Offray Ribbon Outlet, Hagerstown, MD

Yes, fashionista sewists, there are ribbon outlets as well as fabric outlets in my corner of the world.  And you wondered why I call myself lucky?
On my drive to my friend's terrific birthday party, I was within a few miles of the famous Berwick Offray Ribbon Outlet and just had to stop in for a visit....do I hear an "amen?"  
Berwick Offray outlet write up  The plant is located in a suburb of Hagerstown, MD and like any good outlet, the inventory changes daily.  I don't even "need" any ribbon but their prices and selection make this stop irresistible.  And those Pinterest pictures and projects  are always in the back of my mind so here's what I got and here's how I'm storing it.

Simply Irresistible

$.50 a roll, from 10 yards to 30 yards on a roll

My most expensive purchase, $3.60 each for 10 yards apiece

$.10 a roll....and the blue gingham is wired!

$.25 per bag

$.50 per plastic grocery bag

Yes, there are rolling canvas carts full of these grocery bags with yards and yards of ribbon just stuffed inside...$.50 per bag.  So I was right behind the woman who brought out a new supply and grabbed four bags.  When I got home I emptied the bags and started winding up the ribbons inside.  The red white and blue ribbons were obviously leftovers from the recent US patriotic holidays.  The stars were probably meant to be printed on all the ribbon but missed some so now I have a coordinated set with which to update my holiday door wreath.
The pale Green is wide, wired ribbon in one of my favorite colors and which happens to be the green in that new "Tres Chis" fabric adorning my sewing room.  
The black and white polka dot is also wired ribbon and again has some misprints and faded dots along the yards....but there's plenty here to be salvageable for a sharp project.
I included the last bag unwrapped just to show you that they look quite mundane and boring at the factory.  here's what happens when you dump out one of these grab bags:

Spilled out onto the floor

As you start winding the ribbon you notice the color changes and flaws and can decide to remove them or mark them.  I simply cut this bundle into separate sections of color:

All this ribbon from that bag

Here's how I organized this latest collection along with other ribbons in my resource center

Now let's all sing along with the late Robert Palmer...
don't you think a ribbon outlet is 

Simply Irresistible?