Oh, I love this time of year! The snow has melted, the red-winged blackbirds are back and I went to my first auction in months! I had a lot of pent-up bidding energy. And when I found this very small suitcase stuck under a table, I said to myself that I was not going to leave the auction without that suitcase NO MATTER WHAT IT COST. This is not an attitude I recommend. In this case, I think it was justified. Don't even both to ask. More than I wanted to pay, OK? That's all I'm saying.
It is absolutely stuffed with old patterns.
Really gorgeous old patterns, like the ones I'm always swooning over on A Dress a Day.
The ones that make me ask myself, "Why don't I have a few strapless or sleeveless dresses with little jackets?" Or, more to the point, "Why don't I live in a time when everyone had at least a few strapless or sleeveless dresses with little jackets?"
I've never worn a gown with a large rose at my waist, either. Somehow I think that moment has passed me by.
The little kids' clothes were much better, too.
Well, the little girls' clothes were better, anyway. Even if I'm not so crazy about the pants, I love the image. Maybe it's the harmonica.
I'm looking forward to a pleasant evening of sorting. I'm hoping to get some of them listed on eBay this week. I'm also going to pick a winner for the springtime giveaway and post it tomorrow, so check back. Even if I don't have a picture (ack!) to post, I promise I'll have a name.
Paid more than you wanted? This suitcase with contents is priceless!
(I cannot give more comment as I am murmuring that mantra 24/7 pick me, pick me, pick me, pick me,....)
Posted by: LiLi M. | March 08, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Oh my Gosh! Someone robbed my pattern drawer! We can only dream of waist lines like those ladies had. At least I am speaking for myself.
Enjoy your treasures.
Patti
Posted by: Patti | March 08, 2009 at 07:30 PM
I love that little suitcase, and those dress patterns are killer! And just so you know, the red-winged blackbird's song is my absolute favorite! I heard one a week ago, and it instantly makes me think of summer!
Posted by: Carol | March 08, 2009 at 07:37 PM
The patterns are so cute- I wouldn't have let anyone else go home with them either.
Posted by: Beth Leintz | March 08, 2009 at 08:06 PM
When I see these vintage patterns it makes me want to take up sewing apparel again. kinda. Maybe if I had a 22 inch waist. xo, suzy
Posted by: georgiapeachez | March 08, 2009 at 09:01 PM
The patterns are amazing, I am swooning over them! What a great find!
Posted by: Jen | March 08, 2009 at 09:12 PM
You'd look fabulous in any of the dresses. I'm sure that these patterns, like most vintage patterns, have about 122 pattern pieces for each garment. The case is swell, too.
Posted by: Mary Ellen | March 08, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Oh what delicious patterns. I would love an excuse to wear wonderful swishy dresses like that.
Posted by: Floss | March 08, 2009 at 10:25 PM
You lucky gal, you! Wowie! That suitcase was a virtual pot o' gold! You should really sew one of those gowns with the rode on the hip, you'd be able to find some event to wear it to, surely. College graduation will be coming up in a few years right? Heck, you could even wear it to the next auction and maybe then people wouldn't try to outbid you?! Hey, it worked for Marylin Monroe, right? :o)
Enjoy your sorting--all of us gals wish we could be flies on the wall in your house tonight. :o)
Posted by: whit | March 09, 2009 at 12:00 AM
I would have a closet full of strapless and sleeveless dress with little jackets, if they gave me a figure like those 'ladies'!!!!!!!!! How did I miss an auction? ...I'm bummed.
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | March 09, 2009 at 05:28 AM
My question is always "How could anyone's waist be so small?" Lovely patterns!
Posted by: julie | March 09, 2009 at 09:26 AM
You find the best stuff!
Posted by: Rabecca G | March 09, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I had the same thought as a lot of the ladies, if only my waist was that small! Never the less, a great find for sure!
I went to an auction myself this weekend, came home with 4 box lots of not so great stuff. The two items I really wanted turned out to be damaged. I didn't look close enough at them. Nothing from keeping me from using them, though.
Barbara, you have me so close to starting another blog for my finds! You'll be the first to know if I do it!
Posted by: Shelley G in Iowa | March 09, 2009 at 10:20 AM
What a great find all in that little suitcase - hope you did not break the bank on it. I'm looking forward to what you put up in your shop...
Posted by: Julie | March 09, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Great finds and great fashions. I love old patterns - the illustrations are amazing too. I have the old patterns that my grandmother used to make doll clothes for my dolls when I was young....will never give them up. Glad the auction had a prize for you!
Posted by: laurie - magpie ethel | March 09, 2009 at 03:08 PM
The patterns are wonderful, but that old suitcase...OH MY!
Posted by: Lena | March 11, 2009 at 05:35 AM