Archive for nifty thrifty

Nifty Thrifty: Thriftenstein

October 18, 2011 crafting, nifty thrifty 2 comments
So, I’m a girl of simple tastes. A bit of a bargain hunter perhaps. If there’s one thing I love more than thrift stores, it’s thrift CRAFT stores. Craft supplies are awesome, but insanely cheap craft supplies make me have a small fits of glee. Not to mention that, like regular thrift stores, thrift craft stores are full of the hilarious mistakes of taste from years past. Naturually I was downright giddy when I got to visit not one, but two, thrift craft stores on a recent trip to California to visit my mom.
The Legacy Thrift & Gift Shop
781 Gravenstein Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95472
My mom and I paid a visit to The Legacy on my previous visit and we couldn’t wait to get back again. We actually had excellent timing; we ended up going to day before they briefly closed for a remodel. The store is now three doors down at 789 Gravenstein Ave while the original space is being completely remodeled. The original shop was well organized and the staff is very helpful and friendly; I’m sure the new space is no different
Besides the great prices, you can feel doubly good about shopping there as proceeds benefit the Sebastapol Area Senior Center, which provides activities and classes for adults and seniors.

Fabric is sold by the pound, trims by the yard, and other materials are prices as marked. They have a large selection of supplies including sewing notions, books, cross-stitch and embroidery, yarns, appliques, and more. They also offer some ready made consignment items.
Our second stop was new to us, but had been around in one place or another since 1976.
SCRAP: A Source for the Resourceful
801 Toland Street
San Francisco, CA 94124

SCRAP was started as a way to get donated craft and art supplies to underfunded schools as well as artists and parents. SCRAP now diverts up to 200 tons (that’s TONS) of materials that would otherwise be sent to landfills. They also offer field trips, classes, volunteer opportunities, or simply just a place to find amazing and weird cheap stuff.
 

SCRAP is really dedicated to creative resuse, which means you’ll find more than just your average art supplies. Not that the selection of art and craft supplies is anything to sneeze at. SCRAP offers fabric, paper goods, buttons, paints, trims, brushes, wood pieces, metal, and glass to name a few. The fun is in the entirely random and wonderful things hiding in there. The picture above is a detail of a huge drum on these. I have no idea what they are; I bought 20. There was a huge bin of teeny glass bottles; another of what looked like promo buttons. There was a rack of books and magazines, which housed a collection of sci-fi novels from the 70′s. (I so would have bought them all if I hadn’t been flying back.) My mom and I spent probably 45 minutes going through tubs of buttons.
Also, there is some rad signage.
Does anyone else visit any similiar places?

Nifty Thrifty – Creature from the Year Thrift-Thousand

September 18, 2011 nifty thrifty No comments
This week’s Nifty Thrifty is a little about the view on the way to the thrift store rather than the thrift store itself.
If I can manage to sneak out of work a little early on Fridays, I take a little stroll to the bus stop and head to the thrift store. I work in a fairly industrialized area, but it still makes for a really nice walk after sitting in an office all day. It was so nice this past Friday that I decided to take a few photos on the way.
There are two wooden posts on either side of driveway on the way. One is just a normal, weathered wooden post. The other one is this:

Post Guy looks a little quizzical. Perhaps he’s curious about why has such a severe flat top.

Once I get to the bus stop, there are several trees to wait under.

The bus stop takes me to the light rail station and then to the thrift store. The stations were I live are each decorated in a different theme. The two I see on the way to the thrift store are not two of my favorites, but I do like one thing. The elevator at one is decorated with a mosaic of reflectors. I love the idea of using not artistic things to make art and the reflectors catch the light really nicely.

There are also several ginkgo trees on the walk between the light rail station and the thrift store.  Ginkgo leaves are one of my favorite shades of green and the yellow they turn in autumn is just as pretty. They also satisfy my nerdiness because they’re really interesting trees. NERD ALERT! The ginkgo is classified in it’s own taxonomic classification and is basically a living fossil as it is closely related to species from 200 million years ago. It’s thought that wild growing ginkgo trees died out and the tree was saved and continued only by human cultivation. It’s nice when humans save something instead of killing it. Also, the Chinese name basically means “tree with the leaves like a duck foot”. How awesome is that?

