In this area, Tuesdays are “discount day” at local Goodwill stores for Veterans. Lucky for me, there’s one on my way home. On Tuesdays I often stop by to see what I can find that’s worth a second look and the 25% discount.
Today’s find was almost immediate as I walked in the door: a Halloween-themed, handmade, quilted tote. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was indeed handmade, so I looked for a manufacturer’s tag. I found none, so I turned it inside out.
Voila!
I found the hand-stitched “turn opening“. Those of us who make bags are familiar with this and know where to look.
A previous life
This was less of a “rescue” than other handmade items I’ve purchased from Goodwill stores. It was likely a gift for a small child in the spirit of the spooky season. It makes sense why something like this would need to go. As little kid things give way to older kid things, we can only keep so much. Some things need to eventually be moved on.
Lucky for me, this meant that I got a whimsical, Trick or Treat mini tote.
I appreciated the neat stitchwork, and the pieced front panel. I may change the eyes to smaller, flat black buttons, but will decide that after I wash it.
The straps are well-made and neat, and I love the colorful fabric choices. The back fabric, pictured below, is especially colorful.
When I pick up a “rescue” from a thrift store, I always wonder about the fiber artist. Was this the first thing they made with this pattern? Is it an old favorite? Who did they make the item for? Was it a gift, or something made for their own use?
The cycle of life
More somber thoughts include whether or not the item belonged to someone who has passed on. Thrift stores likely inherit a lot of estate sale leftovers and house clean-outs after people die. It can seem sad, but it’s all part of the cycle of life. None of us can take any of these things with us, so it is nice that they’re made available for others to pick up, if interested.
When I buy a handmade item in a thrift store, it is part recognition of the item and the work that went into it. I only buy things that I will enjoy, whether as a decoration or something I will use. Hopefully, I am honoring the original fiber artist with my appreciation of their work.
I sometimes chuckle thinking about my kids and grandkids finding all my fabric bags, crocheted mini bags and other things. My guess is that most of them will remain in the family, but a good number will also likely make it out to various thrift stores. And that’s OK. I know that someone will stop by on a random day, after work, and find a piece that makes them smile, lightens their mood, and reminds them of all the creative energy in the world.
Maybe it will even inspire them to make something, or learn a new skill.
The impact of what we do is rarely visible, and the items we craft are no different. Each handmade piece becomes a tiny echo of who we are, lasting long after our hands leave the work.
What a delightful thought, inspired by a spooky little tote discovered in a thrift store on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon.
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