Saturday, October 9, 2010

Cleaning House...

A couple days ago I was perusing Craigslist and came upon an ad from someone wanting to buy vintage sewing patterns...Cash they offered. I had been thinking that I really needed to weed out my pattern collection as there is no way in the world that I can sew every pattern I have ever bought, been gifted or otherwise inherited and the sheer volume has made it cumbersome to find what I want when I want it.  I thought it was a match made in heaven. So I emailed this person and diligently went through the boxes and drawers that house my patterns. At first cull, this is what I came up with:
Over 300 patterns, including some vintage gems like this:

I was prepared to let them all go...cheap...like FREE!
That is until the emails started coming "oh, I can't drive out to your house. Can you drive into the city and bring them to me?" What, would you like me to sew them up for you too? I got annoyed with the whole deal and just told her I was going to do something else with them.  My husband said he would manage selling them on ebay, so I may give that a whirl or open an etsy shop.
Speaking of wonderful husbands, Tom installed the new washer and dryer yesterday when he got home from work! I love the front loader so far and it requires so little detergent.  I had asked about complaints I had read online about the front load machines smelling musty. The owner of the family owned business where I bought it said that is caused by using too much soap and recommended using only a tablespoon of detergent per load. Tom's work clothes came out wonderful! Crazy the things that make a girl happy!  In sewing news, I have committed to finishing UFOs before I cut anything else out.  I have 2 blouses to finish, a pair of pants and re-attachment of an ill placed ruffle before the blades can fly again.  I have great incentive because I bought some adorable knit prints from Trendy Fabrics to make some stuff for Colt.  Grandma has to get her sew on for her little man!

8 comments:

Ann Made Studio said...

"Love" that skirt pattern...has a trench coat look to it...like Carolyn's.

http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com/2010/10/trench-skirt-pattern-review.html

That is a whole lot of patterns..ebay sounds like a great way to go. Good Luck!

Myra said...

In my experience, I sell more on etsy than ebay. It's also less work on etsy, longer listing times, as where relisting on ebay comes up more frequently. An ebay store costs money (at least it did) and etsy is free for a shop. For what it's worth...

gMarie said...

Oh Mary! I love that skirt pattern - it is indeed a lovely gem! have fun sewing. g

Linda L said...

That is a lot of patterns! I would love to go through the boxes. Please let us know when and where you post them when you get ready to sell.

Michelle said...

Good luck listing your patterns. I have had really good luck buying things on Craigslist...but not so much luck selling.

Maryissewfast said...

Anything you looking for in particular Linda? Of course my sewing friends get the SUPER deal! :)

Kathy said...

I would also suggest etsy. I have good luck with my shop..although you just reminded me..I better list more...

Eileen said...

That's too funny. i have an ad monthly on Craigslist under "Items Wanted" for vintage patterns.At first I thought it was me until you started telling the story. I would be happy to buy them and pay postage if you are still interested. :)

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