Early bird gets the worm

This past weekend was the Austin City Wide Garage Sale. It officially begins at 10am, but if you pay a few more dollars, you can shop early starting at 8:30am. For the last sale in January, I was there even before 8:30 and was awaiting the doors to open. It is my version of heaven in Austin...I found so much great stuff that I had to take one load home and come back for another! I learned those few extra dollars to get in early were well spent, and I planned to be there early again for this show.  

I am definitely a morning person, but for some reason I was struggling to get going on Saturday. I was barely out of the driveway by 8:30, and I was disappointed with myself. But the rest of Austin was sleeping in during the SXSW festival, so I made good time and was slapping on my "Early Shopper" name tag by 8:45. I made a quick round through the event center and was sad some of my favorite dealers weren't there - everyone must be saving up for Warrenton! 

Because Andrew enjoys parking his car in the garage, I was on the hunt really just for 'smalls.' I did pretty well, finding some linens, a locker basket, some rusty little containers, and a an item I have never seen before - any guesses?

I thought it was an old wooden instrument box, but the seller informed me that it was an traveling teacher's kit that once contained a pull-out map. Sure wish the map was still in it! It still has the two dowel rods that the map was wrapped around, and it even has a map pointer! I must just have to take the pointer to school and walk around the room tapping it on my students' desks....

But the real prize from the CWGS was this old rusty galvanized metal sink.

I first saw it in Gonzales back in November at the Barn Sale . I took this picture there, and I really contemplated buying it. I think I ran out of room in the car, because I left without it. 

Fast forward four months and here it was again at the CWGS! 

Megan from Salvaged was selling this jewel. She has such great taste in vintage decor! I wish I had more pictures of her space, but I was too busy eyeing this beauty! I rarely walk away from something in which I am interested, especially something this unique, but I just wasn't sure what I would do with it and I didn't need to add yet another piece to my garage.  

I walked around the show a bit more taking a few more pictures. Here are some hurriedly taken shots with my phone: 

 

 

How great is this huge old basket?!

I am a sucker for anything that says 4-H!
"I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty..."

Ohhhh, that dress form!

 

Look at that crushed velvet green chair!

The announcer came on the loudspeaker telling us that it was 10:00am and the doors were opening for general admission. People flooded in and that was my cue to go. I drove away and then realized the perfect use for that rusty metal sink. I was just a mile or so away and ended up going back to the show - but the line to get into the parking garage was insane! I knew if I bought the piece I would need to go to the loading dock, so I just headed straight there in hopes that I could talk my way in and come out with the piece. Mission successful - I got in and got the sink! I also enjoyed talking with Megan and wish her the best at Warrenton! If you go, be sure to visit her at Dillard's Field. I know I will! 

This bird found her worm.

Happy first day of Spring!

-Sarah

Austin City Wide Garage Sale