Nifty Thrifty: Attack of the Thrift People

September 10, 2011 clothes, nifty thrifty, skirts, tutorials No comments
I’ve gushed about thrifted textiles before and how wonderful they are if you sew as a source of plentiful and super cheap fabric. Where else can you get five or six yards of lovely fabric for just a few dollars? Thrifted sheets are especially radical if you like full skirts, which I do, because they’re large enough that you don’t have to do a lot of annoying piecing. Added bonus: they’re already hemmed, which means less hemming for you. This is awesome beause hemming sucks. Case in point:
I made this full wrap skirt with contrasting tie waist in about an hour. Don’t let anyone tell you it doesn’t pay off to be cheap and lazy.
Do you want to make your own? You’ll need:
A sheet
Coordinating cotton (about 3/8 of a yard for 45″ wide fabric)
Matching thread
Optional: Tape measure
If you have a wrap skirt you like already, you can just use that as a pattern. If not,  all you need to make your own pattern is a tape measure and a little math. (Just a little, I promise.) A wrap skirt is basically just a modified circle skirt, so you only need two measurements: around your waist where you want the skirt to sit and the length you want the skirt. Multiply your waist measurement by 1.5 to accomodate the overlap, because  flashing people on windy days is bad. You’ll then half that measurement since your fabric will be folded in half.
For example, if you have a 32″ waist:
 32 x 1.5 = 48
48 / 2 = 24
So if you have a 32 inch waist, the top curve of your pattern should be at least 24″ long. The shape we’re working with is a fourth of a circle, so multiply this measurement by 4 to get the entire circumfrence of the circle.
24 x 4 = 96
Divide this number by 6.28 to find the radius of your cirlce. (You can also use this handy calculator.) Since you have a good amount of overlap, you can round the measurement to the nearest whole number to make measuring easier. We’ll  call this final measurement “W“.
96 / 6.28 = about 15″
Determine the length you want the skirt and add 1″ for your hem. We’ll call this measurement “L“.
Now we’re done with math! Fold your sheet in half long ways, so the top and the bottom meet. Your measurements are going to be made from the top corner of the folded edge (see the red circle in the diagram below). From this corner, measure out “W” and then “L” along both sides. Also measure “W” and “L” from this corner along several points in the middle part of the fabric, and connect to draw the top and bottom of the skirt. Pin and cut through both layers of fabric.


You’ll also need to two 5″ wide strips of coordinating 45″ cotton fabric. The easiest way to do this is to just snip into the selvage (the woven edge on the fabric) and then tear along the length of the fabric. Then measure down 5″, make another snip, and tear. Less time cutting and you get nice, straight pieces. Sew the pieces together along one short edge, so you have a piece measuring about 90″ x 5″. (The strip needs to be long enough to wrap around your waist twice and tie. If two pieces isn’t long enough, just attach an additional strip.)
Line up the center of your waistband and the center of the skirt with good sides facing. Pin and sew the waistband to the top edge of the skirt. (The straight sides should already have the sheet’s exisisting hem, so no need to bother hemming them.) The waistband will be longer than the top of the skirt; this extra fabric will become the ties.
Iron the waistband flat, pressing the seam allowance to the waistband side.
Fold the waistband in half good sides together. Sew along the open edges with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Stop at the edge of the skirt.
I chose to make the ends of my ties into a point, but you can do whatever shape you like. Just be sure to cut away any excess fabric.
Turn right side out and press. You should have a raw, unstictched edge where the waistband is attached to the skirt along only one side. Press this edge under 1/2″. Fold the edge over with the wrong sides of the waistband facing. Line the folded edge up with your waistband seam. Pin in place and topstitch close to edge.
Now just press and stitch a double 1/2″ hem along the bottom and you’re done!
If there are any questions, I’m happy to help. I’d also to love to see any skirts that are made using this tutorial. If you’d like to share a picture of your skirt you can link in the comments below or email me at kittyzilla@handmadestuffs.com.

Nifty Thrifty: Creature from the Thrift Dimension

September 7, 2011 nifty thrifty, stupid, tableware One comment

I have a Nifty Thrifty post with a tutorial (oh so snazzy) planned for this weekend. In the meantime, have this mug. When you think of beautiful rainbows, don’t you think of … Detroit?

