Some things I op shopped recently.
The problem with second-hand thread is that it’s often terrible fluffy quality that funks up my sewing machine. I do an inner happy dance when I thrift the good stuff.
(In case you are wondering, to check the quality of a thread, just hold a strand of it up to the light. The less fluffy, the better. Ideally it will have little to no fluff. And if you can, check how easily it breaks compared with others. Stretchy is good, but only if it returns well to it’s non-stretch state.)
I’m always on the lookout for good, clean, thick coats for Ellie, because I don’t have the skills or the patience to make them myself. This bigger one is two sizes too big but it’ll be stored away until it fits.
And, ooh! Here’s a new little section of my blog that you’ll see popping up every now and again.
Lose the lust for new things from The Everyday Minimalist
A really interesting, crucial topic. Eco-minded souls keep saying “Buy less”, but that doesn’t really address the difficulty in shifting the I-deserve-all-this-stuff-and-it’ll-make-me-happy lifestyle that we probably grew up with. I might post my own ideas about this sometime next week.
Four years. Go. from Yes, Honey Chyle
An exhilirating video about making a difference.
Rutkicker by Make + Meaning
When you’re emotionally stuck on a task, a good rutkicker might be just what you need. I love this idea.
What a brilliant post to stumble upon. I so often wonder about those bags of op shop thread. Do you have any words of wisdom about how to tell the quality of wool?
I’m afraid I’m not a knitter, sorry! Maybe another reader could help you out?
Another thing I didn’t mention about thread is that some brands are just generally good and I don’t have to check them. There’s Coats and Gutermann in that pile. And if a reel is unnamed, the quality of the reel can be an indication of the quality of the thread. Avoid the plain plastic tube ones!
I love a good ‘op-shop’ sesh… I picked up a gorgeous maxi dress from Oxfam the other week & I always buy my books 2nd hand.
Ooh, lovely.
I like buying books second-hand too. I just always get caught seriously wanting books that I’ll probably never find second hand. It’d be kind of nice if I just didn’t know about these new books so I wouldn’t want them!
those jackets were a great find! – especially cream!