of BR will be featured as well as special vintage finds that I’ve curated and have ready for all to enjoy. Look for framed antique quilt squares, crazy quilt creations, and more! While I will offer many neat BR pieces, you’ll find more vintage goodies when you stop in to see me.

9. I have attended as a shopper, though it’s been decades! This event is special. This year will be significant on the heels of last year’s devastation. I love the energy and small town vibe of this festival and am so looking forward to being part of The Bramble event as Erwin celebrates moving forward after the profound impact and losses that Hurricane Helene brought.