02/08/2026
Unexpected thrift hoard this week.
Crafting can be expensive especially when you are starting out and it helps to keep an open mind about where you get your suppiles from.
Thrift or Charity shops are good, there's a growing number de-stash events where crafters come together to sell their surplus supplies. I think Mum's going try to get to a local one off these next month. Scrap stores like the one at Derby (there is a fb page) are very good and then there is your local antiques market.
This little lot was a mix of charity shop and antique market finds.
The Anchor embroidery threads are always useful, they will go to Mum and cost a quarter of the cost of new ones. The little pinking shears which are probably from the 1940's or 50's and are just adorable, at just £2 you couldn't say no. I'm not sure how much a new pair is these days but it's certainly not cheap.
Loved the darning mushroom and the finger knitting doll, couldn't leave them behind. Mum will adore the transfer printed tray cloth and I wouldn't be surprised if that gets embroidered fairly soon. A vintage wooden cotton reel is irresistible to any sewing fan. If the thread is in good condition (do a little stress test to check) you could use it or you can use the wooden reels for something different.
We have been looking for some white brushed cotton for a while (there's a project in mind) and last week Mum nipped into her local fabric shop to price some up. It was lucky that she decided not to buy any, as the beautifully embroidered monogramed letter 'S' see photo, is on a bushed cotton single sheet. So lots of material there ready to be reused rather than going to waste, at a fraction of the cost of new.
The 100% linen shirt may stay as it is or be recycled.
