Most places that I remember from my childhood have irrevocably changed. I can never go home–never revisit the site of my wedding, the site of my Mum's memorial service, the place where I became myself. My high school and college were both completely remodelled during the years after I left, and they too, are lost to me. It makes me feel a little bit wobbly inside, this unwilled disconnect from my past. Some places haven't changed, though. There is always Granny's house, Heidi's house, the thrift store in Cuyahoga Falls, and now, as I discovered yesterday, "Freight and Fabric." Except that is not its name. Really, it's called "Fabric and Freight," which I find impossible to say. Mostly, I've always referred to it as "Frabic and Freight," because that is the way my mouth works. Heidi and I made our second attempt to go there yesterday. (Our first was a disappointment. They are, apparently, ONLY open Wednesday through Saturday. What the heck is wrong with Monday??!) And there it was, just as we remembered, with all of the exact, SAME merchandise as thirty years ago. I am not kidding.
So, I know you're wondering exactly WHY we wanted to go to this place, this Aladdin's Cave of Wonders. Cheap Fabric. I found this gorgeous red fabric shot with a golden orange, perfect for a very full, long holiday skirt. It looks, feels, and drapes like silk, but at $1.99 a yard, I don't think it could be. The lady said it is probably a cotton/rayon blend. I bought six yards and probably should have gotten more. This store is in Barberton, but if you decide to go, prepare yourself for the surreal. Seriously, some of this stuff has been sitting here since 1975.
Wow! That is worth the drive to Barberton! What a fun fun place!