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The best way is to find one abandoned on the street, thrown out by someone who just doesn't appreciate it. I'm still haunted by the one I found several years ago, kept for a bit, then decided I didn't need anymore. I know now that it was a suitcase from the 30s, and it would be kind of nice to have it now.
But I lucked out (after some fruitless searching yesterday on Queen W), when I went to the St. Lawrence Sunday Market flea market. I have to admit that I'm definitely a night owl, so I usually get down to the market by around noon. But I'm haunted by an old work friend who asked me when I usually go to the market, and was shocked by my answer. He assured me that by noon only detritus was left, and there was no point in going. That's the word I always think of, ringing in my ears: "detritus... detritus... detritusss..."

So the last couple of times I've managed to get there by around 9 or 10. (Still not the recommended 5am but I'm more likely to stay up until 5am then get down to the market by then.) And I have realized that there is actually better stuff the earlier you go. It starts to get crowded by noon and some of the tables do seem to be picked over.

When I went today to look for a vintage suitcase I was lucky because usually you never find what you're looking for. (You do end up with things you didn't even think of, such as the tiny box of gramaphone needles pictures at the top of this post.) But I actually found one seller who had several vintage suitcases and was very friendly and patient as I opened them up and tried to decide which size, which colours, which condition, which lining. I love the one I finally picked, so while I'm no expert here are the features I can suggest that you might want to look for.

1. materials: some are made from cardboard, some leather and some are made from coated wood. Mine is made from coated wood and I like it because it's sturdier than cardboard and it has that charming textured finish typical of the 30s/40s suitcase.

2. condition: I was tempted by one with a crack but decided it would be better to have a sturdy one that definitely won't fall apart. Mine has corners reinforced with little metal plates which will help protect it against damage from knocks.

3. smell: definitely check that it doesn't smell musty, especially as that will probably transfer to anything you put into it.
4. latches/hinges: should work easily and seem secure. Ask if there's a key because that's always nice to have.

5. lining: I like pockets and compartments of any kind, and of course colour and type of fabric depends on your taste. I love the grosgrain ribbons in mine that are meant for securing the contents, presumably with a jaunty bow. The satin is a sort of pale tan/grey/champagne kind of colour.
6. outer appearance: Some have stripes, some a mock wool plaid kind of pattern, or you can move ahead to the 60s/70s and get a psychedelic floral number. Mine is mustard yellow with a cream border, and it has a nice nubbly texture that looks like fabric. I suspect that suitcases with a label with the name of the manufacturer are more collectable. It's just nice to know where things come from.

7. size/comfort: mine was large enough to be useful but isn't too heavy and has a comfortable handle.

8. price: you decide, I paid $30 which was well worth it to me.While I was at it I found these darning eggs. The little pink one is apparently a "baby" darning egg. Not sure but I guess it's for darning little booties and such, although I don't like to think of some poor baby wearing worn out socks. This is possibly why I've never seen a "baby" darning egg before but since I bought it at the same place with the suitcase and other darner, the seller gave me a big discount and I couldn't resist the charming little thing.

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This is my new logo, created for the web page for the The Valentine's Trunk Show in February. This is such a nice idea for a fair, all the vendors are displaying their handmade things in a suitcase each and then we can mingle and have snacks. I love it. Obviously I will have to find and buy a charming vintage suitcase. I was thinking this could become the perfect place to store my shop between shows.

As you know I also love the Workroom so I think it's the perfect venue. If you haven't been yet, you have to come just to gaze adoringly at Karyn's covet-worthy shelves of fabric.

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My guest author today is Heather Ingemar

Heather S. Ingemar has loved to play with words since she was little, and it wasn’t long until she started writing her own stories. A musician since the age of five (piano, saxophone, violin, pennywhistle and Irish flute), she completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in December of 2006. She and her husband reside on the family cattle ranch, where she takes great delight in thinking up new stories to tell.

Mary: Welcome, Heather. Your latest story, A Slip of Wormwood, has a very intriguing title. Would you tell us a little about it?

Heather: Thank you, Mary, for having me here! "A Slip of Wormwood" is a dark little tale about what happens when sibling rivalries go too far. Dr. Edgar -- he's "Frog" -- has recently lost his brother, Hamilton -- "Toad" -- and is now in charge of taking care of the family estate. Through the course of the story, we find out that Toad was the family favorite and that Frog had terrible jealousy issues, to put it mildly. "Wormwood" details the brothers' relationship, and things quickly become not as they appear. I had a lot of fun writing "Wormwood." It's a delightfully twisted little tale; I think it's my best work yet.
Mary: Sounds very reptilian and the storyline sounds fascinating, Heather. In Darkness Cornered, two of your characters are a mad scientist, and a vampire named King Lear. Where did you come up with the story and the characters?
Heather: I don't know. They just came to me, as most of my stories do.

Mary: Your imagination must be as active as mine! What do you think is your most successful marketing tool? Do you find it more difficult to market e-books?

Heather: I think my most successful marketing tool has been my website. For authors, having a website is crucial in this day of internet searching for information. If a reader can't find you on the web, they immediately think you aren't worth reading, or that you're a small-time fish. Yes, having a website is very important for marketing. As for marketing ebooks, yes it's difficult, well, at least in my area. I live in an area where few people have even heard of ebooks. Many of them who have are very suspicious about them. They're leery. That makes it difficult to market face-to face, because you see in their eyes that they're doubting every word that comes out of your mouth. They may be excited to meet a published person, but they are also more likely to discredit you, write you off because you aren't in print. It makes it hard. In the online community, however, marketing is wonderfully easy! There, people know about ebooks, they like technology. It's a much easier sell online.

Heather Ingemar's website

A Slip of Wormwood is available through Echelon Press, LLC or Fictionwise

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My two older brothers always had fun telling me all their ghost stories and spooks lurking around our house back in Manila. Those days were priceless!

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