Seattle area clothing swap! 25th Sept., 10:30AM [Archive]

simplehome

09-08-2008, 10:59 AM

Time to clean out the closets again, and make room for new things for the littles!

Come on over to my place in Bellevue for a clothing swap----bring whatever you have that you're ready to get rid of that is kid or pregnancy-related. The condition doesn't matter----someone might want it for playclothes, even if it is stained or has a few holes. If you want, I can take the left-overs to charity or you can take them home with you.

It doesn't matter if you don't have much to contribute---the main goal is to give the clothing more life, hang out and get to know each other better. Also, feel free to come if you're pregnant and don't have ANYTHING to contribute. I'm sure there are a few folks who will have little baby stuff that needs a home.

Last time I took the leftovers to Eastside Baby Corner because it was convenient for me. I'm up for suggestions of other places as well.

Thursday, September 25th, 10:30AM. PM me for address and phone number!

ETA: The way we're running things is pretty low-key: bring what you have, take what you need, and if more than one person wants something just work it out. Feel free to take more than you came with----most people are bringing things they would otherwise donate or would be cluttering their house.

darciedoodle

09-08-2008, 04:31 PM

I'm so excited. I've got some fall maternity stuff I'll bring along too! I'll PM for directions. Thanks for hosting!

OMama

09-08-2008, 05:31 PM

Thanks for hosting, Sara!

I hope to be able to make it. DD does need to be in Kenmore at 11:40 AM for school so I don't think we'd be able to stay long, but hopefully for a little while. I've given away most of my girl stuff (I have four friends with girls younger/smaller than DD is!) but I do have some boy stuff. I have one friend with a baby boy that I have been giving most things to but I do have a few shirts and lots of pants in the 12 - 18 month range. And I am always in need of stuff for Finn. Looking for 24 months and up stuff now. :)

Sadly, (or not so sadly) all my maternity stuff has been passed on.

As for donations, I like to give stuff to the Children's Hospital Thrift Store in Bellevue. I like to donate to them because Finn is also a patient at Children's. And because you can just pull up back and don't have to get out. They've also been very nice when we've donated in the past.

Vortexing

09-08-2008, 06:13 PM

We'll be there! Thanks for hosting - I've never been to Bellevue. :o

We'll be bringing some 18/24/2T stuff, mainly girlie or GN and looking for anything 3T (girl, boy, stained, whatever - we just need playclothes and DD is a messy little girl).

Meanwhile, I'll be wishing that I could take the newborn stuff off people's hands... maybe by the spring swap, who knows? :D

simplehome

09-08-2008, 10:32 PM

As for donations, I like to give stuff to the Children's Hospital Thrift Store in Bellevue. I like to donate to them because Finn is also a patient at Children's. And because you can just pull up back and don't have to get out. They've also been very nice when we've donated in the past.

I used to enjoy shopping there when Reid was little---I'll make that the donation location this time! Last time I also held a small bag of nicer things to bring back to the fall swap, so I'll do that this time, too. Mostly because those of us who came to the last swap worried we wouldn't have anything to offer at the next one! Luckily I have the little one who is growing so fast---I'll be able to offer her things. Hopefully someone who is pregnant or has a smaller baby will be able to come!

ETA: I say "when Reid was little" because it isn't the most kid-friendly store. But the people who work there were always so nice, and they have nicer things than many of the area thrift stores.

simplehome

09-08-2008, 10:37 PM

Thanks for hosting, Sara!

I hope to be able to make it. DD does need to be in Kenmore at 11:40 AM for school so I don't think we'd be able to stay long, but hopefully for a little while. I've given away most of my girl stuff (I have four friends with girls younger/smaller than DD is!) but I do have some boy stuff. I have one friend with a baby boy that I have been giving most things to but I do have a few shirts and lots of pants in the 12 - 18 month range. And I am always in need of stuff for Finn. Looking for 24 months and up stuff now. :)

Feel free to come early, if it will make things easier for the kiddos. I know sometimes it is so hard for them to leave somewhere after having just arrived! I'll PM you with directions.

simplehome

09-08-2008, 10:38 PM

I've never been to Bellevue.

Well, I live so close to the highway that you'll still feel as if you haven't been to Bellevue. :p

But I'll be happy to see you!

Sometime

09-09-2008, 02:16 PM

Wish we could make it, because it sounds like some of you have exactly what we need, but we have a class starting that morning...maybe next time!

