At 'Your Truman Thrift Store' in Kansas City Missouri, the first places I check are the fabric remnants and sewing supply bin. I never have ti buy another zipper, ribbon, seam tape, seam binding or buttons. I've even found machine feet that are compatible to my new Opal 650 Viking machine. Everything else I need,I purchase on sale @ 50% off with coupon which is downloaded to my cellphone.
I acquired my mega stash by telling my chatty grandma that I am a sewist. Now whenever her multitudes of friends decides to declutter or take up a different hobby, they send their needles and buttons my way. I have only had to buy new thread once in the past decade. I will be just the same way when I'm an old lady, passing on the joy of organized buttons.
I need friends and family like that! Because I started sewing when lock down really kicked in fabric, sewing machines, elastic we near impossible to come by and no one wanted to give up what they had. I think the one person that could have been like that is my unofficial adoptive grandmother but she moved to the other side of the state. I am how ever lucky enough that one of my online friends sent me a whole pack of mask making supplies when I only asked for a copy of her mask pattern because it was no longer available online. ❤️ I’ve only now had the time to really sew a couple of masks and really look at what she gave me and it’s still just blows me away.
Best thrift store find ever. There was a Pfaff machine for seven dollars. It is a computerized machine from their quilting line, barely used and was missing the foot and power cord. I now have a $2500 machine and I had both a foot and cord in my sewing studio that worked.
Have you done a video of your background and/or how you got started? I was happy to find your site as I love both sewing and vintage; I'd love to hear of your background and how you got started.
No I haven't! It does feel awkward just talking about myself 🤣 If other people are interested maybe they can 'thumbs up' your comment to let me know! And perhaps I will have to do that! 😄 Thankyou for the suggestion! X
Always great to have a friend or two who love to thrift as well. Once they know what you may like and you know what they may like …. When a treasure is there one of you picks it up for the other. Bcs real treasures are not a regular stock in the store. Also never think I will wait for seniors day and save a few dollars. In 2 hours or less some other thrifter who knows a good find will pick it up and buy it.
My local thrift stores frequently have fabric (aka quilt covers, curtains and clothes), buttons, zips, patterns, acrylic yarn (blech), and lace (aka trashy-looking faux-victorian tops, which I unpick the lace from and repurpose the knit fabric for kids or dolls' clothes). My best-ever find wasn't in the thrift store - a neighbour dumped a genuine sewing table out as rubbish! (gasp!) It only needed a few days' work to replace lost screws, build a new ledge for the sewing machine and saw/chisel a few bits to make it fit my machine. And voila! Flat-bed quilting! So great.
I look for old lace dresses, curtains, pillow shams, and place mats. I use this in making journal covers, zipper bags and quilts. It's just a few ways. I buys many vintage little golden books for journals. I try to find their craft area and see what they have. Yes sewing patterns I check out. I look for old jeans and those that have nice back pockets. These make fantastic cross body bags. its not all I look for but just to name a few. I love hunting for treasure!
I buy bedspreads, bed duster ruffles, curtains, valences....etc. And sew all kinds of things. Even dresses from curtains. Just like Maria Von Trapp. People never know ...and I love watching jaws drop when I tell them..!!
So wish I had my grandmother's button box. She was a tailor. Saw a photo of my mother in a fabulous coat with flames at the cuff and hem. She said her mother added those as she grew...she had that damn coat for a decade.
It's because of lack of competition for the button maker. Majority of the world's buttons come from one company in China. Most of what they make seem to be plastic and it super cheap to make so the price for the newer ones in stores also have a high markup like Starbucks coffee. Another advantage of buying the old buttons is your reducing plastic pollution by upcycling them.
OMG hi Stitchess 🙋♀️ I love when UA-camrs I like watch each other’s videos and comment. You guys are helping me get into sewing and sustainable fashion. Thank you!
My favourite local place is run by two elderly people. They've had a store for years and years and never get rid of their stock. If you can imagine a thrift store and a fabric store after a traffic accident that's this store. I love it to bits.
Both my grandmother and mom were very skilled in sewing and related craft arts. Unfortunately, I, being a first-born male child, did not care for that sort of thing. Now, in my later life, wish I had picked up those almost vital skills. One thing I can say is that you are quite correct, thrift stores are a great source of supply materials for a lot of projects. What is not so fine is that the prices keep going up each time I go in. Ah, the good old days, eh? Well, kudos to you and your channel, and whatever you do, keep sewing. AJH
I have found so many goodies at Estate Sales here in AZ! Some things I wonder if the family even knows what they are selling! I’ve gotten a ham, a sleeve roll, small ironing boards, yard sticks, fabric, patterns, so many odds and ends! My husband and I go every Saturday ,,, it’s our weekend date! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! You’re a sweetie!
my grandmother was born in 1912. she was an avid sewer. when she died, i was able to choose many of her sewing tools and bits and bobs. i have so many vintage buttons and clasps. she made all of her house dresses. i remember one dress where she had managed to get some yardage of 7-11 uniform fabric (convenience store - assuming it was uniform as it had 7/11 all over it). she made one of her house dresses out of that and i thought it was so funny in the 70s.
My grandma was born in 1912, too! She only died three years ago, she lived to 104. But recently my cousin and I went through her old sewing stuff and I got some great pieces of vintage fabric that I treasure.
One of the thrift stores that I go to has two volunteers who cut the buttons off of the clothes that they cant sell and bag them in sets. It is so fun to look through the two full carousels of buttons!
I love picking up bundles of sewing supplies at local thrift stores, along with doilies, bolts of fabric, and I was even gifted a Brother embroidery machine, I just had to buy the electric cord and a few supplies. But it works!! My favorite thing to look for is Monolyke thread (I hate that they were bought by Coats and Clark and dissolved!) One of my finds was a box of 40's and 50's patterns for $5.00. Great dresses, and jumpers, brands like Hollywood, Vogue, and Butterick. And buttons!!!! Yes, I love buttons!!
Some of my thrift store finds: pressing ham, seam roll, clapper/point presser, ironing board, sewing machines, zippers, assorted fasteners, bias tapes, assorted seam tapes...and so much more!
Our local cancer society thrift store just had their vintage weekend 🤩🤩🤩 I got a 70s pattern and a 50s snowsuit pattern for my baby! It’s fun to sew from 60 year old patterns! A woman next to me got there first and snagged a bunch of patterns from the 1930s but I did get a 1964 Vogue sewing book. And they had the prettiest dusty pink sewing machine, I think from the 60s? I couldn’t justify buying it since I really don’t need it but boy did I want to......it even had the manual and case 🙃
Awls! They are brilliant to use as extra fingers for holding your seam allowances together as they disappear under the presser foot. That way you don’t hurt your fingers! I couldn’t manage without mine.
You've just described my thrifting experience! The secret is if you see something you might use some day, buy it because it won't be there later. In addition to all the things you showed here, I look for extra large plus size clothes in beautiful fabrics which I can then take apart and re-make into something that fits me. I started making fabric shopping bags, and was able to find a lot of sturdy fabric for those. Now I have paused the bag making and switched to masks. Our town has a lot of quilters, so there are a lot of fabric scraps that are just the ticket for making masks. I recently found a high thread count king size sheet for mask liners that I cut out on the 24" x 36" cutting mat also from the thrift store. And I sew the masks on one of the several sturdy vintage sewing machines that I got there-- the good ones that were made in the 70s that are all metal. I believe in reusing, re-purposing, recycling, whatever you want to label it. Save the planet. The thrift store is a good place to start.
I have a 1928 Singer portable machine that I had refurbished and it runs like a dream. Very powerful motor. I paid $15 for 2 of them at a thrift shop. I harvested pieces off of one to refurbish the other prettier one. I always find great fabric, vintage curtains and zippers. Most recently scored 18 yards of double edged fringe for $2.50!
Thanks. Im a 66 yo male that would like to learn to sew. (a beginners beginner)I had a friend give me an old Kenmore 12 stitch sewing machine. Unfortunately it had absolutely nothing with it. No presser feet, needles, tool kit, not even an operators manual. Your video has given me a great starting point for items I think I'll find beneficial. Thanks again for your insight and direction.
I quite enjoyed you chat on thrift store bargains. I have collected some lovely old tools over the years. I also like the little bags of "stuff" like rickrack. When it came time to make masks for my family and friends I had lots of bias tape to make string ties. I buy all my fabric second hand. Sometimes you can even find it on the bolt. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt, a real adventure.
I always look for zippers and buttons to cover with matching fabric. have also been finding a lot of unfinished patchwork quilt projects that I can use to learn new techniques as well as fabric scraps and pretty embroidered items to add to quilts or sew together to make garments.
I've bought fabric, patterns, hand needles, bias tape, elastic, thread, you name it! Found 4 metres of black velveteen for 8$, and 6 metres of crimson velveteen for 5$ at a rummage sale. Made a beautiful 1969 pattern double-breasted ankle-length coat that I absolutely love.
