I skipped the Thursday garage sales today because I’m planning on checking out Goodwill’s 99 cent day tomorrow. There’s nothing like some good 99 cent retail therapy and I haven’t been to the sale in a few months.
Since I didn’t have anything thrifty to report today, I took a look around my creative space, which is filled with thrifty goodness, and noticed a theme. Some may say that Nebraska has infected my taste in colors or I could be subconsciously planning for the holidays. I think maybe I spend too much time looking at cabbage roses and vintage French linen.
There’s a story behind the fabric. When one of my readers realized that we both live in Lincoln, she emailed me about a big box and big bag of fabric that she no longer wanted. Was there anything I could do with it? I picked it up that evening (small world: she practically lives in my neighborhood!) and started spreading the word.
First I met two friends for coffee and they left with almost half of it! Then I took what was left to knitting group to give to my friend who helps out with Sewing for Babies. I kind of feel sorry for those babies, because the knitters went to town on what was left. However, I’m happy that we kept a lot of fabric out of the landfill and bypassed the thrift store grab bags.* Everyone left with something they really wanted and the rest is going to a good cause.
Of course I picked out a few little pieces for myself. Right now I’m spending more time with yarn, so I can’t overdo it on my stash.
thrifting: The buttons and ribbon are thrifted from all over the place: Goodwill, church sales and garage sales.
* Don’t you hate it when you find one or two things you love at the thrift store and they’re packaged in a “grab bag” with a bunch of things you don’t want? Have you ever just bought the bag, taken out what you want and then immediately donated back the rest? Me, too.
Ha! ALL the time! Love your photo and color scheme! :)
Give the stuff you don’t want away! That is what I do.
I’m so happy the fabric is going to be used – I just couldn’t bring myself to pitch it!
there is an advantage for becoming known for using and reusing things — people start to give you stuff that you have to find homes for — I am in the process of redistributing a few goodies passed along to me, but hopefully better used by someone else!
thanks for your insights on this blog, I check on my RSS feed for your updates and visit you pretty regular…
I have been known to purchase a sweater from a thrift store, remove the zipper, clean it up, and re-donate because it is still a fine piece of clothing!