Nifty Thrifty: Bride of Thrift

August 16, 2011 nifty thrifty, owls, thrifting No comments
This week’s Nifty Thrifty is dedicated to thrifted versions of one of my favorite animals, owls! I’ve always loved owls and I’m so happy that they’re so popular. (Actually, are owls still popular or have we moved onto unicorns or squids or chupacabras now?) They’re incredibly interesting and occassionally hilarious birds and I can’t help but be amazed when I see one glide silently through the tress. There are several owls in our neighborhood, although we tend to hear them much more frequently than we see them. One of them has the funniest hoot, he always sounds so excited.
Since I don’t get to see them very much, I have to be content with inanimate versions. These little guys are currently hanging out on top of kitchen cabinets.
I assume this is meant to be painted as there’s no finish on it. I like it plain white though.
I think both of these would look cute painted a bright, solid color. A can of spray paint in a current color is a great way to update thrifted finds, and can also cover up any small imperfections. I am personally on the hunt for a large ceramic rhino to paint an obnoxious color. You have to have a dream, right?

I love this little pair, although they look super angry.

I also found this cute little childrens smock at the thrift store. It had some stains near the bottom, so I turned it into two little owl patches with some iron on fusible web.

Nifty Thrifty – Son of the Thrift

August 7, 2011 nifty thrifty, thrifting No comments
If you’re looking for home decor besides sheets and curtains, thrift stores are also lousy with assorted tableware and kitchenware.  Look no farther than the thrift store for a cheap way to get a lovely table setting or add some kitschy charm to the kitchen. I love the look of mismatched place settings using plates that are similar in color or tone.
Check out these gorgeous thrifted vintage table settings at Once Wed and Edyta Photography. There are also some lovely vintage tableware at this post on Want.
Here are some cute finds I’ve gotten at the local thrift shop.
You can turn sweet china cups like this into equally adorable pincushions. Measure the diamater of the cup and cut a cirlce of fabric with a diameter twice as long. (So if you’re cup measures 4 inches across, cut an 8 inch wide circle of fabric. Run a gathering stitch around the edge of the fabric and pull to gather. Stuff firmly before pulling the thread as tight as possible and tying off. Glue in place with hot glue or fabric glue and trim in desired.

You can also combine plates, cups, and other tableware to make lovely tiered serving trays or cake stands. Use it as the centerpiece of the table covered with candies, baked treats, or flowers. I’ve also used it as a way to store jewelry that is pretty and easily accessible.

I used three dishes and two cups to make this, but you can use any combination you like. Use one cup or short candlestick with a pretty plate for a cake stand, or use two plates and one cup for a shorter tiered display. To do, first decide how you would like your items arranged. Once you have a set up you like, wash and dry the plates throroughly. Try to avoid touching the plates or cups where they will be glued to avoid getting any oils from your fingers on them. Use a strong waterproof glue like E-6000 to attach them. Apply it to the edges of the cups, making sure to apply a generous amount to avoid any gaps between the plate and cup where water could seep in. View from multiple angles or measure from the edge of the plate to the cup to ensure that the cup is centered. Use a cotton swab to wipe away any excess glue. Once you have it all assembled, place a heavy book on top and leave it to set until the glue is cured.

Nifty Thrifty: The Return of the Thrift

July 30, 2011 fabric, nifty thrifty, sewing, thrifting No comments
It’s Nifty Thrifty time again! This week is all about thrifted textiles. Sheets, curtains, pillowcases, and fabric are plentiful and cheap at thrift stores. Check out some of the neat sheets and curtains I’ve gotten:


I love the polka dots on this coupled with the bright flowers. This is definitely getting made into a skirt or dress.

I’m not even sure what this is, there’s some weird ruffly bit around the edges. I love the color and pattern though.

I think these are curtains, there are ruffles on one edge but they’re made out of what feels like lightweight canvas. I love the pattern though, it’s all gnomes and woodland creatures. I think this will make great totes and pillows.
Ha ha, remember those things that were around before mp3 players? Yeah, me neither.
If you sew, thrifted sheets are a great source of super cheap fabric. A flat sheet offers close to five yards for less than $5. Using pre-made items also give you the advantage of having finished edges, which means less time finishing seams or making hems. My ingenuity is a direct result of my laziness and hatred of hemming. I seriously hate hemming.
I’ve made several small quilts using squares cut from thrifted sheets. The white and yellow floral above is from a thrifted sheet.
The creamy orange stripe, yellow tulips, and larger scale floral on the quilt above are all thrifted. The larger scale floral was a pillowcase and one of my favorite finds; I love the grey background with the springy oranges and greens. I’ve used it to make a fabric belt too.

