Thrift Shop Savvy for Sewing by Betz White

If you are a crafter that is familiar with repurposing, then you already know what a treasure trove a good thrift store can be for "raw material". Sometimes though, even seasoned thrifters have a little trouble seeing past over-stuffed racks or hideous styles on their quest to find that diamond in the rough. Because it is easy to get quickly overwhelmed with the abundance of  "stuff"  I have developed a strategy that works for me.

First of all, I make sure that I am fed and not feeling rushed. I want to be able to focus without having to worry about hunger or time. I have a list of items I want to look for so I don't forget anything. I grab a shopping cart, if available, and start filling it with anything that might be a possibility. When I'm done shopping, I roll the cart over near a window and sort through all of it in good lighting. I remove anything that I discover has damage or I decide is overpriced. 

These are some of my favorite areas to scope out:

Sweater Racks:

Being an avid felter, I hit the sweater racks first in search of wool sweaters to felt. If you are familiar with my first book, Warm Fuzzies, you know that there are so many things that can be made from felted wool, such as scarves, bags, and mittens. Be sure to visit the Mens, Women's, and Kids sweater racks. Be on the look out for moth holes as they will not close up during the felting process. Lucky you if you come across cashmere! Although it doesn't felt on it's own, it does wash up nice for baby items such as the Luxe Baby Hat and Puppy from Sewing Green.

Skirts:

Long flowing skirts with minimal seaming have lots of continuous fabric that can be easily reused for a variety of projects. I like to look for better materials such as linen, suede, velvet and other fabrics that would be costly to buy new. Check for excessive wear and stains, especially for materials that can't be laundered.

Bags Belts and Accessories:

If you make totes or bags, you'll love reusing belts for handles and shoulder straps. My favorite belts to use are karate belts as they are super long, nicely stitched and padded. I also look at purse handles for those that can be easily removed and attached to one of my own bags.

Linens:

Soft sheets with fun florals are one of my favorite finds, especially for making my Lounge Pants. Pillowcases are great for repurposing into bags, skirts and girls sundresses. Vintage table cloths that are damaged can live a new life sewn into Vintage Napkins or a Reversible Wrap Skirt. A chenille bedspread makes a great bathrobe and I am always tempted to bring home a crocheted afghan to make into pillows.
 

Craft Supplies:

Skeins of yarn, bags of ribbon and trim, even zippers and thread can often be found amongst the clutter in the craft supply aisle. I find these for a buck a bag or less! 

Visiting the thrift store in leu of the fabric store is an exercise in creativity. Finding a new purpose for a discarded item is a challenge that I enjoy and I hope you do too. Not only is it satisfying to create a one-of-a-kind item, but you can also feel good about treating the planet (and your wallet!) right.

(photo credit John Gruen)

For the chance to win a copy of Sewing Green leave a comment below before April 30th.

Comments

[ruth]

great tips, fabulous prize too.

[Sarah]

Me me me!

Unfortunately I live in London and it's very hard to find a charity shop that hasn't been really picked over. Usually all the good stuff goes to secondhand shops etc before they even put it on the racks.

[georgeina]

I've been thrifting - or charity shopping - since a teenager with a sewing machine but little pocket money. Now I can afford to be choosier about where I shop, I still prefer rooting out the unexpected that is so 'me' but needing a bit of adjusting. Much harder to resist than the high street.

Shame the links to the pics don't work - I'd love to see the illustrations. Sounds like an indispensible book.

[Knitababy]

I love op shops and needed no encouragement to visit, but now I have some added ideas for next time!

[dottyspots]

With 4 children, thrift shops can come in really useful!

I tend to look for things like plain jeans and skirts that can be customised (I struggle to find time to make clothes from scratch, plus I'm not the world's most confident person on a machine).

Although I'm really jealous of some of the finds I see, I've found it's become more challenging recently to find things that I like - I put it down to the rise in interest in thrift shopping.

[Meghan Henley]

I have been doing many of these tips but didn't even realize it. Love the belt idea as a strap. Hadn't thought of that one. I will buy the book if I am not the winner. Good luck everyone!

[Crystal]

I love the idea of this book! So cute!

[Merouda/Elyse]

I appreciate your tips. I have a system that works for me, very similar to yours--so it'll be easy to incorporate those things you do into my personal practices, too. Right now, though, I'm working on deconstructing woolens and linens for historical costuming--3 linen sheath dresses from the thrift store are far less expensive than similar yardage from even the discounted fabric purveyors. You, however, have given me a great idea for those cashmere sweaters I have hanging around. I see new life as christmas stuffies for them! :-)

[~Heather]

I've used the tie on a jacket as a purse strap before - looks like I'll have to start picking up other belts too, what a GREAT idea! ~H

[Julie]

Count me in, this sounds like a great way to reuse and recycle.

[amanda]

Looks like a great book :) I'd love to win it!

[Summer]

Great ideas, I never thought of harvesting old bag straps for the bags I made :)

[Joy]

Awesome thrift store tips! This book looks as good as your first one, if not better!

[Lori]

Love the thrifty ideas. For me it started out as a way to be creative without spending much money... but it's really become more about being responsible, not wasteful. And now, how about that, it's actually 'hip'?! LOL

[Teara Rhode]

Your ideas and pictures are so inspiring. I would love a copy of your book!!

[Sam]

I always have a plan and usually an item in mind, so I will head there first, then loop the store twice in different rotations so I know I have really 'looked'. God I sound like a thrift shop stalker! Just about all my sewing supplies, bed linens & blankets and all our china is thrifted. I love the thrill of the find and the joy of knowing I have 'rescued' something from the rubbish heap. There is so much more creativity in using what you find rather than just walking into a mega plex and buying something that 100s of others before you have purchased. Yay to Miss White and her book!

[Helen Goodchild]

I've lapsed in my sewing recently, but I reckon this book might be just the thing to get me out of my rut!

[Femke]

Last Sunday I bought a tablecloth at a yard sale. Am planning to make it into an apron. Love the tips Betz gave today!

[Missy Severson]

So many great tips!
I would love to win that Book!!!!
:)
Missy

[Deb]

I love this post, right up my alley!! -- my jammie pants, which I love, love, love, are made from a flannel sheet set I got at a thrift store. I would so love a chance to win this book!!

[chppie]

Thanks for the tips. I've been a thrifter for years but it always helps to see things with new eyes.

Great job on the book.

[Kristina]

I've been having great fun at my local thrift store lately. Turning belts into bag straps is something I'd never thought of before-- great idea!

[Red State Green]

What a fantastic article! I bookmarked it to look at before I go thrifting. Thanks so much for the post. :)

[Mendy]

Great tips! I love thrifting.

[N. Gagnon]

Thanks for all of the tips & inspiration! I'm looking forward to my next thrift shop visit. I have a copy of your first book & would love to add this to my collection. :)