Happy New(bie) Year!

[stephielou]

Hi all & happy new year!

I followed a link to this site from craftster today, and I registered right away (unlike on craftster where I lurked for a good year or so) It's great to see so many like-minded treasure hunters in one place.

I'm a 32 year old married lady in the eastern 'burbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I'm about to embark on my last semester as a full-time (undergrad) student before student teaching in the fall. I'm a studio art major/ed minor working on becoming a K-12 art teacher, and a freelance graphic designer, and an all around crafty gal. I've been scouring NE Ohio thrifts since high school, a natural extension of my parents' love of estate sales and my love of all things vintage, which has only grown over the past 15 years or so. Back then I was mostly looking for super funky 70s disco gear and "ironic" message tees ("I got this body by lifting weights, 12 oz at a time [insert image fist gripping a can of beer]," "all this and brains too," etc.). I have LONG since abandoned these since their massive popularity in the past few years spawned so many new retro style message tees, the thrifts have more of those than the real deal!

These days I'm just looking for all those things I do not yet know I need - aren't we all?! I'm generally trolling thrifts and estate sales weekly looking for mid-century modern anything, especially furniture (DH refinishes, so damage isn't an issue, for the most part) and housewares, vintage (pre-double knit poly) clothing, accessories, books (mostly nonfiction/craft books), sewing patterns, sewing notions (love those grab bags, especially on half-price Mondays), etc. etc. etc. I'm mainly looking for DAMAGED vintage clothing, which is often super cheap, even by TS standards! I salvage what I can and use the fabric to make handbags and other goodies. I'm also always looking for fabrics and linens to use for my bags. I sell the bags and patterns online, and I used to sell vintage clothing online too but I just don't have the time.

So that's my story! Off to read more of the boards
SL

[SecondhandSophisticate]

Greetings to Planet Thrift, Stephielou!  You have sooooooooooooo found the right place!

We are a very eclectic and vibrant group here. You will learn, and share what you know and learn and share, etc. etc. etc., ad infinitum, blahblahblah, yadayadayada...well, you get the pic

Lots of mid-century folk here (like me, for example), tech geniuses, Victorian romantics, thrift junkies, Pyrexia, comic books, vinyl (as in record albums, lol). You'll never be bored.

And, BTW, Happy New Year.  Do tell about your groovy mid-century treasures.

Ciao and Good Vibes,
SeSo

[Other People s Junk]

Welcome to the boards!  This place is definately too much fun to just lurk.  (I have plenty of places that I just lurk, but this one begs one to join in the fun!) 
Your crafty items sound very neat.  Feel free to share pics of your finds and items made from great finds!!   

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Hi and Welcome! I'm in your general neck o' the woods-- just over the state line in Pittsburgh, PA. Ohio has some great antiques malls and flea markets. I hope you find the things you're...er... not yet looking for.

[ChrisMiss]

Welcome to the forum.  Looking forward to hearing more about your finds and creations. 

[moonie]

Hello, hello!  I too am a MCM junkie.  Estate sales here in cental iowa are just FULL of treasure.  I love an "old lady" sale.  These people haven't bought any new furniture or dishes since 1956 and I LOVE IT!  This is the right place for you.

-Moonie

[stephielou]

Thanks all for the warm welcome! On NYE/NYD even!

Hello, hello!  I too am a MCM junkie.  Estate sales here in cental iowa are just FULL of treasure.  I love an "old lady" sale.  These people haven't bought any new furniture or dishes since 1956 and I LOVE IT!  This is the right place for you.

-Moonie

These are my favorite sales too! When I see an ad in the paper that says "dig out" or (my very favorite) "wear closed-toed shoes," I'm all giddy. DH and I walked out of one of these sales over the summer with a giant box filled with 60s shift dresses, scooter dresses, patterns, sewing notions, fabrics, linens, and books for $5. After we got it into the car we went back inside to examine a couch, which we decided to pass on, but of course I found a bunch more stuff, including a Mondrian-inspired bikini! Since it was the last day of the sale and the house was still packed, the liquidator said "just take it!"