MarchMummy

09-09-2008, 05:57 PM

I've put in my request with DH to have the car that day. :D

Hopefully this will give me the motivation to finish sorting baby clothes...

darciedoodle

09-13-2008, 11:17 PM

I've got a big bag set aside for the swap already! I'm on the fence about bringing the purple snow pants, can't the boy wear those next year? I'm thinking if I do swap them, I'll just be wanting them back and they may still fit Lily... It feels really good to go through all this stuff!:joy:

Vortexing

09-14-2008, 09:42 AM

You know, I could really use some help while we're there with figuring out what we'll even need this winter. (I'm guessing I'm not the only one too, since there are a few newbies to the area who lived in colder climates previously).

Anyway, I used to get ready for a frostbite battle every Sept, but now what do I do? Is the snow suit around here mainly to keep them dry? Is there really snow? Do you just layer, or buy a real winter coat?

See, I just have so many questions - hopefully someone will guide me. ;) Can't wait for the swappage to begin!

Alathia

09-14-2008, 03:58 PM

oh, we plan on being there as well! I have a ton of maternity stuff, plus newborn and 0-3 month stuff (mostly boy and gender neutral) to give away, and some L women's stuff too. I was going to haul it to goodwill but this seems better. :) thanks so much for hosting! i'll PM you for directions

buglette

09-15-2008, 07:16 PM

Oh, I have been away from MDC for awhile, but I'd love to get in on this, if that is okay. I have a TON of baby girl stuff to bring and could use some maternity clothes :joy: I will pm for directions.

simplehome

09-15-2008, 11:39 PM

Yay for new people coming!!

Okay---so far I have:

Me
Alathia
Vortexing
darciedoodle
MarchMummy--?
Omama--maybe

Does anyone else need directions? PM me if you do. I hope you don't mind, but I also invited people from an Eastside AP group I belong to. I figure the more stuff to swap, the more likely it is that we'll all find something that we need.

darciedoodle

09-16-2008, 12:23 AM

I'm going to mention it to a friend who is pregnant. The small stuff is pretty abundant!

To answer Amy, lawyering works here in the winter. It snows rarely, we had a vest and snow pants for Lily with a rain coat over the top and a sweater underneath for playing in the snow. And then the vest and raincoat would work on non snowy "normal" days. It's not like the midwest at all. You will rarely use winter gear here unless you go to the mountains all the time. Actually, a sweater and rain coat can work on alot of the Seattle normal winter days. Unless global warming changes that all!

Oooh, I need to go though the winter gear in the closet, I have a couple hats that I know are too small for Lily and way too pink for the baby.

kylesmama

09-16-2008, 12:25 AM

thank you Sara for pm ing me about this as I would love to come & should be able to. We've been awfully busy with oot house guests for the past month & a half so haven't been checking in here...

does anyone have boy 4/4T clothes? I just realized during our rainy cool week we had earlier that I don't have any pants for my ds!! :p Usually I am ahead of the game but don't have any hand me downs for him! yikes!! I think he might be the biggest of the group...not sure...

Amy, I am interested in looking at your stash as we're right behind you in sizes :thumb

I will bring a plethora of stuff...not sure what...I have to go thru the piles in the closet...:irked:

simplehome

09-16-2008, 10:06 AM

Glad you can make it! I'll PM you my address.

MarchMummy

09-16-2008, 01:09 PM

Vortexing

09-16-2008, 09:30 PM

I'm considering bringing my pile of non-maternity mama clothes that I'm not wearing anymore for whatever reason. I don't have tons of kid stuff to bring (though more than last time), but I could contribute my own stuff.

What I'm wondering is if that would just be too much stuff? Perhaps this time we should find some open space and put each of our stuff in piles then we can work our way around the piles. Last time I couldn't remember what I'd gone through and what I hadn't.

lisalulu

09-17-2008, 10:25 AM

90% sure we are coming! Our dishwasher is having issues and dh is making an appt for them to come look at it-tues and thurs are the only good days for us. Hoping it won't actually take them that long to get out here though.

I also have non maternity clothes too that I could bring as well. I would rather swap them/give them to someone first. I'm having a really hard time parting with them even though they don't fit me :(

simplehome

09-17-2008, 10:31 AM

I'm considering bringing my pile of non-maternity mama clothes that I'm not wearing anymore for whatever reason. I don't have tons of kid stuff to bring (though more than last time), but I could contribute my own stuff.

What I'm wondering is if that would just be too much stuff?

