About Stitches in Time

Shirley Wolf began playing dress-up as a little girl when she and her sister found a trunk full of her great grandmothers clothing in the attic of their home. She has often said that she would give anything to still have the clothing she played with as a young girl.When she and Jim got married in 1965, Shirley designed and made her wedding gown of white satin peau de soi trimmed with rabbit fur.

Her fasination with vintage clothing was re-kindled in 1972 when the couple attended a local auction and she was intrigued with a 1920's blue dress with lace inserts.She purchased the dress and a hobby was born. At first, she was only interested in clothing that she could wear. This restriction ended when at another auction, she found a red and black waist that in her words was "too beautiful to pass up". Even though the waist was too small to be worn, she purchased it as a display piece. Vintage clothing was now a full fledged addiction.

Jim became involved due to the fact that he operated his own business and had the freedom to go to auctions during the day while Shirley was at work in a local manufacturing facility. For the next 12 years, the couples collection grew at a rapid pace. They purchased everything that became available through area auctions and estate sales. As their buying reputation grew, the auctioneers began calling them to let them know of items that were available. Area residents began calling when they found items in attics and closets of relatives and friends.

In the mid 80's,the collection had reached unmanageable proportions. With more than 3500 items stored in boxes throughout the house and garage, it was decided that some things would have to go. Also, area people had begun to contact them for items to use for display, or to wear for special occasions. In 1987, the couple began a mail-order business, and began advertising in the Vintage Fashion magazine. Jim was now traveling 4 states on buying expeditions, and it was decided that he would devote full time to the vintage clothing business. Shirley began to do fashion shows at local nursing homes and as fund-raisers for churches and other groups. This resulted in more leads to vintage clothing items and instead of getting smaller, the inventory grew.

In 1991, a local building became available, and the couple decided to purchase it. They spent the next 18 months scrubbing, patching, painting and wallpapering the ground floor of the 1870's building.In September of 1993 the ribbon was cut and Stitches in Time's showroom and retail facility was open for business. Since that time, people from all over the country have visited the shop and marveled at the more than 7000 items in inventory.

With pieces from the mid 1800's through the 1970's, it is the largest inventory of it's kind in the country, if not the world. In 1995 Shirley left her manufacturing job in order to devote all her time to the business. Plans are in the works to restore the second floor of the building to house Shirley's personal collection and a rotating display of vintage fashions. The advertising reads "we're worth the trip" and so far no one has been disappointed with their visit to Stitches in Time.

This web site was designed to give you a capsule view of some of the items available and to inform you of the many uses for vintage clothing. Whether for wear or display, each item is truly unique and a fascinating piece of history. Vintage clothing and accessories are truly works of art and as such, deserve to be treasured and displayed just like paintings, silver, glass, and furniture.

Please contact us with any questions you might have concerning these items and the many similar pieces we have for you.We know that you will love and treasure them as we do.