If you’re so inclined, you can make your own fabric belt. even if you’re not inclined, do it anyway. It’s super duper easy. You can check out the tutorial I posted here.
My skirts is made of curtains, it’s like Sound of Music up in here. I seriously love these curtains and their amazing ugly 70-ness. I have a serious soft spot for horrible seventies things. I may have scared my friend by freaking out about avocado green flocked wallpaper in a random furniture store in Gastonia, NC. (If you’ve never been to Gastonia, first of all, congratulations. Also going there is like time travel but not in a good way. But there’s an gigantamous fabric store and kitschy mini golf, so it’s pretty much worth it.)
You can also use thrifted sheets and curtains as what they were intended to be, if you want to be all boring and stuff. The curtains in my craft room are thrifted and I love the bright colors and florals. Fellow Crown Town Handmade member Amanda offers cute sets with coordinating pillowcases and sheets. You can check out the sets at Verabelle’s Attic. I love the look of coordinating but not matching linens, it’s a much more interesting and personalized look.
That’s it for this week. I’ll probably post again next Saturday or something.

Nifty Thrifty: The Thriftening

July 23, 2011 clothes, nifty thrifty, thrifting 3 comments
Anyone who knows me even a little, or just looks at my Flickr account, can tell I am a big fan of thrifting. It seems it’s gaining in popularity, what with vintage fashion experiencing a surge in popularity and also everyone being poor. Prepare for hipsterness; I did it before it was cool. My childhood Saturday mornings, my parents and I would head to the big AmVets thrift store in downtown Fresno. I think the building has since been torn down for baseball stadium parking, which is lame because it was an awesome old building full of little nooks and cranies and hilarious crap. My mom and I would take turns suggesting hideous sweaters to each other and giggling while my dad looked for random junk and the most embarrassing pants he could find. He had a thing for knock off Zumba pants with geckos and chili peppers.  Now you know where I get my fabulous fashion sense. Oh, yeah. 
Since thrifting holds a special place in my cheap little heart and Saturday is my traditional thrifting day, every Saturday is Nifty Thrifty! I’ll be showcasing my recent finds and older acquisitions, as well as cool stuff other people have thrifted. I’ll also be including tips for thrifting, projects for thrifted goods, and probably some other stuff. Yay stuff!
The first installment of Nifty Thrifty is going to be dedicated to some of my favorite thrifted clothing. Clothing is most of what I thrift, and I have to say it has totally spoiled me when I shop in real stores. I was seriously debating buying a $30 dress at Target. THIRTY WHOLE DOLLARS I CAN GET LIKE 20 SKIRTS FOR THAT. But it was super cute and the last one, so I’ll deal.
This outfit is all thrifted and has some of my favorite pieces. I got the summery little dress last year, but the denim vest is a more recent acquisition that I’m predicting will get massive amounts of wear. Want to know why?
Check out the sweet rainbow studs; it’s like hardcore adorable. I’m pretty sure this is a little kids vest and I don’t care. It’s all soft and stretchy and broken in, which is another good thing about thrifted clothes. Also, it makes my boyfriend roll his eyes which I enjoy because we basically live to annoy each other. We’re mature.
Speaking of vests, I made this one sort of. I was having trouble finding a vest I liked, and then I remembered vests are just blazers with no sleeves. So I thrfited a blazer and cut off the sleeves. If you want to make a blazer into a vest, cut the sleeves off about an inch below the shoulder seam. Fold a double 1/2″ seam and sew. Magic!
These are some more of my favorites. The dress is super cutesy and fun to pair with less girly things like wide belts, black tights, and boots. Here’s a better view of the top of the dress. I also wear the crap out of this giant scarf when it’s chilly because it’s basically like wearing a small blanket around your neck, except you look slighly less crazy.
It seems I’m developing a proclivity for clothing with big birds on it. Two of my all time favorite finds are the owly skirt and the peacock dress. The owl on the owly skirt is a pocket, and skirts with pockets are automatic win. It also has little built in shorts from lining material so I don’t flash people when I fall over. Which is often.



Dresses with giant peacocks on them are totally versatile



Then, of course, there is the peacock dress. My cost per wear, even after having to translant the peacock to a new dress, is probably below $1 at this point. If I had to describe my style in one word, that word would be “peacockdress”. Because I am a cheater. But also because I love this dress like chocolate cupcakes and adorable piglets and I am going to cry when this poor peacock is too beat up to wear anymore. I might make a montage video with sad music too, we’ll see.