Mostly, what's best avoided are items that are hefty and heavy, which means they require extra postage and an extra large box. But for some reason these think-twice purchases also include aprons, which are neither hefty or heavy. Could it be that aprons are so over and everybody but me knows that?
I tell myself not to buy aprons and I try not to look at aprons when I’m at a sale. But sometimes, those darn aprons are so extra-cute and so extra-cheap that I give into temptation. Which is how I ended up with four more aprons from the Rummage Sale Where They Wanted to Charge Me for My Purse.
They include, on the left, the cutest tulip apron that I’ve ever seen, which has wonderful springy pleating. Of course now that I've washed the cutest tulip apron that I've ever seen, I have to iron it to restore that wonderful springing pleating.
On the right is a design in red and aqua. Red and aqua? 'Nough said. There was no way that I wasn’t bringing this one home.
And continuing on, a Christmas apron. Don’t tell the folks at the What Does and Doesn’t Sell Division, but I always buy Christmas aprons, if only for the fabric.
And speaking of fabric, that's why I bought the final apron. I’m guessing it’s from the 1950s, given the style of the television, the record player with the 45s, the butterfly chair and the rotary dial telephone. Very cool, don't you think?
And finally, here’s a closeup of the clothespin bag, which I found at another sale and I hang on the line when I’m drying the linens that I’m not supposed to buy. The lady on the bag understands my weakness for aprons and I’m sure she probably has quite a few of them herself. But she’s been bugging me to wear pearls when I'm doing the wash, which is definitely not going to happen.
How about you? What have you learned not to buy?
I don't know, Linda, you may be on the right track. Did you see this recently ended listing on ebay of 6 vintage aprons?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-6-Vintage-Smock-Aprons-Vtg-Prints-/130770422572?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e72864b2c&nma=true&si=smgoCYVAoNrvo%2Bvz7FmJa2iwhyg%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Posted by: Gina @ VintageJunkinMyTrunk | October 23, 2012 at 06:16 AM
Wow! We are on the same wavelength on this one. I have at least a dozen aprons that have not sold. I've sacrificed several of them for the fabric and cut them into quilting squares and am trying to sell them that way.
I have also recently entered into a pact with my husband to STOP BUYING DISHES after I bought a complete service for 8 of Knowles Forsythia in mint condition for $12, and then had to pay $60 to ship it to Nebraska. Barely cleared expenses on that one.
Finally, I'm starting to question my dish towel buying as well. They are real hit-or-miss for me, and I can't quite hone in on what's going to sell.
Posted by: Peggy Jennings | October 23, 2012 at 06:17 AM
I too get sucked into looking at vintage aprons. I usually can walk away since I don't do much with them unless the fabric is spectacular. Another bermuda triangle of vintage to get lost in....
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | October 23, 2012 at 08:29 AM
I believe I've taken the no-more-aprons pledge a few times, too. Oddly addictive. (see email!)
Posted by: Barbara | October 23, 2012 at 08:45 AM
Well, I LOVE the 1950's apron. Are you selling that one? If not, I see why. If so, you have a buyer!
Posted by: Tina-Marie Hamilton | October 23, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Armoires. They're albatrosses. Fortunately, I enacted that edict years ago. Aprons are no-sellers too. I finally just did a giveaway to get rid of them.
Posted by: Sue | October 23, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Aprons are out? Maybe we should bring them back...where do I sign?
I told myself no more milk glass because it wasn't selling. And then suddenly a lot of it sold so I don't know if that was a lull or a last gasp but I do know I don't have any more milk glass to replenish with.
Posted by: Into Vintage | October 24, 2012 at 08:04 AM
I dunno, the graphics on that wowza apron look more 60's than 50's to me. The capri pants are very Laura Petrie, don't you think?
Posted by: Lori | October 24, 2012 at 10:01 AM
I have found that the full aprons sell much better than the half aprons. I can't resist buying aprons because they are all so different from one another...style, fabric, embellishments, etc...Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Ann | October 26, 2012 at 08:09 PM
Congrat's to the winner of your Christmas wreath and Thank you for having that awesome giveaway. I'm going to try to make one myself!
I LOVE aprons too! And they don't sell at my booths either. Maybe once in a great while...and almost for the price I paid!
Anyway...I so hear you!
Deb
Posted by: deb | October 27, 2012 at 08:21 AM