I've been op shopping for sewing FOREVER. 90% of my HUMUNGOUS fabric stash (sorry, fabric library) is thrifted and i am trying hard not to buy too much more for now. Also probably 90% of my buttons, snaps, lace, embroidery items, embellishments, zips etc are all thrifted, and yes, also some tools. I love rummaging around to see what is there and take home some gems. Most of my sewing books are also thrifted. I love the serendipity and will also buy things when I'm not quite sure what they are, but find a use for them later. I found my first measuring guage at an op shop, didn't quite know what it was but thought it looked really useful. Now it's never far from my hands! Same with a metal loop turner. I also get all my interfacing and batting type things, most of which are enormous rolls which have just been given away. I dont like iron on, so i love all these old sew in ones, and interesting rolls of stuff I don't know what they are but they look useful so I will get them and find out. I'm with you on the buttons. I'd rather sets and the jars of buttons are increasing in price. I often will look at clothes for buttons and embellishments as well. I think I feel a blog coming on....🤗💝
Sometimes you can get good deals at antique shops, especially the mall type ones. Las year I got a pair of scissors with the Butterick name engraved on them. Only cost $7. My favorite notions are patterns. A few months ago I went to a thrift store looking for a bookcase for my sewing room. Didn't find it. What I did find was a bunch of patterns, mostly from the 1940s & 50s. Only 25 cents each! I bought 58 patterns. I still need to check them all out. The lady was happy to sell them to someone who would appreciate them. As far as old thread, I do use it for hand basting and to tie matching buttons together. You are so right about elastic getting old. I love sewing books too.
Great tips. Note, if you have got old thread from someone you could use it up by making it your hand basting thread, or for pattern marking. Run it through beeswax or conditioner first, then baste or mark away. Great for your own old thread stash or from Gran’s sewing basket. You’ll be more inclined to practice thread tracing or basting knowing the good new stuff will be used in your machine. I think. Ok, bye.
My absolute favorite is ric rac! I absolutely love ric rac. I found one 1970s floral bias tape one time and it was a joy to sew with. Very soft. I love all the patterns too. I just recently scored 5yds of 1970s lilac floral cotton fabric for $5. 3.5yds of English wool in a tropical weight bundled with 3yds of pink silk all for $3. I have the best luck at the small town thrift stores. The big town near me is a college town and I've got more competition because of the fashion students
Sewing stuff at Op shops is amazing; even in Aussie regional shops. When the older generation die or downsize to smaller housing, our stashes have to be reduced. Where does it go? To the Op shop or the thrift store. Yep, older knitting patterns, sewing patterns, etc. are in abundance in our main regional Op shop. Even leftover fabric remnants, wool, embroidery thread, can be found there. Here are some of my tips to add to yours, Evelyn: * Pattern Selection: make sure that the pattern is complete with all of its pieces and/or is not cut down to a particular size that makes the pattern not functional for you. * Books: Vintage books on sewing, embroidery, etc. will explain the terminology in vintage patterns that you purchase; which will assist in you in construction. * Vintage threads: you can use empty wooden bobbins as a french knitting tool with children; our parents did that all the time when I was young by adding four small nails/tacks into the top. The actual thread, I use for tacking and hand basting. I agree that you cannot put it into your machine, but, you can still use it. * Garments: Not only loose-weave sheeting for mock-up, but, look at quality woollen jumpers/sweaters that have some holes, etc. Some can be easily unpicked, yarn washed and rewound. Then, the wool can be reused for making winter warmers like caps, slouch beanies, gloves, mittens, socks and/or cowls that use smaller amount of yarns. Pinterest has a world of ideas on how to reuse old manufactured sweaters in up-cycling ideas, even without unpicking them and great for sewers who don't mind sewing with knitwear. * Buttons and Trims. In Australia, a lot of clothing donation facilities have to spend large amounts of money on landfill costs to dispose of un-sellable donated items. So, they cut off the buttons, trims that will sell and are in good condition. If you make menswear, then op-shops sell shirt buttons at a better price than a retailer; it should be your first port of call. The secret is out of the bag now Evelyn, oh dear. We crafty sewers have been building our stash in secrecy all these years and not been spending a million dollars in the process, hehehe. I hope that my "added" tips assist another sewer. Thank you for the video, Evelyn.
I'm in a small country town (not a regional center) and I've never really seen any of this stuff apart from embroidery floss (once). Most if the charity organisations centralise and redistribute their donations (so you don't see your old clothes on someone in the local supermarket) and because small towns are a limited market, they don't send their good stuff to us. I think good thrifting is an urban phenomenon
This video reminded me of all the buttons I've collected through thrifting! One of my local thrift stores is a treasure trove of vintage button sets made of glass and metal- I even found novelty googly eyed buttons that were too funny to leave- all hidden in plain sight in a large fishbowl. The best and worst thing about this is that it seems I'm the only one who looks through these buttons, and that even the lovely people running the store can't recall how they priced the buttons... Which is how I ended up buying about 20 different sets of buttons and button pins for an even bigger discount than you would buying new. I've also acquired some fun dress patterns and zippers, so many zippers. As someone who wanted to take my sewing beyond just repairing my clothes and into making/ refashioning my clothes, the thrift store has been so helpful both in regards to supplies and finding inspiration from all the odds and ends I find.
Thrift stores are amazing! I first check the $2 rack and then the 50% off color of the week tags. My recent finds from the $2 rack included brand spanking new dresses with original store tags of a $300 dress, $200 dress, and 2 $100 pants...total spent that day was $8 for 4 new garments! Five years ago a friend found a Bernina sewing machine in perfect condition for only $29! She knew I had wanted a Bernina...she called me from the thrift store to ask if I wanted her to buy it for me. I still can’t believe she sold it to me for the same price and didn’t keep it for herself.
Oh Miss Evelyn Wood you are a delight! You reminded me so much of Snow White in this video that I was half expecting little animated birds to fly in your window to help you put together your next royal ball gown on the mannequin behind you. LOL.
😍😍😍 Vintage habby is my addiction. I have a huge collection and don’t go thrifting for additions very often these days but I did get a nice score recently via one of my elderly Aunts. She bought herself a new (thrifted) sewing cabinet recently which came stuffed full of the previous owner’s sewing treasures. My Aunty is not interested in “old” stuff so she filled a bag for me with silk threads on wooden reels, hooks and eyes, scissors, tape measures, thimbles, needles and a new in box old needle threader (made in West Germany) - felt like Christmas!
It is so nice to watch a presenter with well manicured nails. So often this is not the case. I’m in my 70’s and remember the Vogue book as a book prize at school in the UK. I brought it with me when I emigrated to Australia in 1972❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I’m running out to the thrift store tomorrow to look for sewing supplies. I do buy flat sheets in good condition to make duvet covers. They seem to fit better then the pre made covers you buy at a store.
I always love any of your videos. I remember my mom buying me a huge bag of sewing notions at an estate sale when I was a teenager. I used those notions for at least 15 yrs maybe more. I remember when I had to actually go to a sewing store and buy either a zipper, or bias tape, or thread, I could not believe how much it was and how inferior the quality. Recently my mom bought me a bag of vintage red buckles on line. Not all reds are the same. Then maybe a week later I went to Goodwill. I couldn't believe it, there were bags(at least 10) that were divided up and stapled. They were full of vintage red buttons, ric-rack and bias tape, all in the red colors I was looking for. Plus, mixed in with those treasures were other vintage buttons. I have made some vintage dresses using fabric and notions, including the pattern, from the 30's. When I saw all of those bags I think I must have done a happy dance.
I go second hand store shopping, have for years. Best buy... A bag of elastic, such as for waist bands, bathing suits, sleeves, etc. So the bathing suit one, it was inside the bag so I could t open until I got home. Two packs, yep, two packs not opened of vintage elastic....pieces lol, broken into tiny pieces, they must have been real old. Well I got a good laugh out of it. Garage sale, ask if they have any sewing items that maybe they didn t bring out. I got three big bags of fabric remnants, love it, still going through it. Happy sewing.
Mainly books, fabrics (curtains esp.), and buttons. Greatest find a friend of mine found and picked up for me, a 1890's me-thinks Singer sewing machine with hand wheel.
We have a local thrift shop that always has loads of fabric and sewing supplies in stock. I have bought zippers, buttons and elastic there. Some of it looks like overstock or seconds from the manufacturer. Last year I used cloth napkins, felt, buttons and ribbon to make Christmas ornaments. It's always a treasure hunt!
Estate sales are a great place to find sewing books, tools, materials, and sewing machines. If you do not own a sewing machine or serger these are also available .
I love estates sales for that very thing. Besides sewing machines, and various attachments, I LOVE old sewing notions. I particularly go for zippers and rick rack - the "old fashioned" rick rack that is 100% cotton in beautiful vintage colors that you just can't find anymore.
My luck at thrift stores isn't the best for sewing supplies, I usually end up finding fabric and that's good. I love estate sales for finding great stuff for less money. Weekend swap meets can be good too, you never know till you check it out. Your videos have helped me more than once thank you. I admire you and your style.
My entire stash (well, mostly) is thrifted and gifted. I 'inherited' my friend's mother's entire sewing stash after my friend's parents passed away. I was stunned and thrilled - what I couldn't use I passed on to others who could use it. I also received my grandmother's sewing box when she passed, and I really treasure it. But I can't tell you how many things I've bought at the thrift store for pennies on the dollar. It's been so helpful in building a sewing room (over years) that now lets me make just about anything I want without having to make a trip to the store. Organizing it is a constant chore, but I just recently did a massive purge and overhaul of my stash for my baby youtube channel, and it feels great to be able to get back in there and sew with ease.
