damaged goods

I like damaged goods. I am all over those clearance aisles filled with less-than-perfect items. They actually have more character... they've shown they can last, endure... they've proven they have longevity.
And to be perfectly honest, I am not comfortable with shiney, new things. Really... they make me nervous. When will they show their true colors? Will they be able to withstand some wear 'n tear? And I find myself thinking "someone please put me out of my misery and ding the dang thing!" I really feel that way. And I know me, I would be so weird about wanting it to stay new, to stay perfect. I wouldn't want the kids to sneeze near it, much less touch it! So we just never bought anything new... except of course mattresses and pillows and such. As a result, I was ok with my kids applying the usual wear 'n tear cuz well, it sorta started that way anyway and we didn't pay much... and that's a good thing, right?!

So I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and I found this... one of the hooks was off, the screws missing and the wood, pretty beat up... which made it all the more charming and shabby and chic! Retail $49.99, I paid $10.00! All the vintage gingham aprons were found at my little thrift store for a dollar each. Check out the detailed handwork.


Can you believe it! I found this at Goodwill for $1.49! The glass was so dirty, buttons were missing and the sewing notions were not adhered to the fabric anymore. But look at that Penney's pattern! Clic the pic, cuz it says that "Buttons and Bows" was a hit song from the Paramount Picture "Pale-face" starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell!! Can you believe it! They named apron patterns after hit songs!!! And the ric rac has a 10 cents price tag! Someone lovingly framed these vintage sewing notions and then for whatever reason, discarded it. And now it's mine to preserve with love. I have always wanted to frame vintage sewing notions too! So my plan is to reposition the notions and add some more that I have and glue on more buttons and change out the fabric backing to... maybe a yellow gingham. I will be sure to post pics when the project is completed. In the mean time, I will continue to rescue and repurpose discarded damaged goods. It's what I do.