Thrift Store Tips

Great finds and tips!  I always forget about visiting thrift shop for things other than clothes.  It would be a great place to go when looking for things for DD's college apartment!  Thanks!

Also, look for items that can be altered for a small price.  Even if it doesn't fit quite right, and you like it, it may be worth it to pay a seamstress to make it just right.

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Originally Posted by Kim 

Also, look for items that can be altered for a small price.  Even if it doesn't fit quite right, and you like it, it may be worth it to pay a seamstress to make it just right.

I bought some too-big jeans at a thrift store and made them into maternity jeans.  It worked GREAT and it was sooooo much cheaper than buying maternity jeans (which never fit right anyway).

Some thirft stores have coupons as well. My favorite thrift store has 40% one item coupons on the bags on Mondays, so I generally only go there on Monday.

I've also seen "fill a bag for $1" or sometimes $5 bins depending on how old the inventory is. If you can find one or two things worth it, it's essentially a free way to get fabric for craft projects, etc.

Also ask about anything you can think of discounts if you aren't a senior (only if it applies to you of course! you might have to show an ID). My favorite thirft store does 10% off for students, military, educators, clergy/other religious workers, and lots of volunteer workers like girl scout troop leaders and stuff.

My tip would be find out what day your thrift store does markdowns. We have one that does markdowns on Mondays so that's the best day for me! Also, if you have any Goodwills in your area, they markdown a certain color tag everyweek. I go there on Sundays for the fresh markdowns!

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Originally Posted by caraway 

 

I've also seen "fill a bag for $1" or sometimes $5 bins depending on how old the inventory is. If you can find one or two things worth it, it's essentially a free way to get fabric for craft projects, etc.

This is so true! I went to a second hand store that was going out of business and snagged a pink 80's style cocktail dress for $1. Yes, it's pretty ugly, but, it was covered in a pastel pink lace and you know that lace alone would cost more than $1 somewhere else!!

I just saw this idea for an upcycled skirt from via FlowerPie on Etsy.  So cute!!   That seller has a lot of recycled/upcycled clothing.  If you know how to sew, there are lots of great possibilities with old textiles.

Pinterest is an AWESOME source for upcycling projects!  My sewing machine has been getting more use this summer than it has in the past 20 years.  I've made skirts, tank tops, and workout tops all from t-shirts, as well as swimsuit coverups from beach towels, a table runner out of burlap, and wreaths out of fabric scraps.  It's very inspiring to see photos of what other people have made, and a bonus if you can get their instructions on how to do it.