I LOVE digging through the piles of patterns at thrift stores. It’s so much fun seeing how fashion changes through the decades, and sometimes you’ll come across a gem of a pattern. I also enjoy giggling at how many 80’s tracksuits I find... 😄
I'm going to the thrift store Saturday, and hope to find patterns! I was given two boxes of them a while ago, and used to buy them when they had $1.00 sales, but lost all I had collected in a flood! Just now getting together my sewing supplies again! I live in the middle of no where USA, so can't just drop in and browse.
I do a lot of historical clothing and need 13 buttons for a particular pair of breeches I make. I go to the thrift store to look for pants and shorts that sometimes have this quantity of buttons. I can find them for $3 sometimes and get mass quantities of matching buttons this way. Also I buy mens xxl woven shirts. These come in great fabrics, lots of them woven and on sale for $2.50. The buttons go in separate baggies. The sleeves make hats and bags, the back and front make wonderful aprons. For historical items, the woven, pure cotton shirts cannot be beat for the hats, aprons and accessories. The scraps of course go to quilts. Also zippers. Older or good quality clothes have METAL zippers! Rip them out! I have even found wonderful special buttons, buckles and clasps on old sweaters... definitely worth the price!
My favorite thing to look for are cotton sheets and bedskirts with cotton crochet trim. Yards of fabric AND yards of trim for a couple of bucks. I've also picked up vintage Singer sewing machines for $10 each. I try to go to the local church rummage sales when they are having $2-3 a bag sales. I can stuff a lot into a grocery bag!
As a scrap quilter, I love thrift stores!! I find wonderful sewing supplies all the time. I especially like the sheets. I often use flannel sheets to back quilts. Not only am I saving money, but the quilts are warmer as well. Great video, thank You ☺️
Evelyn, u r such a delight to watch, I was feeling a bit down in the dumps and then u popped up on my notifications. I was staying over the weekend to catch up on housework but I have decided to pay the local charity stores a visit. Thank you for your advice, you explain things so well and have such a relaxing tone in your voice, and it is such a joy to hear your enthusiasm for your craft. X
I have repurposed a couple of wooden spools as pegs in my sewing room. They look very nice. I, too, have been thrifting for ages for anything at the Salvation Army, Value Village or Renaissance in Quebec. Love, love, love thrifting.
Back a long long time ago the nearest Joanne's near me was next to a Thrift Store. Joanne's donated a lot to that Thrift store. I loved going to the thrift store first and then Joanne's.
Thank you. I love your videos and I learn a lot from you. I also go to thriftstore and bought some beautiful vintage fabrics and laces. I love to sew when I was a teen ager and now that I am ready to retire and have more free time I wanted to go back to real learning how to sew . You are an inspiration.
It’s just a voyage of discovery with the randomly unexpected treasures. Having done it for some years enough is enough. I’ve trained myself to be very selective only buying what I can see is useful. However, the shops here in the UK overprice labelling them vintage. The best way around this is to revisit several times and when the favoured item is still there, that’s the time to not feel guilty asking for a realistic price or offer a fair price.
I love thrifted sewing supplies! I collect a type of vintage plastic sewing organizer called a Wilson Wil-hold, and use them to organize my various supplies. Like you, I've stopped buying snaps, hooks, etc. Now I pretty much look for the unusual items, or things I use a lot of. I'm always on the lookout for vintage needle folders with the lovely artwork. What I do about the 'goody bags' of miscellaneous supplies is look though as best I can, and if there are one or two things I can actually use for a very good price, I buy it, take out what I want to keep, and re-donate the rest. Can't wait for your next vid! Always a treat to watch and learn.
I have my old thread bobbins displayed in pretty jars, but I use the thread for little bits of hand sewing or for sewing on buttons. I like random buttons on plain garments, sometimes in one colour, often in multi colours, and/or sewn on with different coloured threads. I added patched appliqué to a denim tunic and sewed them on with different colours of old crochet cottons in different stitches. I save lace from old clothes and table linens to reuse, too, or buy them second hand.
Love thrifting. I've scored Asahi bemberg lining - 20 or so yards for 35 to 50 cents a yard ($13/yd normally), great source for vintage machines, wooden sleeve boards, pin board for pressing velvet, great sewing tables and chairs, used silk neck ties for hongkong finishes, used wool blankets to wash and use to pad out my ironing board properly, silk and wool fabric, 30 yard bolt of high quality drapery lining - great for jacket and trouser toiles. Old cones of factory quality cotton thread are wonderful to have on hand for hand basting or sewing up a toile. These old high quality threads are made of longer staple fibers and the twist used doesn't knot up the way modern thread does. I have to wax all of my modern thread for handsewing - even the good stuff. But a few factory cones that my grandmother left behind make hand basting a cinch.
Also, vintage all metal mechanical sewing machines for crazy cheap. Plug it in, make sure it runs and test it out. They’re so easy to work on, and those old Kenmore and other Japanese manufactured machines are beasts!
I sew on a 1958 Singer Slant-O-Matic 403a. It sews a beautiful seam, and I've not found anything it can't sew through. I am always on the lookout for attachments and the like for it. I've got a Slant-O-Matic 503 Rocketeer at my daughter's house that I bought at a flea market in it's beautiful original cabinet for $35 (US) because they couldn't find the power cord. It is in great shape, and when I was cleaning the cabinet drawers I found receipts showing it had lived it's whole life only 4 houses down from me! Such a coincidence. The flea market was in the next town over.
I bought a machine like that last year, but from a person, not in a thrift store. Our thrift stores sell clothes mostly, sheets, curtains, plush toys, bags and shoes. It's a German machine, and like you said, it's beast and i only paid about 50usd for it. my first sewing machine is still German, but plastic, cost me 100usd, and still feels like a beast. a baby beast, maybe. ;p
old handkercheifs, bits and bobs that have hand sewing on them, that you can use in your sewing including quilting, doll making, table toppers, pockets, purses etc. They make lovely additional decorations with a bit of history and heirloom quality to your projects.
I have been looking for this type of video for the longest time and I can't wait for the next time I go thrifting, I actually found my current sewing machine that I've been learning to sew on at my local flea market for $20 😄
Where do you people live that find sewing machines at thrify stores so reasonably priced or just plain cheap. In my area in deep south, usa if a machine is found cost $hundreds even if doesnt work. Wish I were smart and knew how to find where estate sales were happening. It wss so easy when people advertised in newspapers.
I found a 3xl long sundress at thrift store with a beautiful print. I bought it & made a short sleeve blouse that used almost all of it for pattern matching. I pd $3. Love it.
I used to love to go "Op Shopping". At one time, I lived a 2 and a half train trip away from my family, and every week-end my young son and I would hop on the train and come down to see the family. Mum would meet us at the station and we would go op-shopping. Usually Vinnie's or Salvo's. We would spent hours in there digging through all the flotsam and jetsam that seems to collect on the shelves of a long running second hand shop. A few bargains were had, but mostly, it was just for the fun of pottering around among the dusty boxes, bins and shelves. We would occasionally do the garage sale trail too. It's amazing what you can find if you are willing to spend the time... :-))
I have found gorgeous Chinese satin among other wonderful fabric. I also look for wool as I love to crochet and knit. Recently I found a woman's fluffy jumper which will be made into a stylish cushion. I have so much thrifted fabric. Recently made a simple skirt out of thrifted black velvet. I love me a good thrift. Love watching you videos. Keep up the good work.
Oh my goodness I cant tell you how many sewing items I get from the thrift stores!! Beautiful beautiful Fabrics of all kinds, threads, embroidery threads galore, woolens, patterns, poly fills. Recently I got a 1/2 bolt of fusible interfacing. The vintage patterns are awesome. Trims, seam bindings and satin blanket edging and ric rac is a favorite. I find all sorts of sewing and embroidery books. I find ribbons of all widths, styles and vintages.I bought two thrifted 1950’s Singer sewing machines and had them both restored. Vintage laces, buttons and beads are also easy to find. Then I also pick up damaged linens for sewing. The list goes on. I do use thrifted thread to hand repair old silk scarves which I also buy frequently. I am a die hard thrifter. Why would I not buy my sewing things at thrift stores??? Great topic. I just found you and subbed. 👍🏻
I was on the west coast... and came home yesterday. 2/17 on my birthday.. bringing my Mom Home from my sister's. I found 4 huge bags of yarns ( a large amount of specialty) and one of sewing items. In the Sewing storage bag was $9.99 and the container was the size of a full/queen comforter style of zippered bag for storage..... It has an amazing amount of vintage laces and ribbons and several other things.. and modern stuff like slender tulle by the yard... and it was totally worth it. and I got my Mom's Senior discount too. I'm thrilled. One large bag of HUGELY Specialty yarns or crochet/knit. So wonderful. I'm sharing the yarn with people.. So far my Sister and Mom... Things they can make something out of. It had a lot of brand new Sugar and Cream Cotton and Scrubby Cotton from Red Heart that I have made 6 back stitch, large, washcloth/potholders in 2 days along with other things we did. I Love it. I Love thrifting. Non specialty yarns can be made special by the way they are treated and the pattern used. BTW LOVED THIS VIDEO as all the others!!!
