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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Do You Gingher?

If you are a sewer or quilter, you must know about Gingher scissors. Beautiful cutting with the precision ground knife edge. I have a pair of dressmaker shears and although I really really like them, I like the metal, I like the weight, I like the cutting...they tire my hand out with a lot of cutting.


Recently I found out that there is now a spring action version. Yes Yes Yes. They are around $35 but I found mine, brand spanky new for $17 on ebay. What a beautiful thing. The ease of cutting is wonderful. You do have to remember to rotate the arm so that the blades do not stay open, I don't like that so much, but it's worth the ease of cutting. I know I couldn't have gotten a pair of Fiskars that I have read about that many sewers like, but I try not to buy plastic if there's a good alternative.

You should try them, it'll make your hand happy.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Yiyyyy

OK, pretty scary, hurricane type weather, thunder, lightening, heavy rain. 

photo courtesy of Irishviews.com
Wow, a lightening bolt just came in my window and almost blinded me! and the clap of thunder scared the bejeesus out of Hanzie. The poor silly boy, he's such a scaredy-cat, but at least he just goes and hides and doesn't pant and whimper endlessly like Weezie used to do when she was younger. Now she can't really hear and apparently see, or feel the vibrations...it's sad because she's so old, but really really good for my nerves. 

I just came back from nodule aspirations and unintentional thrifting. Came in the front door only to run out the back door to save a WWII trunk that I received on Freecycle, from rain, but I was many raindrops too late. Ugh. I had left it out in the sun to help to get rid of some lingering mothball scent. When I went out there I heard a big crack and loud drop and thought one of my trees came down, it wasn't mine but it was one at the house behind me -- it didn't seem to have hit anything. That was weird. I don't think I've ever heard a tree come down in a storm. Oh, wait a minute, except for the big hurricane in the 1970's...a huge oak tree in our front lawn (oh, it was such a wonderful shade tree) came crashing down between my house and the neighbor's, it clipped the neighbor's roof. I remember sitting on the porch the next day, in my cute dress, I was all about 10 maybe, the sun was shining and a few men were cutting up the tree. I was drawing on a small chalkboard that had a wood frame and a Daddy Long Leg spider crawled up my leg and I FREAKED OUT! I threw my chalkboard and screamed...because it FREAKED ME OUT! Oh memories.

My computer is unplugged, thank goodness for batteries, that's all I'd need is for lightening to strike, electrical currents go awry and zap out my computer...I'd be very sad. 

So, my unintentional thrifting... I didn't mean to do it, really. I was just passing by...but couldn't. I did keep my promise to myself to only buy sewing related things...oops, no I didn't...oh, but the extra things are for the camper, which means they are usable. Whew, saved myself on that one! Will show and tell as soon as these grey skies turn blue.

I hope if it's storming where you are that you are safe and dry. 

Another Gown

Reading the comments to the Parachute Wedding Dress on boingboing, I found a link to this beauty....


look at the trailing fur, the softness, the warmth....

NOT...

It's made of PINS!! ouch. It's still a beauty, though.

Made by Susie MacMurray, she has others as well. I don't know if they are actually made from recycled materials, it looks like the materials could have been purchased in bulk...I still think they are cool, but not as cool as if it was recycled materials.

It's sort of like toilet paper wedding dresses, it's a neat idea, but it's consumerism of 'new.' Granted, you couldn't use 'used' but what if one found an old warehouse of paper products that couldn't be for sale? that would work for me. Far fetched? maybe. If you google 'toilet paper wedding dresses' you will find a few sites with pictures of them from fundraising to competitions. Many are quite beautiful, like this gorgeous one...


At least this dress and others made for this event, benefitted Breast Cancer Awareness. For each roll sold of Cashmere (Canadian brand) toilet paper, 25¢ went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. 



Parachute Wedding Dress

I love wedding dresses. I love vintage gowns, maybe that's why I like wedding dresses so much, the fullness, the flow, the ripples, the bodice, the lace, the special feeling when wearing one (a gown or wedding dress.) So, two guesses as to why I like this wedding dress so much....

yup, the ruched draping and the fact that it was made from something that was originally something else besides a bolt of fabric.

