There are a few golden moments that occur as a thrifter every so often. One of those moments happened to me on Thursday. To give you some back story, I've decided that Keiran is my little luck charm. Two weekends ago he and I thrifted Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I did so well over and over again. I probably had one of my most successful weekends thrifting since I moved down here to California. Mid week he raced into my office holding a five dollar bill. I asked where he found it. He told me that it was in his new shorts that we thrifted for him this week. He has the touch.
Thursday right before lunchtime I went to Craigslist and typed in Estate under the Garage Sale tab. A sale came up titled "Retro Estate Sale" and in the posting mentioned "by appointment only." I see a lot of these but never have the nerve to call. I struggle with the telephone as a whole let alone calling strangers. This is one of those occasions though were I was calling and getting the address before I really knew what I was doing. The woman said I could come over now. I ran to get Keiran, we ran to the van and made our way across town to the sale.
The house was Mid Century Modern and the woman selling everything just bought the house with the contents. Can you imagine? What. a. dream. The house wasn't overflowing with things, mostly furniture, some household items and a vintage sewing machine. I did find a little pile of things when the seller came in and mentioned that the garage was full.
We walked out in the garage and she told us that it was full of old Christmas stuff. Mostly pink. At that point she kind of wrinkled her nose while my heart started to beat faster. I explained that I love old things. She asked me to pack everything in 1960's suitcases. Would I mind? OMG......I couldn't believe my luck. Five minutes later in the garage I heard the doorbell ring and I guessed it was another shopper. I started to move quicker and began building a large pile.
Keiran and I missed lunch and at one point we went out to the car in search of food. We came back and I finished looking through the garage. We then tallied up our purchases with the seller. We didn't have enough money since I usually go to the bank for the sales on Thursday evening. We left her a deposit, drove 10 minutes to the bank, ran next door to Starbucks to grab a drink and chips for lunch (I know, I know) and drove back to the house. I gave her the rest of the money and started loading the van with these items:
Ribbon from the 60's and 70's.
One of my favorite boxes. So much eye candy.
I wish these would look as good in this photograph as they do in person. These three ornaments I think are my favorite items. They are hand blown mercury glass ornaments with little tiny beads covering them. They are just stunning. You can see my silly attempt to not be in the reflection which didn't work. I tried numerous times. Self reflection fail.
This woman adored her pink ornaments.
And I adored the boxes that some of these Christmas items came in. They were as good of a find as anything else that I picked up.
I'm not exactly sure what some of these items are. Gold tinsel on a hard wire? Maybe to make decorations for a table center piece?
I have an entire large box of these birds, each one wrapped in tissue paper.
A booty load of vintage wrapping paper.
Without the gorgeous polka-dots I would have left this behind. It's a Salton Food warmer and I must admit I have no idea how it even works. But I could not the resist those Cath Kidston style polka-dots.
A bolt of green felt. I'm pretty sure it is partially made of wool because there are a few small moth holes.
These are made from metal. Any idea what they are?
I picked up two vintage Pendleton Wool Blankets.
Vintage Thermos and case.
Three vintage stockings and one Santa toilet seat cover because who doesn't like to see Santa in the bathroom.
I think this has to be my favorite box. Or have I said that with every photo? It's full of old sequins, mercury glass beads, twine, ornaments and little bottles of glitter.
Then I broke my frugal rule. I bought a large piece of furniture. oh dear.
Not only did I break the rule, I bought something white. With a dog, a cat and two wild children. What was I thinking?
The sofa was $50 and I was weak and couldn't resist the price.
It was this that did it for me though. This table and record player are attached to the sofa. It also came with four speakers.
After Keiran and I dropped off the first load, I had to get the van ready to go back for the second load which included the sofa, speakers and a corner teak table. We were starving at this point and went to dinner before unloading the large items. It was a day of hunger, of fabulous finds, of breaking many of my frugal rules and throwing off my work schedule (which I paid for the rest of the weekend-including a stomach virus). By the time Dave arrived home on Friday I wanted to collapse in a corner. I went out on Saturday to thrift but it was with little enthusiasm. Dave told me I looked awful and needed to rest.
Despite schedules and health, it was one of the most incredible finds. I love finding such glimpses of history that are practically untouched. I can't help but picture the love this woman had for Christmas and how each year she would bring out her treasured boxes and decorate her home with so much care. I wonder what her husband thought of all the pink stuff and how he coped every December. Did he drink his way through the holiday like the characters do in Man Men?
My husband wasn't impressed by the sofa. He loved the style but he fears it won't stay white very long. I may sell it. I can't decide. I certainly don't need it but I certainly love it. And he reminded me that I broke a rule. But he did bring me 5 Lush bath bombs and a Jamie Oliver Magazine so I accepted all his sofa thoughts with ease.
Did you thrift this Holiday Weekend? What did you find? Don't forget to visit the thrift party over at Southern Hospitality.
What a fabulous haul! I think it would be very hard to resist the sofa at that price - could you re-cover it? We've done that with old furniture and it's worked well with our kids and pets.
Posted by: Laura | July 05, 2010 at 08:45 AM
I LOVE all your finds! Those are the types of estate sales that I (literally) dream about! I just love how all her things were so lovingly cared for and stored over the years...I can almost imagine what type of lady she must have been! Such beautiful taste!
Let us know what you do with the sofa...it really is cool.