I have struck gold in sewing supplies in the few months firstly went to the Brisbane lifeline book fare, the latest one and scored about 16 vintage patterns from the 1930 to 1950s people were digging them out of boxes to get to more modern patterns and leaving them all over the place, found 2 fabulous sewing books and the best find was A historical costume book, only went for 2 hours right at the close of the first day. Then went o a big Salvo just opened and scored heaps of lace on the actual original cardboard I think they belonged to an old material shop that closed down. I have so much I will be selling it on my Etsy shop. Then lastly I went to drop off some things to the lifeline went in for a quick look then what do I spot but a brand new computerised Janome sewing machine still in box never been taken out and a pair of beautiful scissors still in original packet $40 on them Machine and scissors cost total $230 what a bargain,
Old cotton is useful to me as I use it as basting thread because of its age. Breaking easily is a bonus when taking out the basting afterwards and they come is colours that can be a great contrast to the main fabric so it can be seen easily. So it's not entirely a waste. Though I'm not buying them individually. Only when they come with a bag or box of other goodies.
My three best thrift store sewing finds were a tailors board for $3, a vintage singer button hole maker for $5, and a Singer CG-550C machine for $15 (just need a cord). I also see lots of 60s-80s sewing machines that come with the little tables at my thrift store for $30 and I want to buy every single one.
I have found tailor’s ham and board on different occasions over the years. The tailor’s ham sold in stores these days are much smaller and do not stand up on their own. The vintage hams are bigger and stand up nicely. That makes them much easier to use while pressing. Sandra Betzina many years ago showed the many uses of a vintage tailor’s ham. She is the best. I have found her books as well in thrift stores.
Theres a bigger supply now in the thrifts too because people at home have been cleaning out old stashes if they aren't using it themselves. They'll also sell tons of yarn and fabric samples, I recommend those to parents and teachers because it saves a ton on craft supplies for kids. The fabric samples are also great for making small accessories, decor, trims, patches and quilting.
I barely shop retail anymore. I think my eyes are bigger than my stomache when it comes to stash, but my friends call me the Thriftmaster 5000, and I have made all my gifts for the last several years out of things I already had on hand thanks to thrifting. I sew, knit, crochet, weave, do costuming, spin... And all of my looms, machines, and wheels are 2nd hand as well. I couldn't support all my habits if I didn't thrift. Some of my best finds are a 1951 Featherweight in the case, with accessories, and recently serviced, for $30, three full shearling sheepskins for $8 each, and 2850 yards of undyed cashmere/merino blend yarn for $8. We bought a new house this summer and moving my stash was an eye-opening experience.
I am also a weaver, spinner, seamstress, quilter, knitter. I make all my gifts from stash I have acquired over the years and I thrift as well. I have enough stash to last me into my hundreds.
I love finding interesting beads and jewellery at thrift stores for my beading. I also love the interesting buttons, they can make great clasps for bracelets. The most amazing thing I ever found, though, was at an thrift store in Stones Corner many years ago. There was an entire shell collection there. I love collecting shells, and there were some amazing ones. And now I feel the need to go op shopping ;)
Hi Evelyn! I love lace, and I would love to learn more about it. I’m so glad you educated me on thread, I never put much thought about them going bad, same with elastic. I loved your buttons tip too! When I thrift, I like to look for materials I know I can envision a great outfit or project. The best I ever found were some beautiful red shower cloth curtains I used to upholster into fancy looking chairs for my daughter’s dining table. It was the coolest thrift project ever for me. Happy sewing!!! ✂️🧵✂️
I like buttons, hooks and eyes, snaps, hem tape (can you even buy that new?), all kinds of trims. . .I mend costumes for a local high school and I donate these items as well as my time. New gets pricey fast! Also, I actually look for 1970s polyester fabric because it easily makes something look like it's 70s vintage! Oh. And vintage pincushions. I love those!
Using old bed sheets for mock ups is a great idea, Evelyn. I never thought to use that, because I am so used to using muslin. I am definitely going to try this. I have been thrifting a long time and every time I walk into a second hand store I get excited about all the possibilities of great finds. Clothing has always been my thing, but more and more these days it is vintage fabric. The quality is far more superior than those made today, because the fabrics were made of natural fibers. You talked about this in a video a few months back. Notions I do not need, because I have so much of it I would like to give it away. If anything I am fascinated by the buttons. I love buttons.
Sometimes I use an awl/stiletto to guide fabric when it gets closer to the foot-I ALSO SLOW DOWN on the speed so I do NOT DISTORT the seam near the end. This is probably more useful for quilters who use SMALLER fabric pieces and CLOSER seam allowances.
I love getting fancy wool coats at thrift stores. Fabric that would cost $40+ per yard for pennies... (I use for hats or piecing random things, nothing big) Lord and Taylor cashmere - no problem!
I bought a White Sewing Machine in a beautiful Art Deco with bake light handles. $9.99 at the good will. Bonus bonus bonus....all the notions and scissors. Pristine condition. I disconnected my car door to get it in the back seat. Best find ever. German scissors. English needles.
Loved this video! The first UA-cam video I’ve ever made is a thrift shop/antique shop haul! Sooo many great treasures! I love finding embroidery hoops and of course...lace! Sigh!!!
Sometimes old thread can be brought "back to a useable state" with a half hour soak in Mineral oil and last rest overnight on tissue paper. It sounds crazy but it does work.
You may be just lubricating the thread so it has less resistance going through the machine and fabric and it is less likely to break. Not likely to restore its strength, though. On the other hand, I haven't tried it or tested the results, so if it works for you, great! Some college student could get a thesis out of this.
Great video! I can crochet and got into garment making that way but would love to start sewing one day. It's good to know these tips before you go out and buy everything new because you didn't know what was usable second hand. I've found some great resources from the Antique Pattern Library online. There are so many old books that have been converted to PDFs and uploaded. They're all out of copyright now so are all available for free :) There are great crochet and knitting patterns and inspo but also books on dressmaking, hand sewing, embroidery etc. Also some of the magazines are from times with war-time rationing so there are lots of thrifty tips. Hope this helps people looking for vintage books/magazines :)
I love to buy sewing tools, fabric, and notions from thrift stores, and estate sales, I have found so many vintage items, and notions that you just cant find
my favorite video of yours so far, I spend lots of time and money in op shops, and have made, not just mock ups, but actual clothing out of old sheets, when the pattern has been what someone has wanted. I found some zips recently, brand new, at amazing prices. Love looking round op shops all the time.
I love finding vintage sewing kits at yard sales. Most of them are filled with all kinds of vintage goodies in original packaging and cost very little because most folks do not appreciate their value. I do not use old cotton thread since they deteriorate but I do save the wood spools for winding binding and narrow laces.
I also look through the purses and coats for real and faux leather and vinyl for baby shoes, accents on clothing and homemade bags. Unique scarves can add a beautiful focus worked into a top or made into a ruffle. Quilts for making teddy bears or a jacket.
I hope you enjoyed the video! 😄 So, what are your fav sewing supplies do you like to get from the thrift store?
I just told a friend ten minutes ago that I needed to go the antique mall and look for old buttons...
🤣🤣🤣
I'm on the search for an old sewing box/basket.
I scavenged
An old sewing box someone threw away! It had antique supplies still in it!
At 'Your Truman Thrift Store' in Kansas City Missouri, the first places I check are the fabric remnants and sewing supply bin. I never have ti buy another zipper, ribbon, seam tape, seam binding or buttons. I've even found machine feet that are compatible to my new Opal 650 Viking machine. Everything else I need,I purchase on sale @ 50% off with coupon which is downloaded to my cellphone.
I acquired my mega stash by telling my chatty grandma that I am a sewist. Now whenever her multitudes of friends decides to declutter or take up a different hobby, they send their needles and buttons my way. I have only had to buy new thread once in the past decade. I will be just the same way when I'm an old lady, passing on the joy of organized buttons.
That is lovely
I need friends and family like that! Because I started sewing when lock down really kicked in fabric, sewing machines, elastic we near impossible to come by and no one wanted to give up what they had. I think the one person that could have been like that is my unofficial adoptive grandmother but she moved to the other side of the state.
I am how ever lucky enough that one of my online friends sent me a whole pack of mask making supplies when I only asked for a copy of her mask pattern because it was no longer available online. ❤️ I’ve only now had the time to really sew a couple of masks and really look at what she gave me and it’s still just blows me away.
Best thrift store find ever. There was a Pfaff machine for seven dollars. It is a computerized machine from their quilting line, barely used and was missing the foot and power cord. I now have a $2500 machine and I had both a foot and cord in my sewing studio that worked.
Have you done a video of your background and/or how you got started? I was happy to find your site as I love both sewing and vintage; I'd love to hear of your background and how you got started.
No I haven't! It does feel awkward just talking about myself 🤣 If other people are interested maybe they can 'thumbs up' your comment to let me know! And perhaps I will have to do that! 😄 Thankyou for the suggestion! X
@@Evelyn__Wood Yes, please share about how you started this sewing journey. :D
Also where your interest in retro and vintage fashion came from.