It is now part of the Smithsonian, you can read it's story here.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Richard James -- he cares

Found this on uncomsumption...if you are a recycler, an artist, a thrifter, a gifter, someone that cares about the world in which we live...you should check out the blog. 


If you are all that and would like to know about a man that is also that, you need to check out Richard James's blog, The Custodian, and his blog posts. I especially like the ones written by 8th graders -- they get it -- 


and you should tell others about these sites.


Monday, June 6, 2011

Chandeliers by Russ Morgan

I'm a huge fan of chandeliers. I have a small ranch style house so fitting them in is difficult so I have some hanging in my garage. I especially like them dripping with crystals. I'm also very very much into recycling and using 'garbage' for art. Russ Morgan combines these two loves of mine to create fantastic chandeliers and lamps out of glass pieces that were once plates, bottles, cups, etc. Wonderful.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sunday Tag Sale

I knew there wouldn't be much traffic today as people are busy with Sunday rituals. But I am happy that the McCoy owl planter (which I never took a picture of to show you and I really wanted to 'cuz it was very nice -- it looked like this, but better, it's about 8"x 9":
1_ff7303859969fedf251d2c0b2b3ec172.jpg (400×301)
photo via worthpoint.com

but it had a light tan brushed glaze that was not shiny and the inside was a glazed vanilla color -- much prettier than than brown glazed ones I found on the web and the eyes were larger, rounder, it was very cool. It was sold to a nice woman this morning that bought a few things. We got talking because her 7 year old daughter wanted her to buy the "Hooters" shot glasses. Mom cryptically explained why they wouldn't purchase them and the girl said, (ya gotta love kids) "But, Mom, they're owls" So Mom explained to me that they collect owls because their last name, which is Polish, means 'Owls' in English. I asked if she saw the hanging owl planter. I don't think anyone noticed it because it's beige? I thought SOMEONE would have at least commented on it. It has two sides, one with it's eyes closed and the other with them open in a big eyed vintage cool owl kind of way. So I showed it to her and she was so happy that I did because she definitely wanted it, she thought it was an excellent piece as well.  

One good thing about having a tag sale on Sunday is that with the little bits of people traffic I get to scan my google reader. I think it will never end that's how long it's been apparently. I'm still viewing stuff from the beginning of May, which is weird to me because it was only about 10 days ago that I went through the reader to the very end....or maybe not to the very end. Either way, I'm stirring my brain cells with new ideas and eye candy. Now that a lot of 'stuff' is out of my house, there's more room for the artistic genes to get back into motion. 

I want to shout out to Cindi, she, via email, shopped the tag sale so I'll be sending some vintage goodies out to Chicago this week! I love this resource of inspiration, sharing, shopping and making friends. Thanks Cindi!! She also wished me a 'belated happy birthday' on her blog, it's a riot! you have to check out the singing Schnauzers.

Patrice Hubert

Awesome. See more here.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Tag Sale -- Day 2

Stupid things heard today....

"How much for the ugly lamps?" (and this was a woman asking, usually it's men 'to be funny') I said, "not sure what you're talking about as there aren't any ugly lamps." (they are victorian and a specific market of people would like them) She said, "well, I do like them, but most people wouldn't" I said, "What are you offering as I would like to see them get used" She said, "oh, I'm not interested, I was just kidding."

Really?

I had my MacBook with me for entertainment when no one was at the sale. I sat at the top of the driveway in front of the garage doors. The table to my left had a plastic container behind it that I sat some of my things upon, including my computer, the computer was also plugged in. The question: "are you selling the computer?" one guy actually started to open it. Maybe it's just me, but...

Really?

People don't want to spend more than $2 for something and you've just asked me if I was selling a freakin' Apple computer?

Like I said, maybe it's just me.

This is always good.... "how much for all this?" "$24 I say." "Will you take $15?" said with a look on her face that was a little privileged. I said, "you want me to take $9 off the total?" If I sold them separately they'd be more than $24 total, I was being nice. I said, "no, I'll do $22" she asked, "will you do $20?" in an indignant sort of way. I said, "no, $22" she said, $20?" I said "no." because at this point I'd rather give the damn things away than sell them to her if she wasn't going to pay for them. So she had her son put stuff back and bought just a couple things.

