Collecting Vintage – An Interview with RustBeltThreads 5

We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures.  In this interview, we find out more about Amanda, the owner of the vintage shop RustBeltThreads on Etsy.

Why and when did you start collecting? 

I became a big fan of thrifting in the late 90s when I was in high school. My wardrobe was filled with a mix of 70s velour shirts, disco blouses, and grandpa-style plaid plants. I caught the thrifting bug and would pick up any vintage items that caught my eye, regardless if they were in “style,” or my size. Around 2005 my closet burst and Rust Belt Threads was born.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?

My mom would always drag to me thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales when I was a kid, so I was pretty much raised with the thrifting gene in my blood. 

What is one of your favorite pieces and why?

One of my favorite pieces is a vintage 60s cocktail set with serving caddy. The set includes eight silver ombre roly poly glasses that sit in an atomic style chrome caddy with an ice bucket in the middle. I haven’t had the heart to put in the shop yet, so right now it sits pretty on a shelf in my living room.  

What would be your holy grail piece and why?

Honestly, there’s so much great vintage out there it’s hard to pick just one item. Although, I was lucky to cross off one of my “holy grails” a few years ago. I found a vintage nurses cape at an estate sale after looking for one for some time. The cape possibly dates to WWII and is in excellent condition. The cape is made from navy wool and has a bright red lining. The collar has the initials of a hospital that was located outside of Buffalo, NY that has been closed for many decades. I want to try to pinpoint a decade of the cape, so still have some research to do before putting the item in my shop.

Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?

I look all over the place for new finds. Estate sales, thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls. If it’s a place that sells old things, I’m there.

How has collecting changed or affected your life?

Well, collecting has definitely helped decorate my apartment. I share a four bedroom apartment with my husband and our cat, and lets just say my inventory takes up 2.5 rooms. It’s also helps me appreciate how well clothing was made in the past and how well it can last with proper care for many more years. I’ve been lucky to sell a few pieces to the tv show, Mad Men, including a set of the iconic roly poly glasses that are prominently featured on the show.

Also, I have a full time job outside of selling on Etsy, but having the extra income from my shop has helped me pay off my student loans and travel more. On a recent trip to Icleand, our Airbnb was above a thrift store (amazing, right?), and I found this adorable vintage handmade Icelandic sweater for my friend’s daughter.

Most importantly, it’s great to give these vintage treasures new life and to have the opportunity to make someone else happy throughout the world with them. 

Where can we find you? 

Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/RustBeltThreads
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rustbeltthreads/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RustBeltThreads/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RustBeltThreads
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/rustbeltthreads/