Evelyn, I definitely would like to know at what age were you interested in starting this sewing business, 👍
Always great to have a friend or two who love to thrift as well. Once they know what you may like and you know what they may like …. When a treasure is there one of you picks it up for the other. Bcs real treasures are not a regular stock in the store. Also never think I will wait for seniors day and save a few dollars. In 2 hours or less some other thrifter who knows a good find will pick it up and buy it.
My local thrift stores frequently have fabric (aka quilt covers, curtains and clothes), buttons, zips, patterns, acrylic yarn (blech), and lace (aka trashy-looking faux-victorian tops, which I unpick the lace from and repurpose the knit fabric for kids or dolls' clothes). My best-ever find wasn't in the thrift store - a neighbour dumped a genuine sewing table out as rubbish! (gasp!) It only needed a few days' work to replace lost screws, build a new ledge for the sewing machine and saw/chisel a few bits to make it fit my machine. And voila! Flat-bed quilting! So great.
Oh great find! And great save!
I look for old lace dresses, curtains, pillow shams, and place mats. I use this in making journal covers, zipper bags and quilts. It's just a few ways. I buys many vintage little golden books for journals. I try to find their craft area and see what they have. Yes sewing patterns I check out. I look for old jeans and those that have nice back pockets. These make fantastic cross body bags. its not all I look for but just to name a few. I love hunting for treasure!
You look so much like Snow White in this video! I love it!
Omg I was thinking the same thing! Snow white! Her skin is so white too!
I keep expecting a bird to land on her hand. Or a prince pop in.
@@kimberlydonohoe3427 😂too cute lol
I always think that when I watch her videos.
I buy bedspreads, bed duster ruffles, curtains, valences....etc. And sew all kinds of things. Even dresses from curtains. Just like Maria Von Trapp. People never know ...and I love watching jaws drop when I tell them..!!
Hi. Do you buy 100% cotton??
The market seems to be flooded with microfiber and polyester. Thank you. Cat
Can we talk about how vintage thrifted buttons are not only high quality but usually CHEAPER than buying new from the craft store???
Definitely!!! I hate if I have to buy new ones!
So wish I had my grandmother's button box. She was a tailor. Saw a photo of my mother in a fabulous coat with flames at the cuff and hem. She said her mother added those as she grew...she had that damn coat for a decade.
@@marylhere Oh, yes. My sister and cousins and I would string and unstring buttons for HOURS.
It's because of lack of competition for the button maker. Majority of the world's buttons come from one company in China. Most of what they make seem to be plastic and it super cheap to make so the price for the newer ones in stores also have a high markup like Starbucks coffee. Another advantage of buying the old buttons is your reducing plastic pollution by upcycling them.
OMG hi Stitchess 🙋♀️ I love when UA-camrs I like watch each other’s videos and comment. You guys are helping me get into sewing and sustainable fashion. Thank you!
My favourite local place is run by two elderly people. They've had a store for years and years and never get rid of their stock. If you can imagine a thrift store and a fabric store after a traffic accident that's this store. I love it to bits.
Sounds like a goodie!! 😀
How fabulous!!
I used to have one like that but when they retired 😭
Both my grandmother and mom were very skilled in sewing and related craft arts. Unfortunately, I, being a first-born male child, did not care for that sort of thing. Now, in my later life, wish I had picked up those almost vital skills. One thing I can say is that you are quite correct, thrift stores are a great source of supply materials for a lot of projects. What is not so fine is that the prices keep going up each time I go in. Ah, the good old days, eh? Well, kudos to you and your channel, and whatever you do, keep sewing. AJH
It is never too late to learn. There are a lot of learning resources out there.
I have found so many goodies at Estate Sales here in AZ! Some things I wonder if the family even knows what they are selling! I’ve gotten a ham, a sleeve roll, small ironing boards, yard sticks, fabric, patterns, so many odds and ends! My husband and I go every Saturday ,,, it’s our weekend date!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! You’re a sweetie!
my grandmother was born in 1912. she was an avid sewer. when she died, i was able to choose many of her sewing tools and bits and bobs. i have so many vintage buttons and clasps. she made all of her house dresses. i remember one dress where she had managed to get some yardage of 7-11 uniform fabric (convenience store - assuming it was uniform as it had 7/11 all over it). she made one of her house dresses out of that and i thought it was so funny in the 70s.
Great upcycle!
My grandma was born in 1912, too! She only died three years ago, she lived to 104. But recently my cousin and I went through her old sewing stuff and I got some great pieces of vintage fabric that I treasure.
One of the thrift stores that I go to has two volunteers who cut the buttons off of the clothes that they cant sell and bag them in sets. It is so fun to look through the two full carousels of buttons!
Oh I love when they do that!!
I love picking up bundles of sewing supplies at local thrift stores, along with doilies, bolts of fabric, and I was even gifted a Brother embroidery machine, I just had to buy the electric cord and a few supplies. But it works!!
My favorite thing to look for is Monolyke thread (I hate that they were bought by Coats and Clark and dissolved!)
One of my finds was a box of 40's and 50's patterns for $5.00. Great dresses, and jumpers, brands like Hollywood, Vogue, and Butterick.
And buttons!!!! Yes, I love buttons!!
I love to find old sewing machines and refurbishing them as well as sewing patterns
Some of my thrift store finds: pressing ham, seam roll, clapper/point presser, ironing board, sewing machines, zippers, assorted fasteners, bias tapes, assorted seam tapes...and so much more!
Our local cancer society thrift store just had their vintage weekend 🤩🤩🤩 I got a 70s pattern and a 50s snowsuit pattern for my baby! It’s fun to sew from 60 year old patterns! A woman next to me got there first and snagged a bunch of patterns from the 1930s but I did get a 1964 Vogue sewing book. And they had the prettiest dusty pink sewing machine, I think from the 60s? I couldn’t justify buying it since I really don’t need it but boy did I want to......it even had the manual and case 🙃
Awls! They are brilliant to use as extra fingers for holding your seam allowances together as they disappear under the presser foot. That way you don’t hurt your fingers! I couldn’t manage without mine.
You've just described my thrifting experience! The secret is if you see something you might use some day, buy it because it won't be there later. In addition to all the things you showed here, I look for extra large plus size clothes in beautiful fabrics which I can then take apart and re-make into something that fits me. I started making fabric shopping bags, and was able to find a lot of sturdy fabric for those. Now I have paused the bag making and switched to masks. Our town has a lot of quilters, so there are a lot of fabric scraps that are just the ticket for making masks. I recently found a high thread count king size sheet for mask liners that I cut out on the 24" x 36" cutting mat also from the thrift store. And I sew the masks on one of the several sturdy vintage sewing machines that I got there-- the good ones that were made in the 70s that are all metal. I believe in reusing, re-purposing, recycling, whatever you want to label it. Save the planet. The thrift store is a good place to start.
I have a 1928 Singer portable machine that I had refurbished and it runs like a dream. Very powerful motor. I paid $15 for 2 of them at a thrift shop. I harvested pieces off of one to refurbish the other prettier one. I always find great fabric, vintage curtains and zippers. Most recently scored 18 yards of double edged fringe for $2.50!
Thanks. Im a 66 yo male that would like to learn to sew. (a beginners beginner)I had a friend give me an old Kenmore 12 stitch sewing machine. Unfortunately it had absolutely nothing with it. No presser feet, needles, tool kit, not even an operators manual.
Your video has given me a great starting point for items I think I'll find beneficial.
Thanks again for your insight and direction.
I quite enjoyed you chat on thrift store bargains. I have collected some lovely old tools over the years. I also like the little bags of "stuff" like rickrack. When it came time to make masks for my family and friends I had lots of bias tape to make string ties. I buy all my fabric second hand. Sometimes you can even find it on the bolt. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt, a real adventure.
I always look for zippers and buttons to cover with matching fabric. have also been finding a lot of unfinished patchwork quilt projects that I can use to learn new techniques as well as fabric scraps and pretty embroidered items to add to quilts or sew together to make garments.
I find thrifting to be like a treasure hunt. So fun. I buy my wine glasses at the thrift store too. Everyone in my family has a favorite glass.
Yes!! I call it treadure hunting too! And all my wine glasses are fancy one of a kinds! I love you did this too!
I've bought fabric, patterns, hand needles, bias tape, elastic, thread, you name it! Found 4 metres of black velveteen for 8$, and 6 metres of crimson velveteen for 5$ at a rummage sale. Made a beautiful 1969 pattern double-breasted ankle-length coat that I absolutely love.
