random thrifty finds

We drove up to NE Lincoln today for one specific garage sale. It was a teacher selling books, puzzles, flashcards, toys, games, crafts, etc. Bella was excited. Since we were driving across town, I checked for other sales in that area in case this one was a bust. I’m glad I did because this one was worse than a bust. It was canceled because of the rain. (You would think that someone web-savvy enough to post a sale on craigslist would at least edit or delete the post if it was canceled!)

Instead, we hit two church sales and a closing daycare sale and had a lot of fun dashing in and out of the rain. I found some craft stuff and Bella found some books and toys, so we both came home happy. Here are some highlights:

stitching supplies

sewing book: $1, knitting needles: 50 cents, spool organizer: 10 cents,
plastic embroidery hoops: 5 for $1

denim and felt

felt: $2, two denim jumpers: $1 each

I didn’t take a picture of the 1 1/2 yards of blue and white felt I also got for that $2. Not sure what I’m going to do with the larger pieces. I’m going to cut up the smaller ones for Bella’s felt board. She needs some spring and summer shapes!

The denim jumpers are huge and look like they’ve never been worn. I originally bought them for tote bag fabric. Now I’m wondering if I should refashion them into something for myself. I love dark denim!

books

books: 25 cents each

Someday Bella will outgrow her love of ripping paper. Until then, I’ll keep buying books at garage sales. I have less angst over torn pages this way.

bella's finds

wooden stool: $1, lightening mcqueen: $1, penguin: free

Last, but not least, if you are going to drag your daughter around in the rain all morning, you should let her pick out a few things — especially if you talked up a really cool teacher sale that was canceled! I thought the blue car was Sally, but Bella corrected me. That girl has a good eye!

update: Check out all of the thrifty finds over at Southern Hospitality!

10 garage sale tips for crafters

It’s that time of year! Green grass, budding flowers and garage sales! At below thrift store prices, though, it’s easy to come home with too many potential projects. Here are some tips for productive bargain hunting. I’ve written them from the perspective of a sewer and knitter, but most apply to all types of crafts.

Go online. Check the newspaper classifieds and craigslist. Search for terms like craft, yarn, fabric, sewing, etc. and read through the ad. If you’re looking for fabric by the yard and the description says fabric is cut into quilting squares, skip it!

Make a list. Group sales that are near each other and start closest to home. Save the sale on the other end of town for last. You want to spend more time bargain hunting and less time in the car.

Stick to the basics. Garage sales are a great way to enhance your stash. When you’re shopping without a specific project in mind, look for neutral fabric, yarn and ribbon. Stock up on batting, interfacing and thread.

Stay focused. Go with one or two projects in mind. I’m looking for a big, sport sweatshirt to make another remote control pillow. I’m also looking for a few floral print shirts to make into tote bags. Focusing on these things will keep me from coming home with things I don’t really need.

Don’t waste your time. Drive by the sale slowly to see if it is worth parking your car. If you don’t see anything promising, keep driving.

Ask if the price is firm. You’ll be surprised how many people mark up their prices expecting you’ll barter down. Note: Don’t haggle with the little old lady who is selling yards of fabric for 50 cents each. Give her a little extra and tell her to keep the change.

Inspect items closely. Look for tears, holes and snags. It’s not a deal if you can’t fix it!

Buy clothing a little too big. You can always take it in, but it isn’t always possible to let it out.

Take along a snack and a drink. Wear comfortable clothing. Use sunscreen when walking around neighborhood sales.

Don’t be afraid to walk away. Chances are that if you’re not sure if it is a good deal, it probably isn’t. It’s better to regret missing a bargain than wasting money. Besides, there will be another deal in your future. That’s what garage sale shopping is all about.

Do you have any tips for your specific craft: paper, stamping, beading, etc.? Please share them in the comments!

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Thank you to all who entered the coffee sleeve giveaway! The random number generator picked comment 11. Congratulations Cicoi Ingrid!