Welcome to the boards!  This place is definately too much fun to just lurk.  (I have plenty of places that I just lurk, but this one begs one to join in the fun!) 
Your crafty items sound very neat.  Feel free to share pics of your finds and items made from great finds!!   

Don't mind if I do! Here's the first batch I made when I started the whole purse thing about a year ago. I should add that the patterns are all my own.


1) The outer fabric was a stained Fredericks of Hollywood border print dress. I bought it for $1 at an estate sale, then saw the stains when I got home. I loved the fabric so much, I decided to make a bag out of the unstained sections, and an idea was born! The lining fabric was thrifted 10+ years ago, don't remember what I paid for it. Probably no more than $4

2) The eyelet fabric was a thrifted 50's dress. I tried to sell it on FeeBay twice with no luck, probably because the neckline was pretty matronly. I cut the skirt off and added that to my closet, then made this bag and its covered button out of the bodice. Same trusty thrifted lining fabric.

3 & 4) The outer fabric is vintage wool I inherited from my SIL's MIL (no, that's not my mom!) after she passed. The lining is a thrifted dress.

5) This is one of my favorites. The outer fabric was a 50's silk dress that had a massive stain on the skirt. It was pleated at one hip, I suppose this is called a side or front drape? I decided to keep the off-center pleats as they were. Here's a more detailed pic of this one, but the color is better in the above pic.


That's just a drop in the bucket!

[Femme1]

Welcome, Stephielou!  And I thought I was the only person who buys vintage clothes for the fabric. I have tons of fabric, trims, patterns, notions, and sewing machines that I've found in thrift shops. You should see my sewing room. (I even thrifted old dorm desks to make my T-shaped work area.)

I also collect mid-century modern dinnerware and kitchen stuff, furniture...oh hell, just about everything! We even have our Ben Seibel Harvest Time dishes in common (discussion in another thread).

This is a fun place, and I've gotten addicted to posting here---another addition to my list of obsessions.

[valleythriftshopper]

The great thing about this site is that many members are not only into thrifting but also crafting/sewing which is an inspiration to me as I have so many projects I have been sitting on for a long time!

[Femme1]

What are your projects, VST? Maybe I should start another thread about thrifty craft and sewing projects...

Last year for Christmas, I used sweaters that I'd bought at thrifts, felted them in my washing machine, and made cool pincushions from the felt. People loved them. (My photos are on my work computer...I'll post some when I get back to work tomorrow (arghhhh! work).

A new project that has been waiting for me is making some handbags from thrifted fabric. Stephielou has me all enthused after seeing her wonderful bags. I love your patterns, SL! I've been sewing all my life, but I'm not very good at creating bag patterns (believe me, if I showed you some of the bags I've made, you'd agree). Lately, I've been saving old tired handbags of mine for cutting apart and using them for  patterns, and also for the hardware on them. Me, a hoarder??

[oceangurl]

Hi Stephielou! Welcome to the board, you will love it here, everyone has one thing in common and that's bascially a good bargain, whether it be thrifting, garage sales, estate sales or dollar bags days whereever I am always searching for that elusive find! You have a great creative streak and I love your handbags, how awesome are they? Love the black lace one and the turquoise blue with the lilly pulitzer trim on it, I realize its not probabley real lilly but I love those prints, hence pucci etc. Do you sell your handbags? Well keep creating cause your doing something right! Ciao!

[stephielou]

The great thing about this site is that many members are not only into thrifting but also crafting/sewing which is an inspiration to me as I have so many projects I have been sitting on for a long time!

Before I knew how to sew, I'd always see stuff in the thrifts that I wanted but couldn't justify buying, which I think is actually a big part of why I wanted to learn to sew! I find that thrifing feeds my interest in crafting, which in turn feeds my need for more thrifting, etc!