Posted by: kristen | July 05, 2010 at 08:49 AM
If I lived near you that sofa wouldn't last long in your house at all! I absolutely love it. Way to go on your early thrifting!
Posted by: robyn | July 05, 2010 at 08:49 AM
oh wow. fantastic finds... the couch is gorgeous, really. and the price would be hard to pass up. i wish we had space for such a long couch, it can seat so many people! the other thing that caught my eye is that lovely bunch of wrapping paper. those lady bugs! ahh!
and so cute that you have a "lucky charm" when you go thrifting :)
i'll be back later to check out everyone else's finds. i always look forward to it, it's almost like the thrill of thrifting without the spending.
~ ana
Posted by: ana @ iMadeItSo | July 05, 2010 at 09:08 AM
I would never give up a couch like that. Can you sew up an easy slipcover? Even a white one you can throw in the wash? Oh well...if you sell it I hope you make a fortune on it.
I enjoyed this post sooo much!! But I wanted to see the 1960's suitcases!
Posted by: rivka | July 05, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Oh my! You scored! Loving all the Christmas ornaments and goodies. The record player/sofa is AMAZING! You could put a long blanket on the bottom to ward off pet/animal stains?
Posted by: oona b | July 05, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Wowzer, what fabulous finds. I adore that sofa (not that it would fit into my living room,) could you cover it with some throws or something to save the upholstery?
If you ever want a Jamie Oliver magazine posted over to you let me know (or indeed any other UK magazine) - maybe we could do a swap for a copy of Living Crafts magazine.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 05, 2010 at 09:30 AM
I am so astounded by this I don't even know what to say. Wow.
You are a VERY lucky gal!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | July 05, 2010 at 09:38 AM
wow! i am so impressed with your scores! i happily spent $20 for some vintage glass and old books this weekend, but that certainly doesn't compare with your finds! :)
Posted by: kati(lady) | July 05, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Don't sell the sofa... reupholster it! It's AMAZING!
Posted by: mother★lode | July 05, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Amazing finds, but that sofa takes the cake! You know, if the color doesn't hold up well, it looks like it would be really easy to slipcover it in a washable fabric. You got an excellent deal.
Posted by: Sarah@BlueCastle | July 05, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Wow!! A true Christmas in July! AMAZING finds!!
Posted by: Angela | July 05, 2010 at 10:09 AM
You need to write a book...I'm so impressed have you thought of reselling to local stores?
Posted by: Heidi | July 05, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Fantastic finds! The couch wouldn't last 5 minutes in my house but it is very attractive.
Posted by: Monica | July 05, 2010 at 10:26 AM
I have never been to a call for appointment estate sale. I could feel your excitement through your words. And the tension when another buyer arrived!
I believe the metal shreds on a wire are tassles, just decorative.
Since there were no sales near me this weekend I enjoy reading about (and getting excited over) other people's fortunate finds.
Posted by: DogsMom | July 05, 2010 at 10:31 AM
You DID hit the mother load. I love...everything, hard to choose a favorite. I think it's all that vintage wrapping paper. I'd find some nice framed and frame a piece from each one, especially the tomatoes!
Posted by: Van | July 05, 2010 at 11:13 AM
What great finds (and good luck charm)! I was especially impressed with the Pendleton blankets. I'm from Oregon, where Pendleton is local and valued. Vintage in good condition? Priceless!
Posted by: Sue | July 05, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Holy Toledo! That is amazing. I cannot believe your boat load of treasure you brought home with you. How incredible. Way to go, girl!
Hope you have a very wonderful day,
Susan
http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/apron_thrift_girl/
Posted by: Susan | July 05, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Love love love the pink birds. I would have bought all of that great stuff too.
Posted by: Teresa Raines | July 05, 2010 at 01:24 PM
This post has been lucky for me. Soon after reading it I checked next weeks sales online. There is an estate sale in a small cottage in the woods. Some of the pictures posted show antique gadgets and glassware and an entire garage shelving unit overflowing with old Christmas items.
I think I will plan on standing in line to get in there early.
Posted by: DogsMom | July 05, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Selena, I am so excitied... what a blessed day of thrifting (garage saleing as we call it here). I am rivetted and now have a huge bubble of excitement! I am new to blogging and was inspired by Julia and Julia and my late friend Dee... check it out if you get a chance!
http://squigglyrainbow.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rachael Harland | July 05, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Oh wow, what a sale. You know it's a good one when you sacrifice health and hunger! But your finds were worth it. That box of ribbon alone is amazing. And the couch! It is fabulous!! Love it.
Posted by: Steph | July 05, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Hi Selena! The real find is the turntable! It's a vintage Garrard, which as the daughter of an audiophile I can tell you is quite sought after if the speakers were in fact made in Great Britain! You could possibly recoup the cost of the entire find if the right buyer wants the hi-fi equipment. Get the model and/or serial number and take a look online!
Posted by: reformedcynic | July 05, 2010 at 05:36 PM
It's Eleanor again (aka reformedcynic), this blogger might have some insight on your find: http://itishifi.blogspot.com/.
Posted by: reformedcynic | July 05, 2010 at 05:48 PM
omg what gorgeous wrapping paper! and the bulk load of felt!!! WANT!!!! What a wonderful day of thrifting! And for $50, you couldn't really leave that couch there.....
Posted by: geminisc | July 05, 2010 at 05:49 PM