There is something akin to archaeology in "Op-shopping" you never know what treasures you might uncover. I have op shopped on and off since I was a teenager. I was especially addicted as a late teen due to my absolute love of "vintage" clothing; I only wish I had some photos of my crazy outfits: platform shoes, flares, wide lapels and "cat" rimmed glasses! I was hip and knew it - ah the folly of youth.
But enough of this nostalgic rubbish; the clothes gradually fell apart, the styles changed and alas so did my waistline; what remained was the love of hunting for treasures in op-shops.
Over the last few years I have found a number of wonderful things, useful things and beautiful things. Some of my favourite finds have been sewing related: bags of vintage buttons
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRdzR_-L8qXbNyM5Msbxn2snxArp94k3opTjvqwjt8tqx41_e7meA-AYp0g5V1v5KfMZMovXx5DniM6bT6THkBkkIZlPhsBBB8yqKM5jhjbS9E5tkSDSoNLh8Z7NUq7kX6FzypwaokpFc/s500/DSC_0029.JPG) |
Lovely Buttons! |
A large tub of zips
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hcNALhbCnUsp8CxNQrN5AgsEy8dHc_suzGWDX9fM-6T0YspJKclqUYV8ict8xAxmHLAbAADCTkxcYFTBbQjDP3_enD4b0WnJxlD1vmfh0DS8-d85TT0_vHuJnELiAcOndbq_hr4T5H2f/s500/DSC_0034.jpg) |
Zips |
Vintage sewing patterns amongst other things . I love the fact that these sewing related items can be used and turned into a new (and often much loved) item.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqffBj9IPW-E0tmIisvK-P0Z9sNzkJ3t5eEAufZWAGx9X6Vfwur3duEmSGSF2poN62OCADw9Zm5xEFI-1NKOVR4mXGQEf326q0TXu1bFcbOf0gT1uviKbxfuC05hzTq9klXqCvPyDLMiIN/s500/DSC_0037.JPG) |
Cute patterns |
Now we come to the pleasant surprise; I decided on the spur of the moment to go and have a look at two op-shops I have not been to for quite some time. In the first store I found a rectangle embroidery frame for $3.00; I was considering buying one of these to help decorate the Princess Elizabeth dress I am making this year. In the second store I found some very lovely buttons; I love cute buttons and have a good sized stash that I jealously guard.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlh2xH_f7LThG2_DiJrVipTEewv4YxvWHyhFG6n0l4QqJM7rVIzKDzaiqdD5GTeIiOs2dLIwbg0axdxsb-uxWbBLL3Ba2Cz_uuBXRIySbQ1bZR1rZLtOmLASX2tbY7c4NZRv1JipX34he/s500/DSC_0032.jpg) |
Embroidery frame |
If you have followed this ramble up to this point you might be asking where is the surprise?
The surprise came in the form of a wonderful woman who didn't just make my day, but my whole week! I was at the counter hunting through the costume jewellery for any that could be used in the Princess Elizabeth dress when I over heard a conversation between the women behind the counter and a customer. The gist of the conversation was that she had a few boxes of sewing stuff and really wanted to give it to someone who would actually have a use for it. Well as you may guess I spoke up and we arranged a time for me to come and collect the boxes.
Later that day a friend and I went and collected the boxes; what a surprise!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlVbvjR-nhLU-GNUa0JuCbd0NuQZ2OdgiHndokRE2E6mB8FFvxKOPkAJvyraYjvI_KCc35cmDIySwRU_Oim4WHlDanh4Rek8nUZJxT00-ZW4Bwr_BRa5tSNqaj2dIuD214WYbUmz4d_Sz/s500/DSCN1666.JPG) |
Vintage sewing goodies! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhjfjPaCejUdR0JO7P1gvo7K3g0mV5sE4rV0EThIMhRCyn6AeSz_f4dCBQOTWjvpP4ddwV1qbQqeplB-sTQyaRAbSVjx59-79eFWGKrbTAUIdgMriAua6NQny1OuVfOj-m6TciW18zDH_/s500/DSCN1665.JPG) |
Various sewing supplies |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_YvyZ5e8Ylt7NEaOBpetZ2xa9qQLK-11_jzQtMxBuMDSN9OY7tv8wawhFwoNnObmj2awbC4vUdsQP2anj9Uuw9mJjDssKyt_toyQl1I-W75xAxc8NNPwCCXT-hZ9HVTitf7jFysP1V3A/s500/DSCN1668.JPG) |
The magazine you can see here is from October 1935! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9BUfNw9HJ5n6qdcaHssho8_aGvWfP79TovSqchX2wEqsuePmmsNLQySXV9wlop9sahHMi5re-60eUHTlVYCLhyphenhyphen7tEvYTdbCJW6cDmXeCNuLvObOvuqoIAetQLAIwy7ZkD6RZ7ottCFQh/s500/DSCN1673.JPG) |
More magazines, I think these are from the 1950s |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvH48rIlOjBvuZvPMGTZx10BbUmCoeX-kKd2zguQkNMfllxMBSowPx_SemmtXCq1fcKcQwwlvn_Nn9CvBIzNhMnhXAzCMZeZ3CRjZvp_5NslvkNeNRGsXl6Qd7Df5eQOpCKEXB25eHv9h/s500/DSCN1671.JPG) |
Wooden spools of thread |
I am in love with vintage sewing supplies so this and I will try to find a good use for everything here.
To the lovely woman who gave me these treasures thank you!
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