Friday, September 30, 2011

Box Lot


Another sale this morning very opposite of yesterdays.  This was  a professor and his wife's estate.  Years of books in every room.  An obviously dedicated sports fan.  The house was overwhelmed with dealers.  Loads of vintage items the likes of which I have never seen and would never pay the price to own.  All fun to look at but I feared my hands would be empty when I left because of the lofty prices...


Deep in the depths of the basement...an open bucket with mangled fabric and a tag with fifteen written on it.  More than I would normally pay.  I walked past it the first time. 


On my second round through the downstairs (something I always do is walk through twice, just in case) I overheard an older woman ask her husband if she could get the box.  "No...you don't need anymore of that..."  I wanted to get it for her just to put him in his place but it wasn't mine to do.  "But it has so many good things in it honey!"  "Gladys come on.  Let's go."  


That is when my magnet took over and pulled me to the open box.  Stupidly, I did not look through it the first time.  Only priced it and walked past.  


With Gladys safely out of the house, I made a bee line to the check out table.  Sure that there were goods inside enough to pay the price. 


I couldn't buy it in good faith in front of Gladys...poor soul.  That would be a smack in the face.  Sweet lady at the table "Is that all?"  "Yes ma'am."  I tried not to peel out as I raced home to see what was waiting for me inside the bin.


Gladys was right...from unopened needles, pins, Olfa rotary cutter and 5 blades to pin cushions, and a sterling thimble.  Fat quarters of the most darling feed sacks.  Laura Wheeler patterns for Attic window quilt and I wasn't even at the bottom yet...


Full panels of Attic Window quilts.  Thirty six inches squared.  Amazing!  


Laying on the bottom of the bin a tiny velvet coin purse and a souvenir program from Holiday on ice.
Gladys, thank you for the heads up about the bin.  I had a fantastic afternoon going through it...and the evening wishing it was 1955 again.

14 comments:

Holly Loves Art said...

Awwwwww what a sweet post. Poor Gladys, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. So happy it went to someone as a sweet as you. A lovely find with all sorts of goodies and in the end worth the 15 dollars! Thanks for sharing. Happy Friday!
Holly

Nan said...

Poor Gladys lets her husband boss her around and lucky you for snagging that great find. Love all those sweet things in there.

Mecky said...

I have to say it, too. Poor Gladys. My heart goes out to her. "No" is something my husband doesn't say much. I do hear and "What do you want that for?" alot, but "no", not often.
I am glad that you brought the goodies home. I absolutely love some of that fabric. Wow, on the quilt!! May Gladys' husband have a few chilly night for not letting his wife buy the quilt panels to make into a quilt for him! Just kidding.

I found an estate sale down the road. I am so upset that I didn't know about it earlier. It was loaded with vintage goodies. I am sure I missed the best items since my town is loaded with dealers. I don't get the paper anymore! I guess I had better start!I found some red so i will have to share on Rednesday.

BTW, I am not the Coke Girl! I can see how that was confusing!! I can understand why your mom would want to take special care of the glider. I have never seen one in that style.

Michelle said...

I think you should have named this post "Poor Gladys"! You sure did get a great deal in the end though. Great find and a great little story!
~Michelle

Anonymous said...

Hmmm... I'm thinking, "What a jerk!" There- I said it! I'm usually pretty nice but mean/ bossy husbands are my pet peeve! But I AM glad YOU got the goodies, Renne! That primary colored piece reminds me of my blog friend Sandy @ 521 Lake Street! ♥

Barbara said...

Gladys' loss, your gain! I love that apron pattern - the watering can pocket and flowers? Genius.

Barbara said...

p.s. figured out my problem leaving comments on your blog. i can do it on my laptop, not on my antique computer ... time to upgrade!

laurie -magpie ethel said...

That second run thru the house is a must! Don't you just love rummaging thru a lot like that and uncovering layer after layer of finds. I can't believe you waited till you got home. I usually do it in the trunk of my car.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Squeal! I just love happy endings. I'm so glad your instincts led you back to circle around again. Everything is perfectly you. That coin purse and program is just icing on the cake.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I bet you are going to make up some sweet aprons with that pattern. Awesome finds, girlfriend!Pin cushions and pretty fabric!
Even tho I'm a dealer, I still want a deal! LOL!and don't want to pay high prices!
Happy hunting.
deb

Kathy said...

Oh my gosh, I can hardly wait to see what you make with those amazing fabrics! The enduring delight of the "poke sack", or in this case the poke bin...

donna said...

What sweet finds. Poor Gladys. My heart goes out to her. But I am very HAPPY for you. The feed sack is just beautiful with the little purple bows and yellow flowers. You did GREAT.
Hugs
donna

GardenOfDaisies said...

I feel bad for Gladys. :-( But so glad you were able to bring the box home and appreciate the quilting treasures inside! The attic windows are wonderful!

Cheryl said...

What a box full of delightful treasures!