Sunday, February 04, 2007

Just Wow...

So, I'm standing in line at Salvation Army with my Villeneuve signed/numbered, limited edition art print, when I spot this woman looking at a simple brown box across the counter...what could it be?


Then, I noticed something...
a long thin piece of...my gosh, is that string? Oooh...If only I could see from across the counter. Could it be a box of vintage sewing goods? I imagined a collection of vintage spools, needles, and patterns as I crossed my fingers and hoped the woman walked away.

Well, she did walk away...and straight to the counter where her friend was checking out in front of me...I heard her pose a question to the (I believe he is the) manager of the store. "10% off since this has been here since the 23rd," he says. I see her thinking...the wheels in her head are literally turning. Should I run over while she's distracted and grab the box, I wondered? No...no way...I just can't.

So I waited her out...and eventually, she walked away. I took that as my cue to move in. I asked the man behind me in line (and there was quite the line...so busy on Saturday!) if he would watch my place in line. He very nicely said he would, so I hurried over to the other side of the counter before anyone else could beat me there.

I slowly opened the box lid to see what treasures would be inside and voila! A whole collection of embroidery floss. I was slightly disappointed at not finding the assortment of vintage goodies I had previously imagined, but continued to inspect the box.


I found a drawer at the bottom of the box containing an assortment of brand new, unopened DMC embroidery floss...hmmm...not too shabby, I thought. But, it seemed I was missing something. Like there was another way to open the box. I stood there trying to figure out this new puzzle before me and tugged on the middle walls...pushed them to see if they'd slide out. Maybe if I just lift the top...


"I didn't know the top came off," said the woman who had been looking at the box before, as we both stared at the huge collection of embroidery floss, secretly stashed under the top section of the box. How much was it? $29.99 - $27 after the 10% discount...I happily lifted the box, headed back to my place in line, checked out, and took my new goodies home.


Of course, being the organization freak that I often am, you know what I had to do...

Yea, it's color coordinated now. Luckily, each of the cards were already numbered. I even found an official DMC color list to use for my order...I'm such a dork!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! Incredible find! I'm SO glad you got this instead of her... heheee ~ and you're not a dork! You are completely normal to me!
xo,
Kim

Shopaholic D said...

heehee...thanks Kim!

:) Diana

The Frugal Shrink said...

That is sooo fabulous! I just found your blog and really enjoy it. :)

Shopaholic D said...

Hey Tessa! Thanks for stopping by...glad you enjoyed your visit

:) Diana

Jodi Ohl said...

All I can say is WOW!!! What an awesome find, you were courteous to the other shopper...not many people are that generous!! I'm sure the good thrift Karma will come back to you 3 fold :)

lucy

Shopaholic D said...

Awww...gee, thanks, Lucy! Yay for good "thrift karma"!

:) D

Rebecca said...

What a wonderful find! The box in itself is a treasure. I do cross stitch and it's so wonderfully organized!

Shopaholic D said...

Thanks Rebecca...it took me about 4 hours to get all the colors in order, but it was worth it. I'm wondering how old the box/floss is now b/c there don't seem to be any floss colors starting w/ "38..."...oh well, it's still a very nice collection!

:) D

Anonymous said...

SERIOUS score! What a fun story and mini adventure. You took the high road and got what you deserved.

Shopaholic D said...

Hey Casapinka,

Glad you enjoyed the story...I was trying to recreate the situation b/c it was kinda like a mini-adventure...heehee...at least it was for me!

:)D