Welcome, Stephielou!  And I thought I was the only person who buys vintage clothes for the fabric. I have tons of fabric, trims, patterns, notions, and sewing machines that I've found in thrift shops. You should see my sewing room. (I even thrifted old dorm desks to make my T-shaped work area.)

I also collect mid-century modern dinnerware and kitchen stuff, furniture...oh hell, just about everything! We even have our Ben Seibel Harvest Time dishes in common (discussion in another thread).

Sounds like we have a lot in common! Good thing we're not in the same town or we'd be thrift rivals!

I've been sewing all my life, but I'm not very good at creating bag patterns (believe me, if I showed you some of the bags I've made, you'd agree). Lately, I've been saving old tired handbags of mine for cutting apart and using them for  patterns, and also for the hardware on them. Me, a hoarder??

I can completely identify with the hoarding! DH is a purger and I'm an amasser. Poor guy. I also buy bags for their hardware, especially bamboo handles. Though most of my handles came from a craft outlet store where I found them for $.25/pair!

I didn't start to sew until recent years, about 2001 or 02. I taught myself (still learning!) to sew by using the machine's manual and books (thrifted, of course). Craftster also was a huge help in getting me started, and I learned a lot of very basic bag construction techniques from the tutorials there. Believe me, I've got plenty of train wreck bags of my own! Once I got the idea to start re-purposing vintage, something seemed to just click. I think that because I was so excited by the idea, I was braver than usual with what I was willing to try, and I suddenly just kind of got it after years of frustration. Not that I don't still have plenty of that!

Love the black lace one and the turquoise blue with the lilly pulitzer trim on it, I realize its not probabley real lilly but I love those prints, hence pucci etc.

Thanks oceangurl! I've scored a couple of lillys in my day, but they fetch a lot more as lillys than as stephielous! You got me thinking about the dress that I used, and that brought to mind an interesting pattern I've noticed. That particular dress was a home sewn cutie, and I find that a lot (maybe most) of the clothing that I buy for re-purposing is home made. It started life as fabric on a bolt, and some crafty mama bought it, made herself a muumuu, donated said muumuu, which I then return to yardage and re-sew. Muumuu mama would be so proud!

[valleythriftshopper]

What are your projects, VST? Maybe I should start another thread about thrifty craft and sewing projects...

Last year for Christmas, I used sweaters that I'd bought at thrifts, felted them in my washing machine, and made cool pincushions from the felt.

I never learned to sew as a kid or do any needlecrafts, nor did any one I know.  I have taken some classes as an adult, but I am just doing basic things.  I recently made a furniture throw (less constructed than a slip cover) for a chair, but that was pretty easy.  I have some nice vintage fabric that I would like to use.  I have seen some interesting ideas in Better Homes & Gardens, which is actually a good magazine for thirft & yard sale people because many of the wealthy home owners featured get their antique knick knacks at these places too (alot of it is cottage style, so I guess you'd have to a fan of that look).  

A woman in the magazine had a bowlful of little square sachets pillows that she made to display her vintage fabrics.  I am going to do this & trim them with some of the antique lace I have.  Also I hope to make some hanging sachet pillows with old embrodiery cutters I have.  Then I can actually see all the fabrics I have rather than have them sit in a drawer (also these things don't take up much space).  

First I have to organize my sewing area which is a mess, I am painting a yard sale cabinet at the moment for storage.  I notice alot of people talk about using their mother's old sewing machine which I do too.  I have a newer Viking Husqvarna, but have ended up sticking with the Singer Stylist zig zag model 413 as it is a work horse.  I can put thick fabric in it with no problem.  I will post pics when I have accomplished something!

[Jay2TheRescue]

The great thing about this site is that many members are not only into thrifting but also crafting/sewing which is an inspiration to me as I have so many projects I have been sitting on for a long time!