My deck would get our clothes pretty dirty, so we'll stay inside----I think I have enough space that we can separate stuff. Bring whatever you'd like!

simplehome

09-17-2008, 10:07 PM

I've gotten some more replies----looks like we'll really have a crowd! Here's who I have so far (plus a bag from a friend who can't make it, but would like to offer some clothing to the group):

simplehome
darciedoodle
vortexing
omama--?
alathia
buglette
kylesmama
marchmummy
lisalulu
happiestever

Lisalulu----I know how that goes with holding onto the clothes. I'm back to my pre-DD size, but I'm still holding onto things in my pre-DS size (over 4 years ago now!) hoping that they'll fit again someday. It's silly because it is just jeans and stuff, but it must be more the principle of the matter, I guess.

MarchMummy

09-17-2008, 10:43 PM

Lisalulu----I know how that goes with holding onto the clothes. I'm back to my pre-DD size, but I'm still holding onto things in my pre-DS size (over 4 years ago now!) hoping that they'll fit again someday. It's silly because it is just jeans and stuff, but it must be more the principle of the matter, I guess.

I have one pair of pre-child jeans that I indulge myself by keeping. I know I will never wear them again (don't think my hips will ever squeeze into them no matter how much weight I lose!), but I keep them anyway. It makes it easier to get rid of other stuff, because I know I always have those jeans and I will never make myself feel guilty about keeping them! :D

darciedoodle

09-18-2008, 12:59 AM

What if we each brought a few of our favorite pre-child clothes that don't fit and most likely never will...I was thinking it would be fun for the kids to do a book or toy swap. Would that be too chaotic?

I'm doing laundry in order to get things clean for the swap! I even wen thru the pile of clothes at grandmas.

simplehome

09-18-2008, 09:33 AM

I think everyone can just bring what they're comfortable giving away----I'm hoping there won't be any expectations of "equity" here, but rather that we all are coming to give, and to recycle. If you want to bring a few toys, that's fine. I have one or two that I had already put in my pile as well. But don't feel like you HAVE to bring mama clothes or toys, you know?

darciedoodle

09-22-2008, 07:18 PM

Thought I'd bump it up so people don't forget to come! I've just got to go thru the baby's current drawer to see what all he's outgrown. I sure hope someone with a new baby on the way is coming!

Vortexing

09-22-2008, 08:10 PM

Now I wish we already had a new baby in the works... it'd be outfitted SUPER well!

darciedoodle

09-23-2008, 12:02 AM

Now I wish we already had a new baby in the works... it'd be outfitted SUPER well!

Well, you could get busy between now and Thursday! :Sheepish:

Vortexing

09-23-2008, 08:31 AM

laughup I'll let DH know about our new deadline. ;)

lisalulu

09-23-2008, 11:43 AM

We're still a maybe. Dishwasher repair person is coming tomorrow but both my kids have runny noses :(

Pookietooth

09-23-2008, 11:50 AM

Kylesmama, I don't know if we'll make the clothing swap, but I do have some boys 4T pants that my 5 year old has outgrown. I could arrange to meet you or something if I don't think we'll make it at all (if we go it will be late).

avaylee

09-23-2008, 12:07 PM

simplehome

09-23-2008, 12:20 PM

Yay! Looking forward to meeting you, avaylee! PMing you directions right now.

One small hitch began this morning-----we got the call last night that our deck construction would begin today, so they're currently out there sawing apart our rotting deck. They won't be working here on Thursday, but there might be a pile of lumber with nails in it in the back yard. This just means that we'll have to keep the play inside and in the front yard. Should be no big deal, just a change of plans in my head.

Looking forward to Thursday!

MarchMummy

09-23-2008, 02:36 PM

Chiming in awfully late, but just saw this thread. I would really like to attend (and will PM in a moment)...
This would be my first get-together with MDC mamas... I can hardly keep the smile off my face.
I'll be bringing some girl things, some from mine and some 2/3T from a friend that we don't have room to hold onto. Also socks... lots and lots of baby socks.

I might relieve you of some of those baby socks...all of mine seem to have disappeared since DD was a baby. I've only been able to find about 3 or 4 pairs. I had loads when she was born, I can't figure out what happened to all of them!

Happiestever

09-23-2008, 08:02 PM

I am going to gather together my stuff now. I hope to make it there with my head still screwed on. Yikes! There is just so much stuff its very overwhelming.

