Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Enabler Alert, San Francisco Bay Area OMWB White Elephant Sale March 5 & 6 in Oakland
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/24/11 5:25 PM UPDATE for 2013, Dates of humongous White Elephant Sale: Oakland Museum Women's Board White Elephant Sale is March 2 & 3, 2013. White Elephant Sale This is a yearly fund raiser for the Oakland Museum. The preview sale ($20 admission) was in January. The "main" sale is Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6, 2011, (SEE UPDATE ABOVE for 2013 DATES) admission FREE. This is a huge white elephant/rummage sale in a 96,000 square foot warehouse, divided into 17 departments. (A photo from a previous year's sale.) There is a Sewing Department. It's like an entire thrift store devoted to nothing but sewing and needle craft: fabric, patterns, books, tools, accessories, and DOZENS of sewing machines. Dozens of buttonholers. Also, knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn. Not to mention the rest of the departments: clothing, books, office supplies, furniture, jewelry, art, bicycles, etc., etc.. From the press release: "The 2011 White Elephant Sale—themed Wild Wild WES—features quality used items for sale and promises to be the biggest and best treasure hunt in the West. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and admission is FREE. First-time shoppers are advised to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and use the free shuttle service from the Fruitvale BART to the Sale warehouse." There is very limited parking near the warehouse itself. Parking at the Fruitvale BART station is easy, and the shuttle runs about every 15 minutes. Easy and fun. I was at the preview sale. I'm not kidding about dozens of sewing machines. CMC -- Edited on 2/24/11 5:30 PM -- -- Edited on 1/31/12 8:22 PM -- -- Edited on 1/31/12 8:27 PM -- -- Edited on 1/31/12 8:32 PM -- -- Edited on 2/26/13 6:29 PM -- -- Edited on 2/27/13 4:38 PM --
raymondmom Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 9/21/09 Posts: 376	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/24/11 6:22 PM Do you know the price range for the sewing machines and other items? Joanne ------ Joanne
JillyBe Intermediate CA USA Member since 1/20/10 Posts: 3194	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/24/11 6:28 PM Check the SF BABES thread - some of us are planning on going Sunday The prices for most things are very reasonable - it's not a high priced sort of charity event, & it isn't a give-away either. (Until late Sunday, when lots of the departments put 1/2 price on everything!) I went last year, & I plan on making it a yearly event now - it's your neighborhood garage sale on steroids! ------ http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/ a blog about creativity, sewing, vintage sewing machines, and...... life :)
mastdenman   Intermediate CA USA Member since 1/12/04 Posts: 5843	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/24/11 9:21 PM I don't know whether I'm sorry I don't live near it, or I'm glad I don't live near it. ------ Marilyn January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post In reply to raymondmom Like this post Date: 2/25/11 4:29 PM Quote: raymondmom Do you know the price range for the sewing machines and other items? Joanne As JillyBe said, prices are reasonable, but it's not a give away. Last year, I went on Sunday, when things were half off. I bought a Griest buttonholer, original price $6, half price $3. Looked like it have never been used. At the preview sale, my girlfriend picked up a Singer Heavy Duty machine like this one for $80. Most of the machines are older models however. To the best of my recollection, I'd say most were priced under $100 in various price ranges. They do test out the machines to make sure they are operational and you are very much encouraged to plug them in and try them out for yourself. One of the volunteers was actually very helpful in answering my questions, locating specific accessories I asked about, and searching for a very specific sewing machine model I was interested in. There were a lot of vintage machines in cabinets (think bed-side table style cabinets) but also quite a few machines in carry cases, too. It is, indeed, a rummage sale on steroids. I've gone for several years now. Even when I don't buy many items, I find the whole experience very entertaining. CMC
Yarndiva   Advanced NV USA Member since 3/28/06 Posts: 360	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/26/11 11:09 AM I may have to brave a trip over the Donner Pass in winter for this....Thanks for the "heads up". ------ http://silkmothsewing.blogspot.com/
debwiley   Member since 2/16/10 Posts: 40	Login to reply to this post In reply to CM_Sews Like this post Date: 3/10/11 11:49 PM I've been going to this event for years! It is the grandmother of all! The sewing machines (and once in a while, a serger) are gone over by an experienced sewing machine person. Problems with machines are disclosed as well as what they can do (straight stitch, button holer). Over the years I have bought some real honeys: two babylock sergers, and last time, an Elna supermatic sewing machine with 30 cams, and with the notebook with samples sewn with the various cams written by its owner. It's a mixed bag, though. In addition, there is usually lots of fabric for believe it or not selling for $2.00 per yard. This is not for the faint of heart, there is a great collection of new and vintage patterns. I always find many, many good deals. The volume is astonishing! It's best to go to the Preview, because when it's time for the actual sale, the good stuff is gone! If you go the next day, it is 50% off because the Oakland Museum does not store the goods. Lucky me, one of the workers is a neighbor of mine who works in the bicycle area. I was able to go extra early to help him out! Mark your calendars for next year!
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/31/12 8:26 PM UPDATE for 2012, Dates of humongous White Elephant Sale: Oakland Museum Women's Board White Elephant Sale is March 3 & 4, 2012. White Elephant Sale
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/26/13 6:28 PM UPDATE for 2013, Dates of humongous White Elephant Sale: Oakland Museum Women's Board White Elephant Sale is March 2 & 3, 2013. White Elephant Sale
suesewserge Member since 4/21/11 Posts: 151	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/27/13 4:26 PM I didn't need to know about this. I'm free that weekend. And was doing so well not buying stuff. -- Edited on 2/27/13 4:27 PM --

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.