Wednesday 19 February 2014

Op Shop Finds...


A couple of weeks ago I visited a new to me Op Shop. In Australia we call them Op Shops, short for Opportunity shops ... you may know them as Thrift Stores or Charity Shops. I had been told they often had lots of fabric, but of course, it's all in the luck of the draw on the day you go. I was NOT disappointed.

I'm not sure what I'll do with the 1/4 metre of denim, but at only 50c, it had to come home with me. It'd make cute little shorts for a girl, or maybe a little tote bag.


It's been years since I've done much stretch sewing, but remembering back to my days of making lots of t-shirts, it was always the ribbing that was the most expensive. The dark blue is a very wide rib and didn't wash well, but again, at only 50c for about 1 metre, who cares whether I use it or not. 

The pink is a much nicer quality, although maybe not a colour that will be easy to co-ordinate. I'm not sure how much this one was, but the most I paid for any of the fabrics was $1.


When I saw the blue and the black fabrics, I immediately thought of the Cowl Neck Sheer Top. There's about 1metre of the black and 2 metres of the blue. 

The grey is a stretch fabric, much thicker than the other two and there's 3 metres of it. I'd like to make myself a top for cooler weather... long sleeves, large cowl neck, fitted at the top and fairly longish. I have a bought top that I've tried to make a pattern from. For only $1, I have nothing to lose but my time if it doesn't work out.


The zips and patterns were only 50c each too. I also found a men's cotton shirt, in a large size, that shows no signs of wear. At only $3 it had to come with me. Maybe I'll refashion it into a blouse for me. Then again, I might make a shirt dress or skirt for a young girl. We'll see. I also purchased a little top for me.

The fabrics, patterns, zips and clothing came to the grand total of $12.50. I think I did rather well and was very pleased with my purchases. Next time I'm up that way, I'll definitely be calling in to the Lions Club of Berowra Op Shop.

... Pam

15 comments:

  1. You hit the jackpot with your finds! I have an aunt who yard sale shops and has sent me some great thrift items--it's so much fun when you get lucky like that!

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  2. Great finds. i never find fabric in the charity shops around here... only clothes. D=

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  3. Fabulous finds! Looks like you got some great fabric. Our shops never seem to have much of a selection. It's typically home dec fabrics in some pretty awful colors/prints.;)

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  4. I love thrift shops. A friend of mine always finds fabric and I have only found fabric twice. But I do get some great clothes and other things from time-to-time. It's so fun to look.

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  5. Totally amazing Op shopping! Will love to see what you make. x Jo

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  6. I would never think of looking for fabric in the charity shop I will have to change that now Pam! Great haul.

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  7. Oh I do love a good thrift store run - I have about a 50/50 chance of finding something buyable in the ones in our area. LOVE finding fabric remnants and bags of notions! The pink knit would make a cute t-shirt to go with shorts made with the heart denim :D

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  8. WOW! Total score! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  9. awesome finds. You must be stoked

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  10. Excellent finds:) I learnt of a relatively local charity shop this evening that only does fabrics, WOW..!

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    1. What is the address for the fabrics op shop

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  11. I've had far too much luck at op shops over the years, hence my huge stash! But it is great uncovering gems for bargain prices and rescuing those fabrics from the rag bag

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  12. Great finds there Pam - I've got some brilliant fabrics from Charity shops. This year I've promised myself I'll actually use them!!!

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  13. You hit what the gold miners call "the motherlode." We love yard sales too. Thrift stores are beginning to raise prices here because a lot of people are catching on, so more often yard sales are cheaper.

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