Treasure Hunt

Tue., June 27, 2006

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap cheryl-annem@spokesman.com

On pins and needles

» After writing about my collection of pincushions, I asked readers to share theirs. Carol Triplett wrote to tell me about her collection:

» "Your article on pincushions was especially fun to read," Triplett wrote. "For the last several years I have picked up inexpensive ones of many sizes and shapes at estate and garage sales."

» Triplett especially likes the pincushions that come with a pull-out tape measure.

» "My first one of that type was a chubby little character with a big nose that is the pull for the tape measure," she wrote. "Others include a fabric globe, a hen, an old dog with one ear whose tongue pulls out, a small wooden rocking chair and the common red tomato."

» Triplett displays her pincushion collection on shelves in her sewing room.

» She also sent along kind words about HOME.

» "Thanks to everyone who does the whole HOME section," she wrote. "It is positive reading and an affirmation of our creative skills, and family activities that help smooth out our busy lives."

Driving to work on Friday, I passed 27 hand-lettered signs advertising garage sales, yard sales and a few estate sales.

The summer months are prime time for such sales, and there are plenty out there for anyone who loves to shop them.

But shopping is the easy part. Holding a sale can be a lot of work. (Unless you toss a blanket out on the front yard and toss a few tattered romance paperbacks, the kids’ riding toys and a few old pots and pans on it. That’s not really a sale, so it doesn’t count.)

After you get everything sorted, priced and displayed, you get to deal with people. Unfortunately, that isn’t always so pleasant.

Garage sale shoppers are a dedicated bunch. They’re there for the bargains.

Unfortunately, in the rush to get a good deal, some people leave their good manners at home. They can be pushy and occasionally even abrasive.

So, in the interest of happy garage sale shopping, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts:

•DON’T be an early bird. If you’ve been up half the night getting ready for a sale, it’s no fun to have someone ring the doorbell at the crack of dawn asking for dibs on the trampoline – especially if the trampoline isn’t for sale.

•DO pay attention to where you’re parking. Try not to block driveways and mailboxes. Stay off the grass and show a little consideration for the neighbors who have to put up with the traffic.

•If possible, DON’T pay for a 25-cent stuffed animal with a $20 bill, especially if you are the first one there. You’ll wipe out the seller’s change.

•DO make offers but DON’T try to get something for nothing. How would you feel if it were your sale?

There are probably other things that should be on the list, but you get the idea.

Scouting garage sales for bargains is fun. Having a sale isn’t as much fun, but it shouldn’t be a big headache either.