One guy had an item and asked how much, I said, "$5" he said, "will you take $2?" I said, "I'll take $3" and he said, "2.50?" I looked at him like...

Really?? um, no.

I understand the whole dickering thing, I do it myself but I try to be gracious and respectful and then make a decision as to how bad I want the item.

But, like I said, "maybe it's just me."

I do have to add that I met some really nice people that had already spent a bit of money elsewhere and they haggled a little -- or not -- because they see and know about the stuff I have for sale, and I had some enjoyable conversations.

Really.

I had a couple guys come back today after not buying items yesterday because they didn't want to pay what I was asking. I give them credit because if they were still there I would have given a lower price because I was in my second day. BUT the items were gone. Which I was happy about because they gave me a hard time about the price and I told them I sold the stuff for the same as what I was asking them for, which I did.

I'm not an expert but I know my stuff people.

Really.

See, therein lies a problem with me selling things. I get pissy at people that act like I owe them something. If you're nice, I'll more often than not give you the bargain you're looking for, but if you're a jerk? well, you can probably figure out the answer to that one.

It WAS another beautiful day, I am really lucky with how the weather has been on my side.

I hope you had a sparkly day, too!

Friday, June 3, 2011

The Tag Sale is Finally Here

I spent 4 hours yesterday setting up for the tag sale. It was windy and got windier as the day went on. I was very worried I was going to lose some glass but all stayed in place. I ended about 1pm and R. and I went for a motorcycle ride to get some chicken wings at Bidwell Tavern. Supposedly THE PLACE to get wings around here. I really like the lemon pepper ones. I generally like a beer with my wings but no alcohol allowed when riding.

It was the first day out on the bike for the season for me. We took a long route to get to The Tavern and by the time we got there, I was freezing and R. was pretty cold in just his T-shirt and leather vest. I was a bit more bundled and on the way home put on a Vera scarf (for all you Vera lovers) and my chaps. If the sun had stayed shining it wouldn't have been so chilly but huge clouds started to cover the sky. 

After we got back I ran to the package store for some beer. R chopped and hauled wood and was hankering for a cold one. I had my 'Birthday Girl' shirt on that was given to me 4 years ago. Worn 4 times now, I've made a pact with myself that I'd wear it every birthday until it wore out. Silly, I know, but I get a kick out of it, especially because it was a shirt made probably for a teenager with it's pink jewels spelling 'Birthday Girl.' The beer seller was being a little conversational and flirtatious I think when he asked if that's the type of beer I like, I said it wasn't for me but it should be since I am "the birthday girl" as I pointed to my shirt. (the writing is small and up near where a necklace would be so I wasn't flashing him or anything) He asked for my license. I thought, "oh, he just wants to tell me I don't look at all like I'm 47 as I stood there in my pigtails and bandana. Nope, that's not what he said. What he did say was, "yup, you qualify" as he handed me a shooter of Mango Parrot Bay Rum. I'm not a big drinker but I do like me some rum once in awhile. After getting home I took a teeny sip to taste it straight. Very very de-lish-us, but saved for another day.  

5am came very early this morning....I don't sleep well before a tag sale, I get all anxious that I won't wake up early enough to get there before the early birds. I got ready, got the signs up and at 6:15 got to the house, where an antique seller was sitting in wait. Yes, the ad said 7am, but dealers and sellers don't care. What they don't realize is that I don't mind, if they buy they'll be paying more than if it later in the day, and they don't always know that I know they are re-sellers. A few of them I do know and they know me as we end up hitting each others tag sales or flea market booths. There's one obnoxious couple that always comes, he annoys me, there's something about him and his way. He pulled into the driveway. I looked right at him and pointed "get out of the driveway" he looks at me with a question on his forehead...."Get Out Of the Driveway." what??? "GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY" "oh, you want me to get out of the driveway?" yiyyyy. Yeah, I don't deal well with rude or obnoxious re-sellers, or the ones that pretend they aren't resellers, like one guy and his wife. He asked about a price on something and asked when it would be lower. I looked at my wrist and said, it's 6:30am, not even the official 7am. He said, "well, we older people get up early" I said, "yeah, so do resellers." Don't get me wrong, they are an important part of the tag sale circuit, but don't be all squirrelly and lying. 