I've been op shopping for sewing FOREVER. 90% of my HUMUNGOUS fabric stash (sorry, fabric library) is thrifted and i am trying hard not to buy too much more for now. Also probably 90% of my buttons, snaps, lace, embroidery items, embellishments, zips etc are all thrifted, and yes, also some tools. I love rummaging around to see what is there and take home some gems. Most of my sewing books are also thrifted. I love the serendipity and will also buy things when I'm not quite sure what they are, but find a use for them later. I found my first measuring guage at an op shop, didn't quite know what it was but thought it looked really useful. Now it's never far from my hands! Same with a metal loop turner. I also get all my interfacing and batting type things, most of which are enormous rolls which have just been given away. I dont like iron on, so i love all these old sew in ones, and interesting rolls of stuff I don't know what they are but they look useful so I will get them and find out. I'm with you on the buttons. I'd rather sets and the jars of buttons are increasing in price. I often will look at clothes for buttons and embellishments as well. I think I feel a blog coming on....🤗💝
Sometimes you can get good deals at antique shops, especially the mall type ones. Las year I got a pair of scissors with the Butterick name engraved on them. Only cost $7. My favorite notions are patterns. A few months ago I went to a thrift store looking for a bookcase for my sewing room. Didn't find it. What I did find was a bunch of patterns, mostly from the 1940s & 50s. Only 25 cents each! I bought 58 patterns. I still need to check them all out. The lady was happy to sell them to someone who would appreciate them. As far as old thread, I do use it for hand basting and to tie matching buttons together. You are so right about elastic getting old. I love sewing books too.
I am loving your focus on thrifting, mending, re-fashioning and altering! Truly inspirational and so important. And fun!
Thankyou! 😘😘
Great tips. Note, if you have got old thread from someone you could use it up by making it your hand basting thread, or for pattern marking. Run it through beeswax or conditioner first, then baste or mark away. Great for your own old thread stash or from Gran’s sewing basket. You’ll be more inclined to practice thread tracing or basting knowing the good new stuff will be used in your machine. I think. Ok, bye.
My absolute favorite is ric rac! I absolutely love ric rac. I found one 1970s floral bias tape one time and it was a joy to sew with. Very soft. I love all the patterns too. I just recently scored 5yds of 1970s lilac floral cotton fabric for $5. 3.5yds of English wool in a tropical weight bundled with 3yds of pink silk all for $3. I have the best luck at the small town thrift stores. The big town near me is a college town and I've got more competition because of the fashion students
Great scrore!!!
Sewing stuff at Op shops is amazing; even in Aussie regional shops. When the older generation die or downsize to smaller housing, our stashes have to be reduced. Where does it go? To the Op shop or the thrift store. Yep, older knitting patterns, sewing patterns, etc. are in abundance in our main regional Op shop. Even leftover fabric remnants, wool, embroidery thread, can be found there. Here are some of my tips to add to yours, Evelyn:
* Pattern Selection: make sure that the pattern is complete with all of its pieces and/or is not cut down to a particular size that makes the pattern not functional for you.
* Books: Vintage books on sewing, embroidery, etc. will explain the terminology in vintage patterns that you purchase; which will assist in you in construction.
* Vintage threads: you can use empty wooden bobbins as a french knitting tool with children; our parents did that all the time when I was young by adding four small nails/tacks into the top. The actual thread, I use for tacking and hand basting. I agree that you cannot put it into your machine, but, you can still use it.
* Garments: Not only loose-weave sheeting for mock-up, but, look at quality woollen jumpers/sweaters that have some holes, etc. Some can be easily unpicked, yarn washed and rewound. Then, the wool can be reused for making winter warmers like caps, slouch beanies, gloves, mittens, socks and/or cowls that use smaller amount of yarns. Pinterest has a world of ideas on how to reuse old manufactured sweaters in up-cycling ideas, even without unpicking them and great for sewers who don't mind sewing with knitwear.
* Buttons and Trims. In Australia, a lot of clothing donation facilities have to spend large amounts of money on landfill costs to dispose of un-sellable donated items. So, they cut off the buttons, trims that will sell and are in good condition. If you make menswear, then op-shops sell shirt buttons at a better price than a retailer; it should be your first port of call.
The secret is out of the bag now Evelyn, oh dear. We crafty sewers have been building our stash in secrecy all these years and not been spending a million dollars in the process, hehehe. I hope that my "added" tips assist another sewer. Thank you for the video, Evelyn.
Thankyou for sharing your tips! 😀
I'm in a small country town (not a regional center) and I've never really seen any of this stuff apart from embroidery floss (once). Most if the charity organisations centralise and redistribute their donations (so you don't see your old clothes on someone in the local supermarket) and because small towns are a limited market, they don't send their good stuff to us. I think good thrifting is an urban phenomenon
@@cassieoz1702 I live in a small town and it actually has better thrift stores than the nearest city.
This video reminded me of all the buttons I've collected through thrifting! One of my local thrift stores is a treasure trove of vintage button sets made of glass and metal- I even found novelty googly eyed buttons that were too funny to leave- all hidden in plain sight in a large fishbowl. The best and worst thing about this is that it seems I'm the only one who looks through these buttons, and that even the lovely people running the store can't recall how they priced the buttons... Which is how I ended up buying about 20 different sets of buttons and button pins for an even bigger discount than you would buying new. I've also acquired some fun dress patterns and zippers, so many zippers.
As someone who wanted to take my sewing beyond just repairing my clothes and into making/ refashioning my clothes, the thrift store has been so helpful both in regards to supplies and finding inspiration from all the odds and ends I find.
So many treadures to find thrifting right! 😄
Thrift stores are amazing! I first check the $2 rack and then the 50% off color of the week tags. My recent finds from the $2 rack included brand spanking new dresses with original store tags of a $300 dress, $200 dress, and 2 $100 pants...total spent that day was $8 for 4 new garments! Five years ago a friend found a Bernina sewing machine in perfect condition for only $29! She knew I had wanted a Bernina...she called me from the thrift store to ask if I wanted her to buy it for me. I still can’t believe she sold it to me for the same price and didn’t keep it for herself.
YES! PLEASE DO A VINTAGE BUTTON VIDEO!
Oh Miss Evelyn Wood you are a delight! You reminded me so much of Snow White in this video that I was half expecting little animated birds to fly in your window to help you put together your next royal ball gown on the mannequin behind you. LOL.
😂😂😂
Beautiful smiling woman for sure.
😍😍😍 Vintage habby is my addiction. I have a huge collection and don’t go thrifting for additions very often these days but I did get a nice score recently via one of my elderly Aunts. She bought herself a new (thrifted) sewing cabinet recently which came stuffed full of the previous owner’s sewing treasures. My Aunty is not interested in “old” stuff so she filled a bag for me with silk threads on wooden reels, hooks and eyes, scissors, tape measures, thimbles, needles and a new in box old needle threader (made in West Germany) - felt like Christmas!
For quilting you can even look at any 100% cotton clothing to cut up and use.
It is so nice to watch a presenter with well manicured nails. So often this is not the case. I’m in my 70’s and remember the Vogue book as a book prize at school in the UK. I brought it with me when I emigrated to Australia in 1972❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I’m running out to the thrift store tomorrow to look for sewing supplies. I do buy flat sheets in good condition to make duvet covers. They seem to fit better then the pre made covers you buy at a store.
I've always bought sewing items from thrift stores... :)
I love the little bags of random things; keep what I want and re-donate the rest.
I always love any of your videos. I remember my mom buying me a huge bag of sewing notions at an estate sale when I was a teenager. I used those notions for at least 15 yrs maybe more. I remember when I had to actually go to a sewing store and buy either a zipper, or bias tape, or thread, I could not believe how much it was and how inferior the quality. Recently my mom bought me a bag of vintage red buckles on line. Not all reds are the same. Then maybe a week later I went to Goodwill. I couldn't believe it, there were bags(at least 10) that were divided up and stapled. They were full of vintage red buttons, ric-rack and bias tape, all in the red colors I was looking for. Plus, mixed in with those treasures were other vintage buttons. I have made some vintage dresses using fabric and notions, including the pattern, from the 30's. When I saw all of those bags I think I must have done a happy dance.
I go second hand store shopping, have for years. Best buy... A bag of elastic, such as for waist bands, bathing suits, sleeves, etc. So the bathing suit one, it was inside the bag so I could t open until I got home. Two packs, yep, two packs not opened of vintage elastic....pieces lol, broken into tiny pieces, they must have been real old. Well I got a good laugh out of it. Garage sale, ask if they have any sewing items that maybe they didn t bring out. I got three big bags of fabric remnants, love it, still going through it. Happy sewing.
Mainly books, fabrics (curtains esp.), and buttons.
Greatest find a friend of mine found and picked up for me, a 1890's me-thinks Singer sewing machine with hand wheel.
Oh wow!! What a find!!
We have a local thrift shop that always has loads of fabric and sewing supplies in stock. I have bought zippers, buttons and elastic there. Some of it looks like overstock or seconds from the manufacturer. Last year I used cloth napkins, felt, buttons and ribbon to make Christmas ornaments. It's always a treasure hunt!
Estate sales are a great place to find sewing books, tools, materials, and sewing machines. If you do not own a sewing machine or serger these are also available .
I love estates sales for that very thing. Besides sewing machines, and various attachments, I LOVE old sewing notions. I particularly go for zippers and rick rack - the "old fashioned" rick rack that is 100% cotton in beautiful vintage colors that you just can't find anymore.
My luck at thrift stores isn't the best for sewing supplies, I usually end up finding fabric and that's good. I love estate sales for finding great stuff for less money. Weekend swap meets can be good too, you never know till you check it out. Your videos have helped me more than once thank you. I admire you and your style.
