Adding to My Collections

Gee, I havn't posted about op-shop finds lately. How deprived you must all be feeling...

Vintage patterns to add to that collection. I especially like these doll's clothes ones. Clare fancies an ice skating outfit for one of her Barbie dolls, and some of those splendid gowns.

I collect old buttons, and have come across some beauties lately. I love the weight and sheen of mother-of-pearl buttons, much more "solid" than the mussel shell ones common these days. A good friend has made a stunning necklace with her collection.

The lovely little flocked box was an oppy find too.

I've learnt to wash clothes I sew the pearl buttons onto in a lingerie bag, otherwise they get chipped.

New storage receptacle for elastic (most of which comes from the op-shop as well). When I bought it the elderly lady serving me said, "Oh, these are marvellous for putting things in. I've got some in my shed". One for her angle grinder, one for her cordless drill. I love these women, always full of surprises.

Here, a new ric-rac receptacle (gee, I like the sound of that!). Old sewing basket is the recent purchase, the ric-rac is part of my random haberdashery collection. Those in the picture I've bought over several years. If it has interesting packaging I don't use it,  the rest gets used.

Now...on to fabric. Greens. A colour I use a lot.

Splendid ponies on a border print. This would make a wonderful skirt, or dress, for a little girl.

Assorted florals. How about that sheet on top of the pile!

Recycled linen shirts and dresses. All ready to be transformed. On some I've retained the button and buttonholes to incorporate in the new garment. Also things like the back pleat you get on some shirts, and pintucked front panels.

Ah, I'm really taken with this metre-or-so of fabric. I held it up to myself (shirt potential?) but it just made me look rather matronly. I could make something decidedly cool for Clare or Ally, but they'd never wear it. It wouldn't be skanky enough, or have brands emblazoned on it. Sigh...

I don't let them wear skanky or branded clothes, but that's what they want to wear. Sigh...

However, I have an idea that's growing. Maybe, just maybe, I could have a line of one-off children's clothes. Strictly 0-4 years. I have a lot of vintage/interesting fabric to hand! It's just embryonic right now, growing though.

Comments

[Jodie]

Fantastic finds - I'm not sure what I love the most.

[Kris]

Points of jealousy: the orange recepticle and the new Garner book, below. I loved Monkey Grip too and thought it very exotic. Now, that life and those relationships sound a dismal and more than a little tiring. We watched the movie the other day - not very good but it did have Chrissie Amphlett, which was fabulous.

[Brierley & Clover]

You've got some great finds! I started searching the cot linen section last year - so many cool things - I dread to think what I missed before I started looking there!

[Claire Falkingham]

Amazing finds - all that fabric in one go - I've got to move I think!

Re skanky and branded, I'm afraid to say it's starting a little bit in our house, and I loathe to dictate what she should wear, but I really can't do skanky, bratz stuff!

[belinda]

Wow some great scores, especially the fabrics.
Could I ask what area you live- not the regularity of great finds where I am.

[Claire Falkingham]

Just to let you know, I've changed my comment settings, I didn't know it was even there! You should be able to comment on my blog now - if you feel so inclined of course!