that 70's book..

Hooray for working withing walking distance to about 4 op shops :)!! a couple of weeks ago at lunchtime i popped into Vinnies and came out with these great treasures...

books: The complete sewing course and a fantastic 70's read the complete book of Handicrafts ($2 each). The complete sewing course is full of and information on different sewing techniques, hand stitches, trims and finishes, how to change patterns and even includes some gorgeous patterns - (kimono, cot quilt, camisole and skirt, kiddies 'dungarees' etc). The Handicraft book is huge.. with so much exciting stuff I'm try!
- smocking, embroidery, appliqué, knitting (and different stitches), crochet, patchwork, tatting - has anyone tried this before? it's looks fun and effective!- macrame, tapestry, rugmaking!?!, leatherwork, paperwork, basketwork, jewelery, toy making, hats etc etc etc and some great charts ie: dictionary of yarn types, knitting yarn tension guide, needle and thread stitch for what type of fabric your using, guide to pattern sizes... i could keep going on! what a little treasure I've found!!
and i also found these 2 fun vintage patterns. although they are sizes 12-14 and 16 and large. so I'm not quite sure what I'll do with them yet:( but they were too cute to resist AND the lady ended up saying i could have them for free!! and I'm sure theres something in that complete sewing course book about changing pattern sizes :)...

heres a little peek inside the handicrafts book:

i definitely want to try out those oven mits!

and how cute is this little smock??

matching mother and daughter smocks (yes theres a pattern) - cute, although I don't think it'd ever wear it! and i like this little crocheted dress, oh and the long socks!! :)

oh and did i mention it has lots of cute apron patterns too?!!

thrifty finds!

being incredibly inspired by many other blogs, (particularly Soule Mamma's blog) and her amazing 'thrifting' finds (not used to that word, but i like it) i decided to go thrifting. i have always loved op shopping and am more than happy to spend blissful hours in one shop scrounging to the back shelf for anything interesting. I remember many trips to different op shops, particularly 'browse about' with my aunts (my dad's three crazy sisters) and my grandma and some cousins whenever we were all together each coming home with a $5 bag. My school also used to have an op shop and we sneaked to it during our free periods a few times! so i decided it was about time i started op shopping again.. here are some of my finds from last Saturday:

a bedspread ($3) isn't it cute!? definetly a favourite!


a 'horrible histories' book for my brother to add to his collection (50c!!):


some off cut fabric possibly for when i learn to patchwork. hello new years resolution! :) - 80c

a pattern book for children ($1), which i brought just for the pattern of a cute little smock :)
i was so happy when i got it home and realised that the patterns are still stuck in the little instruction book and have never been used! (see top photo)


some hallmark cards 50c-$1:


and quite possibly my favourite find, a book on 'Country Decorating' with the original price tag ($64.40 from Dymocks), which i scored for a whole $1!! the cover is pretty faded and dody, so i was pleasantly surprised when i opened it up and saw the beautiful photography and fun projects such as making little tea candles out of jam jars, how to distress a frame and furniture, make a window dressing, a beach canopy, window curtains and some fun table decoration ideas etc etc. i just love this book so much!