My entire stash (well, mostly) is thrifted and gifted. I 'inherited' my friend's mother's entire sewing stash after my friend's parents passed away. I was stunned and thrilled - what I couldn't use I passed on to others who could use it. I also received my grandmother's sewing box when she passed, and I really treasure it. But I can't tell you how many things I've bought at the thrift store for pennies on the dollar. It's been so helpful in building a sewing room (over years) that now lets me make just about anything I want without having to make a trip to the store. Organizing it is a constant chore, but I just recently did a massive purge and overhaul of my stash for my baby youtube channel, and it feels great to be able to get back in there and sew with ease.
I LOVE digging through the piles of patterns at thrift stores. It’s so much fun seeing how fashion changes through the decades, and sometimes you’ll come across a gem of a pattern. I also enjoy giggling at how many 80’s tracksuits I find... 😄
Me too!!! 😂😂😂
I'm going to the thrift store Saturday, and hope to find patterns! I was given two boxes of them a while ago, and used to buy them when they had $1.00 sales, but lost all I had collected in a flood! Just now getting together my sewing supplies again! I live in the middle of no where USA, so can't just drop in and browse.
I do a lot of historical clothing and need 13 buttons for a particular pair of breeches I make. I go to the thrift store to look for pants and shorts that sometimes have this quantity of buttons. I can find them for $3 sometimes and get mass quantities of matching buttons this way. Also I buy mens xxl woven shirts. These come in great fabrics, lots of them woven and on sale for $2.50. The buttons go in separate baggies. The sleeves make hats and bags, the back and front make wonderful aprons. For historical items, the woven, pure cotton shirts cannot be beat for the hats, aprons and accessories. The scraps of course go to quilts. Also zippers. Older or good quality clothes have METAL zippers! Rip them out! I have even found wonderful special buttons, buckles and clasps on old sweaters... definitely worth the price!
My favorite thing to look for are cotton sheets and bedskirts with cotton crochet trim. Yards of fabric AND yards of trim for a couple of bucks. I've also picked up vintage Singer sewing machines for $10 each. I try to go to the local church rummage sales when they are having $2-3 a bag sales. I can stuff a lot into a grocery bag!
The Closet Historian has a Textiles 101 video for those who need to know about fibers and fabrics right now.
As a scrap quilter, I love thrift stores!! I find wonderful sewing supplies all the time. I especially like the sheets. I often use flannel sheets to back quilts. Not only am I saving money, but the quilts are warmer as well.
Great video, thank You ☺️
Evelyn, u r such a delight to watch, I was feeling a bit down in the dumps and then u popped up on my notifications. I was staying over the weekend to catch up on housework but I have decided to pay the local charity stores a visit. Thank you for your advice, you explain things so well and have such a relaxing tone in your voice, and it is such a joy to hear your enthusiasm for your craft. X
Awww that's so sweet! Thankyou for watching! 😄
The majority of my Sewing Supplies are from Thrift Shops. Fabric, buttons, thread, serger thread, etc. Great to come across another thrifty Sewist!
It seems there's a whole tribe of us!! 😄
I have repurposed a couple of wooden spools as pegs in my sewing room. They look very nice. I, too, have been thrifting for ages for anything at the Salvation Army, Value Village or Renaissance in Quebec. Love, love, love thrifting.
Back a long long time ago the nearest Joanne's near me was next to a Thrift Store. Joanne's donated a lot to that Thrift store. I loved going to the thrift store first and then Joanne's.
Thank you. I love your videos and I learn a lot from you. I also go to thriftstore and bought some beautiful vintage fabrics and laces. I love to sew when I was a teen ager and now that I am ready to retire and have more free time I wanted to go back to real learning how to sew . You are an inspiration.
It’s just a voyage of discovery with the randomly unexpected treasures. Having done it for some years enough is enough. I’ve trained myself to be very selective only buying what I can see is useful. However, the shops here in the UK overprice labelling them vintage.
The best way around this is to revisit several times and when the favoured item is still there, that’s the time to not feel guilty asking for a realistic price or offer a fair price.
that's a good plan! Everything gets overpriced with the word 'vintage' here too!
I love thrifted sewing supplies! I collect a type of vintage plastic sewing organizer called a Wilson Wil-hold, and use them to organize my various supplies. Like you, I've stopped buying snaps, hooks, etc. Now I pretty much look for the unusual items, or things I use a lot of. I'm always on the lookout for vintage needle folders with the lovely artwork. What I do about the 'goody bags' of miscellaneous supplies is look though as best I can, and if there are one or two things I can actually use for a very good price, I buy it, take out what I want to keep, and re-donate the rest. Can't wait for your next vid! Always a treat to watch and learn.
I have my old thread bobbins displayed in pretty jars, but I use the thread for little bits of hand sewing or for sewing on buttons. I like random buttons on plain garments, sometimes in one colour, often in multi colours, and/or sewn on with different coloured threads. I added patched appliqué to a denim tunic and sewed them on with different colours of old crochet cottons in different stitches. I save lace from old clothes and table linens to reuse, too, or buy them second hand.
Love thrifting. I've scored Asahi bemberg lining - 20 or so yards for 35 to 50 cents a yard ($13/yd normally), great source for vintage machines, wooden sleeve boards, pin board for pressing velvet, great sewing tables and chairs, used silk neck ties for hongkong finishes, used wool blankets to wash and use to pad out my ironing board properly, silk and wool fabric, 30 yard bolt of high quality drapery lining - great for jacket and trouser toiles.
Old cones of factory quality cotton thread are wonderful to have on hand for hand basting or sewing up a toile. These old high quality threads are made of longer staple fibers and the twist used doesn't knot up the way modern thread does. I have to wax all of my modern thread for handsewing - even the good stuff. But a few factory cones that my grandmother left behind make hand basting a cinch.
Also, vintage all metal mechanical sewing machines for crazy cheap. Plug it in, make sure it runs and test it out. They’re so easy to work on, and those old Kenmore and other Japanese manufactured machines are beasts!
I would like one of these myself!!
I sew on a 1958 Singer Slant-O-Matic 403a. It sews a beautiful seam, and I've not found anything it can't sew through. I am always on the lookout for attachments and the like for it. I've got a Slant-O-Matic 503 Rocketeer at my daughter's house that I bought at a flea market in it's beautiful original cabinet for $35 (US) because they couldn't find the power cord. It is in great shape, and when I was cleaning the cabinet drawers I found receipts showing it had lived it's whole life only 4 houses down from me! Such a coincidence. The flea market was in the next town over.
@@martaaberg3330 wow, what a nice story behind that sewing machine!
@@martaaberg3330 What a loevly story behind that sewing machine!
I bought a machine like that last year, but from a person, not in a thrift store. Our thrift stores sell clothes mostly, sheets, curtains, plush toys, bags and shoes. It's a German machine, and like you said, it's beast and i only paid about 50usd for it. my first sewing machine is still German, but plastic, cost me 100usd, and still feels like a beast. a baby beast, maybe. ;p
old handkercheifs, bits and bobs that have hand sewing on them, that you can use in your sewing including quilting, doll making, table toppers, pockets, purses etc. They make lovely additional decorations with a bit of history and heirloom quality to your projects.
I have been looking for this type of video for the longest time and I can't wait for the next time I go thrifting, I actually found my current sewing machine that I've been learning to sew on at my local flea market for $20 😄
Where do you people live that find sewing machines at thrify stores so reasonably priced or just plain cheap. In my area in deep south, usa if a machine is found cost $hundreds even if doesnt work. Wish I were smart and knew how to find where estate sales were happening. It wss so easy when people advertised in newspapers.
This would make a great mini series! Look forward to them!
I found a 3xl long sundress at thrift store with a beautiful print. I bought it & made a short sleeve blouse that used almost all of it for pattern matching. I pd $3. Love it.
I used to love to go "Op Shopping". At one time, I lived a 2 and a half train trip away from my family, and every week-end my young son and I would hop on the train and come down to see the family. Mum would meet us at the station and we would go op-shopping. Usually Vinnie's or Salvo's. We would spent hours in there digging through all the flotsam and jetsam that seems to collect on the shelves of a long running second hand shop. A few bargains were had, but mostly, it was just for the fun of pottering around among the dusty boxes, bins and shelves. We would occasionally do the garage sale trail too. It's amazing what you can find if you are willing to spend the time... :-))
I lo d the garage sale trail too!!
I have found gorgeous Chinese satin among other wonderful fabric. I also look for wool as I love to crochet and knit. Recently I found a woman's fluffy jumper which will be made into a stylish cushion. I have so much thrifted fabric. Recently made a simple skirt out of thrifted black velvet. I love me a good thrift. Love watching you videos. Keep up the good work.
