Last Sunday, I went to brunch at the Crocodile Cafe with Holly and her new boyfriend, Ben. The Crocodile was hosting this fantastic tres Seattle event called Rummage. (Rummage has a website, iheartrummage.com, but it seems to be down right now.)

Rummage put the bizarre into crafts bazaar. It was a collection of mostly 20- and 30-something funky freaky crafty types selling everything from handmade vinyl skirt sets to jewelry to custom-silk-screened t-shirts to blank books to strange panties, to pottery to wrist cuffs to wallets and everything in-between. All hand made! Now, the only thing I love more than buying articles of clothing that you can’t describe is directly from the people who created them is MAKING said items. But buying said items really is a close second. Cash only, right into the hands that stitched, printed, shaped, or molded the shit you’re buying, supporting the creative process.

I LOVE THAT!

Rummage embodied everything I love and miss about Seattle. Weird funky rain-influenced accessories and clothing, totally DIY, and way off the radar. Sheer bliss. After Holly and Ben and I finished our brunch, I really only had about 20 minutes to browse through the tables of stuff for sale, so I made a whirlwind tour and blew a bunch of cash in a flash.

First up? Holly’s friend who was selling these awesome t-shirts and “drawers” silk-screened with a delightfully snarky piss-take.

Next was a fantastic psychotic bunny t-shirt. The tag that came on the shirt said, “Defpo makes one smile and wonder ‘what is that thing?!?’” I really don’t have the answer to that question, but the shirt spoke to me. And it’s very green.

Speaking of green, my next purchase was this green belt thing that can only be described as a cross between a cummerbund, Barbarella-style belt, and suave fanny pack. Oh, and from behind it looks like I’m wearing an apron. See for yourself.

Then I came across what was probably the find of the century: a handcrafted vintage-styled bathing suit. Cranked out by the lovely Agent X, it turns out that she and I are exactly the same size, right down to the bra cup. She had made the suit for herself, so I knew it would fit me like a dream. And it does. Although I think I need to add some removable straps that I can use for hooping. Hooping at the beach is my favorite passtime, and strapless tops + hooping = boobs falling out. Boobs falling out = shattering of 1940s-style starlet look the bathing suit so perfectly captures. Therefore, I need to craft some little hoop straps for myself.

Then I stumbled across a table selling these awesome blank journals made out of used books. Why, they looked familiar! They looked like a blank book that someone had recently sent me out of the goodness of their heart. And lo! It was the same damn people! Exlibrisanonymous. From Olympia, Washington. How small the internet makes the world. Naturally, I introduced myself and gave Jasmine a big hug. What a treat!

If you’re in Seattle, I cannot recommend Rummage enough. It happens once a month. Watch The Stranger for locations or email iheartrummage@hotmail. And be jealous. Very very jealous.