Okay, yes, I start each year’s Turnover Sale with a list of things I’d like to find. Measuring cups, which disappear in my home, are on the list. I like to buy containers, the kind that go to school and parties and never come home. I also scoop up mysteries and other paperbacks that can get lost or left at the pool. Great bargains all!
What I tend to bring home, however, is a little different than my list. I love the Turnover’s surprises. People have donated Tiffany jewelry and Gustav Stickley furniture, which is fascinating, but the small stuff gets me every time.
Last year, there was a cache of sewing patterns donated. Most were for formal dresses, including bridesmaid dresses and a wedding gown, all dating from, well, a time when sewing a wedding gown was simply one in a series of homemade projects to be undertaken with a Butterick, Simplicity or even a Vogue pattern.
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So I unfolded a number of these patterns, just to see the complexity of the task, and found that each pattern envelope included a swatch of the fabric, and many held the extra buttons, snaps or lace that went with the outfit. Maybe it was the dust or the age of the paper, but I found myself tearing up when I saw this history told in homemade clothes.
With the pattern picture on the front of the envelope and the swatches, I could envision the outfits. There was a strapless red velvet formal number with a wide skirt that I coveted immediately, and a couple of seersucker romper-style outfits that might just work in the July heat. And then, of course, someone sewed a wedding gown and stuffed the pattern pieces and a bit of lace into the envelope. Since I’ll never know what really happened, I’ll imagine a very happy ending for that bride.
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So such are the finds at the Turnover that speak to me, telling me stories of our local past. I’d love to know what you find and what stories those items tell you.
Come on in and see. To volunteer or find out more, MorrowMem.org or 973 763-7676. The first date to donate is Monday, June 20. The first sale date is Saturday, July 2.
 Turnover Sale Dates, 2011Â
Saturday, 7/2, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday, 7/5, 7-9 pm
Saturday, 7/9, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday, 7/12, 7-9 pm
Saturday, 7/16, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday, 7/19, 7-9 pm
Thursday, 7/21, 9:30 am-12:30 pm CLOSING DAY
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