Oh my goodness I cant tell you how many sewing items I get from the thrift stores!! Beautiful beautiful Fabrics of all kinds, threads, embroidery threads galore, woolens, patterns, poly fills. Recently I got a 1/2 bolt of fusible interfacing. The vintage patterns are awesome. Trims, seam bindings and satin blanket edging and ric rac is a favorite. I find all sorts of sewing and embroidery books. I find ribbons of all widths, styles and vintages.I bought two thrifted 1950’s Singer sewing machines and had them both restored. Vintage laces, buttons and beads are also easy to find. Then I also pick up damaged linens for sewing. The list goes on. I do use thrifted thread to hand repair old silk scarves which I also buy frequently. I am a die hard thrifter. Why would I not buy my sewing things at thrift stores??? Great topic. I just found you and subbed. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!! 😄
I was on the west coast... and came home yesterday. 2/17 on my birthday.. bringing my Mom Home from my sister's. I found 4 huge bags of yarns ( a large amount of specialty) and one of sewing items. In the Sewing storage bag was $9.99 and the container was the size of a full/queen comforter style of zippered bag for storage..... It has an amazing amount of vintage laces and ribbons and several other things.. and modern stuff like slender tulle by the yard... and it was totally worth it. and I got my Mom's Senior discount too. I'm thrilled. One large bag of HUGELY Specialty yarns or crochet/knit. So wonderful.
I'm sharing the yarn with people.. So far my Sister and Mom... Things they can make something out of. It had a lot of brand new Sugar and Cream Cotton and Scrubby Cotton from Red Heart that I have made 6 back stitch, large, washcloth/potholders in 2 days along with other things we did.
I Love it. I Love thrifting.
Non specialty yarns can be made special by the way they are treated and the pattern used.
BTW LOVED THIS VIDEO as all the others!!!
Thanks for watching! What a great score for you!
@@Evelyn__Wood Sorry about the Raving. I was so excited. Can I send you some of the laces? :D
I have struck gold in sewing supplies in the few months firstly went to the Brisbane lifeline book fare, the latest one and scored about 16 vintage patterns from the 1930 to 1950s people were digging them out of boxes to get to more modern patterns and leaving them all over the place, found 2 fabulous sewing books and the best find was A historical costume book, only went for 2 hours right at the close of the first day. Then went o a big Salvo just opened and scored heaps of lace on the actual original cardboard I think they belonged to an old material shop that closed down. I have so much I will be selling it on my Etsy shop. Then lastly I went to drop off some things to the lifeline went in for a quick look then what do I spot but a brand new computerised Janome sewing machine still in box never been taken out and a pair of beautiful scissors still in original packet $40 on them Machine and scissors cost total $230 what a bargain,
Old cotton is useful to me as I use it as basting thread because of its age. Breaking easily is a bonus when taking out the basting afterwards and they come is colours that can be a great contrast to the main fabric so it can be seen easily. So it's not entirely a waste. Though I'm not buying them individually. Only when they come with a bag or box of other goodies.
My three best thrift store sewing finds were a tailors board for $3, a vintage singer button hole maker for $5, and a Singer CG-550C machine for $15 (just need a cord). I also see lots of 60s-80s sewing machines that come with the little tables at my thrift store for $30 and I want to buy every single one.
I have found tailor’s ham and board on different occasions over the years. The tailor’s ham sold in stores these days are much smaller and do not stand up on their own. The vintage hams are bigger and stand up nicely. That makes them much easier to use while pressing. Sandra Betzina many years ago showed the many uses of a vintage tailor’s ham. She is the best. I have found her books as well in thrift stores.
I use old cotton threads for basting, it workes nicely
Theres a bigger supply now in the thrifts too because people at home have been cleaning out old stashes if they aren't using it themselves. They'll also sell tons of yarn and fabric samples, I recommend those to parents and teachers because it saves a ton on craft supplies for kids. The fabric samples are also great for making small accessories, decor, trims, patches and quilting.
I barely shop retail anymore. I think my eyes are bigger than my stomache when it comes to stash, but my friends call me the Thriftmaster 5000, and I have made all my gifts for the last several years out of things I already had on hand thanks to thrifting. I sew, knit, crochet, weave, do costuming, spin... And all of my looms, machines, and wheels are 2nd hand as well. I couldn't support all my habits if I didn't thrift. Some of my best finds are a 1951 Featherweight in the case, with accessories, and recently serviced, for $30, three full shearling sheepskins for $8 each, and 2850 yards of undyed cashmere/merino blend yarn for $8. We bought a new house this summer and moving my stash was an eye-opening experience.
I am also a weaver, spinner, seamstress, quilter, knitter. I make all my gifts from stash I have acquired over the years and I thrift as well. I have enough stash to last me into my hundreds.
I love finding interesting beads and jewellery at thrift stores for my beading. I also love the interesting buttons, they can make great clasps for bracelets. The most amazing thing I ever found, though, was at an thrift store in Stones Corner many years ago. There was an entire shell collection there. I love collecting shells, and there were some amazing ones. And now I feel the need to go op shopping ;)
Hi Evelyn! I love lace, and I would love to learn more about it. I’m so glad you educated me on thread, I never put much thought about them going bad, same with elastic. I loved your buttons tip too! When I thrift, I like to look for materials I know I can envision a great outfit or project. The best I ever found were some beautiful red shower cloth curtains I used to upholster into fancy looking chairs for my daughter’s dining table. It was the coolest thrift project ever for me. Happy sewing!!! ✂️🧵✂️
i love the jar of buttons. i find it so relaxing to sit and sort them and use them to add a bit of detail ir i make brouches
I like buttons, hooks and eyes, snaps, hem tape (can you even buy that new?), all kinds of trims. . .I mend costumes for a local high school and I donate these items as well as my time. New gets pricey fast! Also, I actually look for 1970s polyester fabric because it easily makes something look like it's 70s vintage! Oh. And vintage pincushions. I love those!
😀 Isn't it amazing the things you can find!!
Next time I go to thrift store. I will look for sewing stuff.
Please do a video about your vintage sewing books!
Using old bed sheets for mock ups is a great idea, Evelyn. I never thought to use that, because I am so used to using muslin. I am definitely going to try this. I have been thrifting a long time and every time I walk into a second hand store I get excited about all the possibilities of great finds. Clothing has always been my thing, but more and more these days it is vintage fabric. The quality is far more superior than those made today, because the fabrics were made of natural fibers. You talked about this in a video a few months back. Notions I do not need, because I have so much of it I would like to give it away. If anything I am fascinated by the buttons. I love buttons.
Sometimes I use an awl/stiletto to guide fabric when it gets closer to the foot-I ALSO SLOW DOWN on the speed so I do NOT DISTORT the seam near the end. This is probably more useful for quilters who use SMALLER fabric pieces and CLOSER seam allowances.
I love getting fancy wool coats at thrift stores. Fabric that would cost $40+ per yard for pennies... (I use for hats or piecing random things, nothing big) Lord and Taylor cashmere - no problem!
I bought a White Sewing Machine in a beautiful Art Deco with bake light handles. $9.99 at the good will. Bonus bonus bonus....all the notions and scissors. Pristine condition. I disconnected my car door to get it in the back seat. Best find ever. German scissors. English needles.
Loved this video! The first UA-cam video I’ve ever made is a thrift shop/antique shop haul! Sooo many great treasures! I love finding embroidery hoops and of course...lace! Sigh!!!
Sometimes old thread can be brought "back to a useable state" with a half hour soak in Mineral oil and last rest overnight on tissue paper. It sounds crazy but it does work.
wow I've never hard this before!
You may be just lubricating the thread so it has less resistance going through the machine and fabric and it is less likely to break. Not likely to restore its strength, though. On the other hand, I haven't tried it or tested the results, so if it works for you, great! Some college student could get a thesis out of this.
What is Mineral oil?
Are you soaking the spool or unwinding then soaking thread to rewind ?
Great video! I can crochet and got into garment making that way but would love to start sewing one day. It's good to know these tips before you go out and buy everything new because you didn't know what was usable second hand.
I've found some great resources from the Antique Pattern Library online. There are so many old books that have been converted to PDFs and uploaded. They're all out of copyright now so are all available for free :) There are great crochet and knitting patterns and inspo but also books on dressmaking, hand sewing, embroidery etc. Also some of the magazines are from times with war-time rationing so there are lots of thrifty tips. Hope this helps people looking for vintage books/magazines :)
I always look for sewing items at the thrift store!!! ❤
Same here. I've learnt to keep my options open when looking for crafty stuff.
I love to buy sewing tools, fabric, and notions from thrift stores, and estate sales, I have found so many vintage items, and notions that you just cant find
I would like a video about sewing books.👍😀
This is a stunning color combo for you. That cool blue makes your skin glow.
my favorite video of yours so far, I spend lots of time and money in op shops, and have made, not just mock ups, but actual clothing out of old sheets, when the pattern has been what someone has wanted. I found some zips recently, brand new, at amazing prices. Love looking round op shops all the time.
Aww thankyou! 😘 That's so sweet!
My mom work in Bath & Bedding in Bullocks when I was a teenager. Should would buy beautiful sheets on sale. I made many, many dresses with sheets.
I love finding vintage sewing kits at yard sales. Most of them are filled with all kinds of vintage goodies in original packaging and cost very little because most folks do not appreciate their value. I do not use old cotton thread since they deteriorate but I do save the wood spools for winding binding and narrow laces.
I also look through the purses and coats for real and faux leather and vinyl for baby shoes, accents on clothing and homemade bags. Unique scarves can add a beautiful focus worked into a top or made into a ruffle. Quilts for making teddy bears or a jacket.
I always tell people when moving that I will take all the sewing stuff and have got very useful things. I also love thrift stores.
I love to thrift sewing notions. I've been home bound this year and have been able to find vintage sewing tools for cheap on ebay.