Then there was this woman that came in and was chatting with a couple that was there and she was saying how she could go to the dump and get a lot of things for free. She was talking about a rocking chair I had for sale for my client I am also selling for and the guy of the couple asked me how much I was selling the chair for. I told him $30 and he looked at the lady. I then said to the lady, "but you could get one just like it at the dump." I don't think she got my sarcasm because she said "yeah, I could, I've seen them." so even more sarcastically I said, "well you should go there....now." I still don't think she got it right off, but then it might have hit her because she left. I don't have time for that crap. Yeah, you can get anything for free if you wait long enough, if you're in the right place at the right time, if someone gives it to you, etc." but someone might see the chair and that it's in very good condition and think, "oh, I've been looking for one," or that they knew someone that's going to have a baby and she's looking for an affordable rocker or whatever and then they'd offer me $20 or $25 and I'd say, "OK" and we'd both be happy. I think it's very rude to stand there and talk like that. It reminds me of when I used to do craft shows  (I painted furniture) women would stand in my booth and talk about how they could do it, too, that they have a chair, desk, bureau, whatever piece of furniture they were looking at, 'just like that' in their basement or garage. Yup, you could do it. Will you do it? Will you do it right? Will it ever get done? Will it look as artistic? No. No. No. Because the people that would answer 'yes' to those questions wouldn't normally stand there and talk about it. They'd talk about it after they left my booth. I had poetic justice one time, though....a woman stood there saying all those things and another woman said, "yeah, I had a project like that, too, then I started to sand it and realized how much work it is and it never got done and I appreciate those that do it." THANK YOU!

So, anyway, enough tangents...here's some of what I looked at all day and will continue to look at for the next two days, well, I did sell some of it and hopefully tomorrow there will be a lot more gone.

I tend to collect glassware....apparently not many others do. Although, I did sell a set of ruby glasses and a set of pressed glasses today and my friend Lois has her eye on those juice glasses (better when seen in person) to make candles with them.

Love the amber glass butter dish. If only I was using that color in my house. I'm surprised no one looked at the letter press block. The turquoise covered pot is by Hull. The ice bucket has boy tennis players around it. See all the milk glass in the corner? I was collecting for a girl who's blog I followed that lived in L.A. and couldn't easily find it, it was for her wedding reception. I asked her if she wanted me to locate some for her as I could get it fairly inexpensively and she loved the idea. She was approving it as I went along and then I was ready to send it to her and asked if she wanted more, she said she changed her reception plans. Um, couldn't ya tell me this knowing that I was picking these up for you? So now I have a crap load of milk glass vases and I quit following her blog. 

Three pyrex casseroles with their covers...no one even looked at them. This area is a little behind on the vintage thing, or they basically prefer newer fashions, and it's still a bit traditional with the older crowd that likes antiques and country around here... Maybe tomorrow.

oh, looky, there's a space, something sold! and Yup, four pyrex coffee pots, a small collection started and then I decided I really didn't need them even though they are cool. The big bowl is from pottery barn and an excellent cookie making bowl, but no longer my style -- it was packed away for the past 7 years. Those little bowls in the foreground are very sweet and I almost put them back in my car to go home with me, but then I remembered my mission. I hope they sell so I don't consider keeping them. 

I really like those carved horse bookends and the pyrex princess bowl set is the American pattern in basically mint condition. The four blue mugs are sweet with dog images printed on them, they were in my etsy shop, so many people 'hearted' them but no buyers. 

 Zojirushi rice cooker, found several years ago and I never used it. A few sets of curtains piled together and two tablecloths with sweet flowers on them. 

 Vintage mid-century lamps that need a little TLC -- an intended project...

The green chairs swivel and are made by Goodform, the patio chairs sold pretty quickly. The headboard leaning up against my car is my friend's and was going to get painted. Guess she changed her mind. It would be awesome in turquoise or yellow. Hmmmmm, maybe if it doesn't sell....

So, that's what's been going on around here. Thankfully the weather is BEAUTIFUL and perfect for a tag sale. Another plus is that my computer is wireless and I can hook into wi-fi and cruise the blogs I follow while I wait for people to come by. Always thinking. That's me. I'm a thinker.

Hope everyone had a great day....I know you were out there getting some thrifting deals for yourself...weren't you?