Happiestever

09-23-2008, 08:04 PM

Any pregnant mamas coming????? I wish I could forsee the future and know what to keep/get rid of now.

avaylee

09-23-2008, 08:34 PM

I might relieve you of some of those baby socks...all of mine seem to have disappeared since DD was a baby. I've only been able to find about 3 or 4 pairs. I had loads when she was born, I can't figure out what happened to all of them!

Counted them up and there are 29 pairs of socks. I'm glad they're going to be of use to someone... they've just been Rory's "things to take apart and distribute around the house" toys for a while now.

Mackenzie

09-23-2008, 08:42 PM

I'd be interested in coming, if Tacoma is not too far away to be allowed... ;)

OMama

09-24-2008, 08:48 AM

I'm still planning on coming too. I have a friend with a 1 MO DD so I'll mention it to her too if it is okay. I think she'd like to meet other new mothers too. She is still somewhat in "new mommy land" and she lives farther north, but I'll mention it to her. Sara, I'll let you know if she is a "yes," but I'm kind of doubtful.

Happy to say I can actually (as of the last two weeks) fit in to my pre-DD stuff! Woo hoo! She is 4YO. Know I just need to keep it this way. We were on a trip to CA last week and I ate chocolate croissants everyday. Yikes! The scale wasn't so pretty when I got home. Now I'm back on board. :)

MarchMummy

09-24-2008, 03:37 PM

Counted them up and there are 29 pairs of socks. I'm glad they're going to be of use to someone... they've just been Rory's "things to take apart and distribute around the house" toys for a while now.

29 pairs?? Good grief! But I will take them all, if no one else wants any! :D

Any pregnant mamas coming????? I wish I could forsee the future and know what to keep/get rid of now.

I am! I'm 32 weeks so won't be pregnant for TOO much longer (yikes!), but I could sure use a few long-sleeved things if you have any. I don't think I'll be wearing my tank tops any more...

darciedoodle

09-24-2008, 04:20 PM

I'm bringing fall maternity stuff, you won't be cold very much longer!

buglette

09-24-2008, 05:32 PM

Any pregnant mamas coming?????

Yes! Regular clothes are not fitting well anymore so I'm super interested in maternity stuff.

I'm still getting baby/toddler girl stuff organized to bring. I'll bring a couple baby carriers, too.

simplehome

09-24-2008, 10:59 PM

I'd be interested in coming, if Tacoma is not too far away to be allowed... ;)

If it's not too far for you, it's not too far for me! I'm PMing you right now! This is going to be a gaggle....

simplehome

09-24-2008, 11:08 PM

Okay----we may actually have deck construction going on tomorrow. Sigh. Happy about the deck, sorry that it may be loud. We just really need to make sure no one tries to open either of the back doors. I'm going to see about bracing them with wood in the morning or something, just as a preventative measure. I couldn't have known this was going to happen----the contractor just called when we came up in line and said, "work starts tomorrow!" Excited about the new deck, though. The old one was about to fall down----when they did the demo, they uncovered a lot more rot than we knew about. Whew!

ANYWAY--here's what I'm thinking (if anyone reads this before they come over):

If you have things that you want to take back with you if it goes unclaimed, your stuff will go in one room, and we'll do our best to keep it together as we all look through it. If you want your stuff to be donated if it goes unclaimed, we'll put it in the other room and won't worry about keeping it separate. In this area we will try to separate maternity in one area, girly in another, and boyish in another. Then toys, gear, etc in another corner. I'm sure all of this will be distributed by the time the kids go crazy, but we can try, eh? Let's just be careful to be respectful of those who want their stuff to stay together, though.

Everyone, please be generous in going through stuff. We want everyone to go home with some things that will be useful, and not have one person hog all of the good stuff. :wink The last swap we did seemed to go really well in this regard, and I hope this one does, too!

Let's take turns playing with the kidlets, hopefully with some of them in the front yard. I'll bring out some balls, ride-on things, etc. If you're out there and I'm not, though, please try to keep kiddos from digging up or pulling up plants. That's all I ask! :)

Let the swapping begin!

lisalulu

09-25-2008, 11:12 AM

We're definitley not going to make it. DS1 is still coughing and DS2 is still stuffy and unhappy. I'm really bummed. I was looking forward to meeting everyone. I'll save my stuff for next time!

