Readers, remember that famous scene in Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," when Tom's Aunt Polly wants Tom to whitewash the picket fence and clever Tom gets the other neighborhood boys to do it by pretending it's the most fun thing in the world?
OMG, that's what I did yesterday with friend and fellow blogger, Suzanne, and she totally fell for it!
I met Suzanne in the Garment District yesterday and, over a light lunch at Pret A Manger, I managed to lure her back to my cluttered apartment with promises of demonstrating some of my vintage sewing machines. No sooner were we at my place than I got to work -- or rather, she did. No doubt many of you have seen photographs of Suzanne's pristine apartment, which she shares with her husband and daughter, on her lovely blog, Beau Baby. Why should I be the only one whose house looks like the set of Sanford & Son?
By the time Suzanne left a few hours later, she was carting home a healthy portion of my fabric stash and my most recently acquired Singer Featherweight -- I can find room for three of those little straight stitchers but the fourth was totally in the way. Let her dust and oil it!
I am pretty sure if Suzanne hadn't been traveling home by subway, I could have decluttered onto her quite a bit more. She might even be open to taking a couple of chihuahuas off my hands as they all definitely bonded, but that will take a little more convincing on my part. Still, the seed has been planted. (Maybe a long vacation in the Bronx?)
BTW, I showed Suzanne my recently purchased Mood fabric for my upcoming jacket project and I'm pretty sure by the look in her eyes that her first thought was shower curtain. She was extremely tactful and supportive, however; she's Canadian.
Oh, before I forget, look at all the vintage notions I picked up yesterday morning at the flea market -- oodles of bias tape, buttons, elastic (new), and an unopened roll of black silk satin ribbon -- 48 yards! The whole kid and kaboodle just $7. But I digress.
In closing, friends, considering what people pay for storage these days, I'd say I have a pretty good thing going with Suzanne. Now who else do I know with roomy closets and lots of clean surfaces...?
Thank you, Mark Twain, for the inspiration -- and thank you, Suzanne!
Happy decluttering, everybody!
You really need to open your own Etsy shop, Peter!
ReplyDeleteI should have known! (and by the way, have I told you how much I miss your "Daily Ditch" posts?).
ReplyDeleteFreddy and Willy are welcome anytime in the Bronx — so long as you bring along their treadmill (I can't promise to keep my kid off it but she's only slightly larger than a pair of small dogs!).
What a genius move - I seriously need to find some people who will de-Sanford my place as well. Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteOH my GOD your dogs are so CUTE!!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that Sanford and Son is the US version of the UK comedy Steptoe and Son? Anyone know for sure?
ReplyDeleteI would bet money on it. I was about 11 or 12 when Sanford came out and my mom and I loved it. She also told me it was based on an English showed called...what you said. Did you like the original?
DeleteLOL......
ReplyDeleteYes, that's right, Paola.
I am too organized. I regret now not having a fabric stash. I use to, then came up with the brilliant idea of only buying the fabric for the project I was making at that time. I have nothing in my stash. Oh, your dogs are adorable and your friend is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI think you both came out ahead-- I love a win-win. I wish I could find a flea market like yours-- that was quite a haul for the price!
ReplyDeleteAs for those notions....ARRRGGGG! have you seen the selection at joann's lately. no choice at all!! I will have to move to NY to get any notions to sew with.
ReplyDeleteTry Wawak or Cleaner's Supply (pretty sure they're the same company now). Shipping's under $4, and they ship the same day- I was looking at zippers at Joann's when I realized they were cheaper, with shipping, for one zipper, and I would get a YKK zip instead of a generic one. Do be careful with the Guterman thread though- the Joann's color numbers are not the same as the big spool numbers.
DeleteVery good post!!!!!! We are terrific charity shop shoppers, but the quantity can get a bit unweildy. But, too much thinning out, and one can be VERY sorry. I am trying to organize more, and give things to "Filles" charity shop, which is open 1/2 day only, and items are sold by the bag (you fill for $4. to $7). I have invited neices to "shop" my stash. I say what's available. Stephanie is the only one who bit, and she sews all the time. I ask her to bring her friends too. Maybe her latest friend, Katelyn. Cathie, in Quebec. P.S. Stashes contain hard to find items. As there are almost no sewing stores here.
ReplyDeleteYou are a lovely person Peter. Sharing really is the way to go...win win for all.
ReplyDeleteI've been to some estate sales that were rooms filled with sewing stash. Sad to say, no one ever got to use them except the moths.
I just did the same thing with a friend of mine. She got more stuff and I got more space - the perfect arrangement! Sharing/decluttering makes everyone feel good!
ReplyDeleteChihuahua therapy!
ReplyDeleteStart offering "day treatments", and soon you'll be living on Central Park South.