Pattern Challenge results

So here are the results. The Vogue pattern wins! The Vogue pattern ended at 20.70$ which is a very respectable price for a pattern and for which I'm very happy indeed, while the Hollywood four star pattern also sold! But for 9.99$ ( for which I am also very glad as it keeps me in Country Living magazines). So, I wonder why that one sold for more... is it because of the name associated with the pattern, "Vogue" being more prestigious than Hollywood four star whatever that is? I had like 14 watchers on that pattern! Because I have been selling vintage patterns on and off for about 5 years, it fascinates me that after all this time, I still don't know exactly who buys them. Would it be gauche to ask, do you think? I just might have to. Do people use the patterns to make the creations of yesteryear or frame the art or use them in a theatrical production? All delicious questions. But I did not get to debate these questions because you, my cheeky readers, did not leave many comments this time around. Still, I am very interested to see if the Writing nag will be back to find out which pattern won- she seemed to think the Hollywood one was prettier than the other one, I was quite fond of it myself. Do not worry about a thing however because I'm still making plans to have another "contest" this time with giveaway loot which might attract a few more comments.

Ebay pattern challenge

Ok, the pattern I put up on Ebay didn't sell. I'm mystified. I mean, it may not be the end all be all of all patterns but it's a perfectly fine vintage pattern. This is the second time I've put it up. It gets me thinking; what makes one pattern more desirable than another? How come some sell and some don't? I do not understand pattern logistics, help me!

I would therefore like to present you with a pattern challenge. I have put 2 patterns up for auction on Ebay. You will see them pictured below and  can click on the pictures for their details. My challenge to you is to correctly guess which one will sell. Will they both sell? Will neither sell? Will I get more than 2 comments? The suspense!!

Make your prediction by leaving me a comment. I will apprise you of the results when they're in and we can all bang our heads together asking each other the age old question: huh?! If I see there's interest in such games, I may put together an actual contest where you can win a prize next time. Click on the pictures to see my Ebay auction for each pattern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Christmas Bargain

A humongous Christmas card was at the bottom of the box of vintage Christmas stuff I bought at a garage sale 2 years ago. 2 boxes actually, I paid 2$ for the lot, I couldn't believe my luck.  Because I am genetically engineered to amass more stuff than can ever fit into a normal house and never let it go, I, obviously, still have the complete contents of those boxes including the Christmas card, the grimy handmade ornaments and the 4 mismatched, tangled up hooks for the Christmas ornaments. It usally starts out that way; I'm at a yard sale and see a goofy vintage piece or an item that's a little different and I think," might be able to sell that on Ebay" but really I'm just as interested in it for the story it has to tell, if not more. I love to see other people's stuff. I love to get to see a slice of life which I would never be privy to otherwise.

 So going through some of my stuff this week (which is rapidly becoming " tacky crap from my basement") in order to get rid of some things so I can actually vaccum AND find my keys, I found the Christmas box again. So I promptly threw out the tangled hooks (I know, I know, but it has been two years) and grabbed the contents of the box to finally have a long look at it like I had been promising myself on and off for the last 2 years. Some of what was inside was just standard glass ornaments, red or green. A few lovely pieces with dancing, vibrant colours.

On closer inspection, there was one hand made ornament that had made it intact and I had a chance to analyse it. Now, I must tell you that it's one of those godawful things that has no reason for being. There is NO reason for stuffing artificial bits of Christmas tree and scraggly tinsel into an individual portion dairy container and using it for ANYthing. There is NO reason for then preciously tucking it away with your Christmas keepsakes to use year after year.

This said, I can't help but think it's charming. An attempt at putting together a little Christmas cheer using what's at hand. The idea in its simplicity and enthusiasm is the essence of cheer.

And then at the bottom of the box, the miracle of garage sales happens again, the reason why I do it. The oversized Christmas card, within, an inscription reads  "To Les and Michael. Hope this reaches you at least for Xmas. Have an Irish coffee on me." And is signed Liz.

It lets me into this family, let's me in on their life. There were no other cards in the contents of the two large boxes so why was this particular card kept with the ornaments? A special card? A card from a friend particularly dear to their heart? The size of the card suggests either the extravagant and rambunctious nature of a relationship or someone close to the couple to share an effervescent show of affection.

So who then are Micheal and Les? I know their story. Michael and Les (Leslie I assume) have this great love for puttering around their house. Some people it makes content but them; it makes them positively happy.Having retired now, they spend a lot of time at home.

He feels good to have this abundance of time in which to contemplate whatever he chooses, he can do what he feels like when he feels like it. And very often that's having a little Baily's in his morning coffee. And why not. That's often how he starts the day. He sits just off the kitchen in a little extension which makes up a den, a wood paneled area from which he can see a little bit of the rocky shore and the lake. This area is intimate like silk pyjamas, he loves it, loves the warmth radiated by lived in, old furniture, dark nogahide chair with a little rip near the edge, the almost chrome scrolls of the stove, even the hokey barometer with the googly eyes. He likes that the wood paneling is fuss free, like a buddy with who you have a comfortable relationship.

He's never bored. He retired as soon as he could afford to -at 60- because he loves to spend time taking in life, having a second look at things, puttering. And Leslie is the perfect puttering partner and that's a great part of their solid relationship. It's not an absolutely romantic story, one filled with sighs of love. But it's one in which the very nature of being a twosome is an easy venture. There's no complication, rarely butting heads, just a smooth experience of intimacy as natural as the twigs woven together by the wind and sun in the bramble at the bottom of their garden.

Leslie likes to cook and is not ordinarily drawn in by crafts but has a fondness for handmade Christmas decorations and has been known to knock out the odd one herself.

Liz is their friend who lives in BC . They met her on a fishing trip.

She is the kind of friend who makes you feel like hopping into the grocery cart as she returns it from the parking lot to the store and having her drive the cart as fast as she can even though people are watching. On her too brief visits, she would join them at the pub and discovered Michael's fondness for Baily's.

So this love of scavenging through people's stories and possessions, is not just about charm then. It is about hope. The hope that all we do- even when it will be taken out of our house and sold- counts.