MarchMummy

09-25-2008, 12:15 PM

Going to be late...I'm waiting for hubby to finish up a meeting so I can have the car.

avaylee

09-25-2008, 03:00 PM

Just wanted to say thank you for hosting Sara. We had a wonderful time and it was great to meet so many MDC mamas (and your non-MDC friend... but I'm sure she's headed this way soon enough).
Thanks so much to everyone for the clothes. Very much looking forward to the next gathering and swap!
-- Laurel (& Aurora)

Happiestever

09-25-2008, 05:17 PM

Thank you so much for having us over for the swap, Sara. It was awesome to get so much stuff for my little girl. I really appreciate everyone's leftovers. So thanks for hosting and we would definitely like to get together again. Good luck with the deck, I'm sure your all will be so happy when its done.

ETA We will have much more stuff next time, so I am looking forward to bringing more on a later date.

darciedoodle

09-25-2008, 06:04 PM

We had a great time too! I got some pretty cute stuff for the baby, he's so styling because of you guys. I felt a little bad leaving you with such a big mess, hopefully it wasn't too overwhelming.

simplehome

09-25-2008, 06:20 PM

Not overwhelming at all! I just did a quick sort to pick out a box of stuff to keep for the next swap, then packed the rest up for Children's Hospital Thrift Store. I filled the trunk of DH's car----12 grocery bags full! What a great donation, PLUS we all got some things that we can use. Win-win!

Elsa finally fell asleep in DH's arms while he was talking to the deck guys. Poor kiddo was just so wired with everyone over that she couldn't sleep. Her first nap of the day at 2PM! Silly baby only stayed asleep for about 45 minutes, so I expect we'll have an early bedtime tonight. I think we're all about ready to crawl in bed, and it isn't even 4:30 yet.

Amy----Did you want to take your trike back with you? Elsa loves it, but her legs aren't really long enough to use it yet. If you have other plans for it, please let me know and I'll bring it to you.

Heather (kylesmama)----I have a bag of things for you, mostly for Maya but a few things for Kyle as well. Hope your trip goes well!

Alathia

09-25-2008, 09:38 PM

thanks so much for hosting Sara! and for providng the great crane entertainment. ;)

MarchMummy

09-25-2008, 10:58 PM

It was great to meet those of you who were still around by the time I got there! :) I was just totally out of it today, sorry if I wasn't too social...

I now have loads of baby socks :D and I love all of the maternity stuff I brought home - it's nice to have some new (non-summer-y) things!

Vortexing

09-26-2008, 09:08 AM

. Her first nap of the day at 2PM! Silly baby only stayed asleep for about 45 minutes, so I expect we'll have an early bedtime tonight. I think we're all about ready to crawl in bed, and it isn't even 4:30 yet.

Amy----Did you want to take your trike back with you? Elsa loves it, but her legs aren't really long enough to use it yet. If you have other plans for it, please let me know and I'll bring it to you.

Poor kiddo! I wondered how all the little ones with normally morning naps would fare! Well, at least it was just one day! I'm glad to hear it wasn't too bad after we all left, I'd felt bad too swooping in, swapping and leaving w/o even being able to help pick up afterwards!!

Also, the trike can stay with the swappable things if you don't mind, or let Elsa spin the wheels or whatever, we're certainly not using it. Haha, and thinking of Elsa trying to ride it is pretty hilarious. :wink

I just met a friend of a friend last night and she's due in two months, but they don't know the sex yet. I'd mentioned that we'd done the swap this morning and she was very interested, so I'm hoping to have her tag along next swap - she should have a very little one by then. :thumb

OMama

09-26-2008, 10:35 AM

darciedoodle

09-26-2008, 12:09 PM

I just wanted to say thank you too, Sara. You are a generous and gracious host. :) Sorry we weren't able to stay long either. Olivia had been excited to see Reid. Hopefully next time!

And while I didn't get too many baby/kid things . . . I love my new, I'm-more-than-just-a-mommy, sexy brown boots. Thanks Darcie! Now I just need an exciting new outfit to wear with them. Not sure if stained t-shirts and out of style jeans will cut it. :)

Hope to see everyone again soon.

I'm so glad they fit someone and will be loved! I've been in denial about my feet being larger after these 2 pregnancies for awhile now, I know I have some strappy sandals around here that they just won't squeeze into ever again. I'll think to bring them to you the next time we meet up!

simplehome

09-26-2008, 01:13 PM

Everyone who wants to be included in the next swap----subscribe to this thread, and when the next one has been scheduled we'll have the host post a link to it on this thread.

Elsa is enjoying her new stripey pants this morning, and Reid looks really cute in his new green sweatpants. They're PLENTY long for him----they might even still fit by next fall!