How Old Could It Be?
Like many of you, I have a stash of various fabrics and notions so I can start creating when the mood strikes. There is nothing more stifling than having to wait until you get something at the store.
Creating the dish liquid aprons last week, was one of the times I called upon my stash. I needed red bias tape and scoured my stash. I found the exact red I wanted in a sewing box that had belonged to my grandmother. Being in create mode, it wasn't until much later that I noticed the label I had ripped off of the packaging. Once I saw the 15 cents I couldn't help but be curious how old that package could be! I had already sewn up the red apron and had no trouble with the tape so how old could it be? Was it one of those items that did a major price jump or was it old? The label certainly was different than the tape I had used for the blue apron.
How would I solve my mystery? By using the Internet of course!
By looking at the first label I tried www.wright.com, assuming that they wouldn't use an 's in a web address. I got a page not found so I turned to the newer label and noticed that they had dropped the apostrophe from their name as well as added a ® which was no where to be found on the older label. By turning the label over, I discovered that the URL was even printed on the label and that they even used the s since they didn't have an apostrophe.
I was pleasantly surprised when the site loaded, to find I had wandered upon a newly renovated Wrights site. I love finding new sewing information to share with everyone. I was disappointed to not find a history section on their site but did find a phone number to call. The most wonderful part was that I was NOT greeted by one of those automated phone systems that chew up my time. I was talking to a real person who gladly transferred me to someone who would have the information that I sought.
By describing the label the women was able to date the older label as being from the 1930's. Ah ha.. so it was old. She then went on to tell me that the man on the label was the founder of Wrights and they used that label design until sometime in the 1950's. The price was printed on their labels until about 5 years ago when they switched over to bar codes. I was surprised to find out that Wrights was established in 1897 and is still in business today. Let's face it, there aren't many companies that are still around and it's making it difficult to find many of the items we want.
You must enter the Wrights Site to find free projects, links to the entire product line, a visitors zone, and the Wrights' Help and information center.
One of my favorite finds on the site Wrights® Factory Outlet Information. Little had I known that I have a factory outlet within a day trip from my home! I am sure many of you have visited Sturbridge, MA. on vacations, and if you are making plans, be sure to gather information before your trip from The Outlet Center. Don't forget, that you can always find more information for your trip at About New England for Visitors.
If you love a bargain the way I do, make doll clothes or have children who want to sew, you won't want to miss the Outlet Specials that you can mail order.
I just have to say, I was totally pleased with everything I found from their web site and from my phone call, to say nothing of the fact that I used approximately 70 year old bias tape and had no problems with it. Now that's quality!
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