When my husband and I moved up to Portland from Mendocino almost five years ago, I had to leave behind one of my favorite pastimes, an outdoor antique and collectible market the first Sunday of every month. It is held in Alameda at the old naval air stations right across the bay from San Francisco that can be seen in the background. I zoomed in with my camera for a better shot.
In this photo you can see a broader site of the city with the Bay Bridge and The Transamerica Building (pointed one) in the background. When I lived closer, I hardly ever missed a month at this sale. My favorite part was getting up at 5 AM, particularly in the winter, and getting to the gate at opening time at 6 AM. It was the perfect moment, filled with anticipation, exhilaration, and excitement. It was as good as going on an early morning hike for me. Everyone would be out there in the chilly weather with flashlights and hot coffee roaming around watching sellers set up. For buyers? Well, we all hoped we would find the treasure and deal that would make our day before the rest of the masses arrived around 7:30 and then 9:00. I always liked identifying with the earliest group because it felt like we were a select, hardy, and eager lot, weathering the cold and the dark for the same exuberant reasons. I guess you could also say it was and is in our blood, this obsession, this thrill-of-the-hunt.
However, I did not get there this time until 8 AM as I had not slept nearly all night just anticipating the event. When I walked in near the front entrance, I met this remarkable woman who has a business called “Danski Beautiful Clothes – art to wear.” She lives in Ojai, California, and her designs are really works of art. In talking to her briefly she told me she has no formal training but has taught sewing and designing to others. She also told me that she did not feel hindered or encumbered by rules because of this. Her creative process is very instinctive, simply a part of who she is, and she is very deeply connected to this as one can see by her designs. Her creative process, she said, was one of freedom, without constraints. Would I ever love to emulate this process, to let go of the shackles once and for all.
Every piece is exceptional. I wanted to buy something, but I came with other objectives, to buy for my pending business, and I had to be very disciplined. I will save money for the next time if she still keeps coming to the show. I have a feeling that she is launching her business at Alameda as many people do. It is a great place to get exposure, and she said that this year is her year for finally being recognized and achieving some success, that people are finally “getting” her clothing. This is quite an accomplishment given an economy that is quite difficult. I think she will definitely be someone to watch. She gave me her business card, but it did not have her name on it. I will keep you posted on her work when I find more about her in the future.
I did not buy anything from this seller, but I thought she had a fun display.
This woman had a business called “Amy Lee Buttons,” and she sold a variety of wonderful things: old and newer fabric, laces, patterns and more buttons than you could ever absorb in a day. I purchased a card of buttons, some lace, 3 vintage patterns, and the older pieces below.
What I love most about the hunt is meeting the most wonderful younger and older women who go there to sell. They are all selling what they are passionate about, and it is fun to meet them and share stories and see what inspires them to come and sell at this venue that, at times, can be grueling given the often windy weather, the hours, the work involved in a one-day set-up, the crowds, and I am sure the shoplifting that is always a concern for many. I admire all of them, and have a great respect for their efforts and ambition. I sold there once and can tell you from personal experience it is not for the faint-hearted.
Put a beautiful floral chintz in front of me, and I will melt, especially if it has a bit of chinoiserie as well as birds. This woman has an antique shop but comes to sell some of her collections at Alameda too. What I will do with this? Many plans.
I intend to do one more post on this subject, and then I will get back to part II of “Embracing Femininity,” as I had promised.
Wow! As exhausted as I feel today – too much gardening, trying to make headway with my accounts, housework etc etc – your post has really left me feeling nourished and invigorated, thank you.
I used to feel exactly the same about our Brighton bootsale for years, and would always trudge along in the dark to arrive by about 5.30am filled with that unique sense of anticipation and excitement about what I might find. Recently, I have been to more antiques fairs to buy for my business, and have neglected our local bootsale, but over the past month I have begun to attend again, but have found it really hard to get up as early as I used to! But, now I have begun to get my ‘eye’ in, I am enjoying searching for all sorts of treasure. I really must take my camera next time and record for my blog some of the characters and stalls that make it so exciting!
Those fabrics are divine, pink roses, gently faded on white or cream always sing to me when I see them, totally beautiful! The chintz especially so, I agree, birds & a touch of chinoiserie really do it for me too. I shall look forward to seeing what you make with it.
I have missed visiting your blog recently, so am glad to be back sharing in your pleasure! xxxx
I think that bootsales must be similar to outdoor sales that we have over here. I go to indoor antique shows periodically, but not as often as I used to go. I really love these outdoor fairs the most because of the relaxed and inviting feel. The dealers seem more relaxed, the buyers less greedy and rude, and generally there is the feeling of fun and excitement. I know there will come a day when I no longer have the patience for the hassle of it, but so far that has not happened. I do complain about city traffic, however, and that is the down side to going and leaving any event. I would love to see some photos of a bootsale since I have never been to one. Regarding the early morning wake-up, I am finding as I get older it is much more difficult to bounce out of bed for anything. If I can get my legs on the floor as I sit on the bed, then that is half the battle conquered.
We definitely love the same sorts of textiles. If I lived closer to you, I imagine I would be knocking on your door way too often to see what new goodies you had, and of course coming home with more than I could carry or store. Well, it is better than drug or alcohol addiction. At least, that is my opinion (as I stash another remnant in the already overloaded box!).
Glad you are back and posting again too.
Oh that sounds like a fun day! Someday I’m going to go….
I really think you would love it, Deb. It is worth the effort at least one time.
i would be in heaven
No question. It is just a fun and crazy way to relax too.
You have really whetted my appetite. I can’t wait to get there. Maybe I can persuade my niece to get up early (which I will be inclined to do because of the anticipation). I hope to remember my camera.
And what is this new business venture?
The last piece of fabric is delightful.
By all means, get there as early as you can. 6 AM $15 /7:30 AM $10 /9 AM $5 entry fees. Wear comfortable shoe, bring sunglasses, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and water, also cash!
This is not a new business really, just one I have been working at for awhile, but hope to give it more serious time over the summer selling lampshades.
You are certainly a pro making shades. Those shade you made were exquisite.
Very nice display. The show looks like loads of fun!
How on earth did you get from Mendocino to Alameda in an hour?
That one hour journey would never have been possible. I traveled first to San Francisco the night before the show to stay with my brother in order to be at Alameda within an hour of waking up. If only Mendocino was an hour away, it would be too easy, and then I guess Mendocino would not be a small town but a huge town or city!