I really do. Before I used to sew as often as I do now (like 10 years ago), I would op-shop mainly for cool clothes that no one else wanted. It was cheap, and I got some nice things! I saved a lot of money that I didn't have that way, but not having to buy the latest clothing and working my own odd style into the clothes I bought for $4 each instead of $40.

This filters into my sewing. I mean, I sew because (a) I LOVE making stuff and (b) I want to save my husband money on our clothes. And I do. A LOT. So buying designer brand fabric just doesn't make sense to me, really. Why buy fabric that costs you an arm and a leg? It really just reminds me of highschool when everyone had to have brand name stuff (in my town it was like surf labels). I don't get it.

Jelly Sandals for Edison, 50c!

My niece Ruby is a good shopping partner!

 Every time I go op-shopping I always seem to return with a crocheted granny throw blanket. This time Betty picked up one as well and so did I!


 I usually score a lot bigger with the kiddie clothes, but since we are right in the middle of moving houses (and finding a new house to live in) I decided that the kids have more than enough clothes! So Edison got this cute little vintage dress...


And Vincent got this gnarly acid-wash denim jacket!

The dude did not want to model. He wanted to jump on the trampoline.

 So this just shows how old this shopping post is, I had fading red hair. (it's been orange and now it is pink & orange!) So a few months ago! However here is a snap my sister took of me with my haul. The grand total would have been about $70 because those fluro pink converse kicks at the top of the page? $25 brand new from the op-shop. I wear them every-where now!


The most awesome thing about op-shopping these days for me, apart from the above reason of saving a lot of money (and also finding really unique stuff!) is that it's good for the environment too! I'm tired of buying cheap crap (although awesome) from Kmart that falls apart after a few washes. I'm sick of supporting places that outsource all their sewing in poverty-stricken countries (and although in my mind I feel bad that that might mean those people won't have jobs?), I like that I am doing my own bit. People get rid of SO much crap. