Remember that thrift trip I took with Angie a couple of weeks ago? The one where two of my favorite sources have been permanently removed from my list of stops? Something wonderful came out of our final stop. I asked at the desk if there were any sewing supplies left and was told not anymore. While Angie perused the skirts (she scored 5 Lilly Pulitzer skirts for $3 each!) I wandered around the back to look at their linens.
An older woman approached me and asked if I was the one who was interested in sewing supplies. I told her I was and that I loved to sew. She replied that she'd been sewing for over 50 years and was going to be downsizing her home soon. She'd been slowly going through things she'd not be moving with her and pricing them for a garage sale in the spring. I tried to maintain a calm appearance. She then went on to say that she'd love to sell them to someone who would use and appreciate them and would I like to stop over and see if there was anything I would use. Frantic scrambling in my purse for paper and pencil began.
I gave her my name and number and watched her very carefully place it in her wallet. We chatted a bit more about sewing and teaching it to our daughters - hers are about 10 years older than me and no longer sewing much. Then we parted ways and I crossed my fingers that the slip of paper didn't get lost.
It didn't. I got a call just before last weekend and we set a time for me to stop over.
Each time I touched a piece of fabric she recalled what it had been used for - a coat to go over her older girl's prom dress, a skirt for the younger one. I left after an hour and a half with several bags of new treasures.
I'll post a few more next week, but I can write her a thank you note telling her I've already used some of it. The red denim in the bunny wallet was from her stash.
It was one of the scraps from a pair of pants she made her daughter.
3 comments:
Oh, Wendy! You have the BEST luck when it comes to finding fabulous stashes!
I LOVE that green and pink floral print - the one with all the daisies. I can't wait to see how you use it. :)
I'm certain the woman felt better parting with her sentimental stuff knowing you appreciated her treasures AND know the history of these fabrics.
She was a sweetheart, I'm glad you got first dibs on the stuff!
How thrilling!
I go to a lot of estate sales in my 1950's ranch neighborhood. If the adult children are hanging around during the sale, I always try to mention how happy I am to have found X and how much my family will enjoy it.
I think it helps the letting-go, to know that things will be appreciated.
Post a Comment