Before I knew how to sew, I'd always see stuff in the thrifts that I wanted but couldn't justify buying, which I think is actually a big part of why I wanted to learn to sew! I find that thrifing feeds my interest in crafting, which in turn feeds my need for more thrifting, etc!

Welcome, Stephielou!  And I thought I was the only person who buys vintage clothes for the fabric. I have tons of fabric, trims, patterns, notions, and sewing machines that I've found in thrift shops. You should see my sewing room. (I even thrifted old dorm desks to make my T-shaped work area.)

I also collect mid-century modern dinnerware and kitchen stuff, furniture...oh hell, just about everything! We even have our Ben Seibel Harvest Time dishes in common (discussion in another thread).

Sounds like we have a lot in common! Good thing we're not in the same town or we'd be thrift rivals!

I've been sewing all my life, but I'm not very good at creating bag patterns (believe me, if I showed you some of the bags I've made, you'd agree). Lately, I've been saving old tired handbags of mine for cutting apart and using them for  patterns, and also for the hardware on them. Me, a hoarder??

I can completely identify with the hoarding! DH is a purger and I'm an amasser. Poor guy. I also buy bags for their hardware, especially bamboo handles. Though most of my handles came from a craft outlet store where I found them for $.25/pair!

I didn't start to sew until recent years, about 2001 or 02. I taught myself (still learning!) to sew by using the machine's manual and books (thrifted, of course). Craftster also was a huge help in getting me started, and I learned a lot of very basic bag construction techniques from the tutorials there. Believe me, I've got plenty of train wreck bags of my own! Once I got the idea to start re-purposing vintage, something seemed to just click. I think that because I was so excited by the idea, I was braver than usual with what I was willing to try, and I suddenly just kind of got it after years of frustration. Not that I don't still have plenty of that!

Love the black lace one and the turquoise blue with the lilly pulitzer trim on it, I realize its not probabley real lilly but I love those prints, hence pucci etc.

Thanks oceangurl! I've scored a couple of lillys in my day, but they fetch a lot more as lillys than as stephielous! You got me thinking about the dress that I used, and that brought to mind an interesting pattern I've noticed. That particular dress was a home sewn cutie, and I find that a lot (maybe most) of the clothing that I buy for re-purposing is home made. It started life as fabric on a bolt, and some crafty mama bought it, made herself a muumuu, donated said muumuu, which I then return to yardage and re-sew. Muumuu mama would be so proud!

I had to mention this on sewing...  As most of you here know my mother is an avid quilter, and collects all things Singer.  In her collection is a book distributed by Singer in the 50's that is basically a how-to book for beginners.  The funniest thing is that on the first few pages it describes how to prepare for sewing. 

Among the things to do before sitting down to sew are: 

• Do your hair.
• Put on your makeup.
• Make dessert for tonight's dinner.

Now you are ready to sew without worry!  I swear they were training a generation of women to be Donna Reed!  (BTW, there is nothing wrong with that.)

Mom and I always get a laugh out of that one.

-Jay

[SecondhandSophisticate]

I had to mention this on sewing...  As most of you here know my mother is an avid quilter, and collects all things Singer.  In her collection is a book distributed by Singer in the 50's that is basically a how-to book for beginners.  The funniest thing is that on the first few pages it describes how to prepare for sewing. 

Among the things to do before sitting down to sew are: 

• Do your hair.
• Put on your makeup.
• Make dessert for tonight's dinner.

Now you are ready to sew without worry!  I swear they were training a generation of women to be Donna Reed!  (BTW, there is nothing wrong with that.)

Mom and I always get a laugh out of that one.

-Jay
[/quote]

So Jay, tell me:  Did the book actually mention when one would actually have the time to sew after all that, LOL! What about: Make breakfast, get the kids and hubby off to school, grocery shop, do the laundry, take care of the pet(s), pick up kids from school, take them to Brownies/Cub Scouts/Debate team, tuba lessons, dr.'s appointments, etc.  What a hoot! 

 
SeSo