Sunday, May 26, 2013

My Mother's 401 (Collection)

Unlike many Pyrex collectors today, I didn't grow up with a mother or grandmother who used Pyrex. It may have been in someone's kitchen at some point, but I certainly don't remember it. 

But I do know that my mom has always had a thing for bowls. Whether new or vintage, there's usually been an assortment of fun bowls in her cupboards. Before I really got on the Pyrex bandwagon, I handed her a blue 401 at a thrift store and told her she ought to snatch it up before I did. 

I'm still not sure why I didn't just buy it for myself -- I think it was back when I promised myself I'd only collect Butterfly Gold (ha!) 

She loved the size of it and declared it a perfect fit for eating cereal or popcorn. Pretty soon a Shenedoah 401 arrived at her apartment (the only thing more fun than purchasing Pyrex for me, is finding a bargain for someone else!) Next, a very faded Butterprint, a plain white opal, and a Harvest Wheat also made their way into her kitchen. 


I also saw her face when I showed her the 401 Flameglo I found, so that too landed in her collection. 


Most recently, I gave her the newer design Butterfly Gold 402, since I found this one that matched my older set. I really am trying to live by my mantra of giving away something if I find a replacement. (Pyrex is often the exception to the rule, but as we're moving soon, I've been trying to do my own spring cleaning. You can read my full list of purging and spring cleaning instructions here.)

And then, while I was out at a flea market last week (despite my mom's strict instructions NOT to buy her any more bowls...), I found the BG 401 for 25 cents. How could I pass that up? The guy practically gave it away! 


The flea market also yielded a big score for me -- these Butterprint Cinderella bowls. They are in great shape, and while I could have cried when the vendor told me that they had just sold a bunch of the turquoise band plates I'm after, I'm glad I at least purchased these bowls. (Even though I just said I'm spring cleaning and we are moving... what am I thinking?!)


I at least started off another friend on her collection, by giving her my spare Butterprint 442. I like to share the Pyrex love, and so in reality, I only added two bowls to the moving pile.

Have you started anyone else off on their own collection? 

Brenda


8 comments:

  1. Oh, yes. I have gotten my best friend on the Pyrex collecting bandwagon! She works and goes to school full time so she doesn't get the chance to thrift and hit up sales like I do so I pick up pieces for her here and there. I love not having to leave Pyrex behind just because I don't need it!

    Erica

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    1. That's awesome! I'm sure she appreciates it and it is a fun way to pick up Pyrex you may not need ;)

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  2. I grew up during the earlier Pyrex days. Sorry I did not keep more as it is getting very popular again and pricey.

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    1. It's definitely getting pricier than even a few months ago! I think dealers are clued in now.

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  3. Yup, my bestie is now a collector of pink and orange patterns, and another friend has decided she wants me to find Friendship pieces for her. I love that they are wanting to collect. Now I get to see some great pieces that I love, but can't keep, all the time!

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  4. I got two friends into collecting- good thing is there are more eyes at the thrifts! Bad thing is sometimes we want the same things!

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    1. Ha! That's true. I have a bargain pal that I go thrifting with and she doesn't collect Pyrex, but we often see things that we both want. We often end up trading at the cash register for something the other one has!

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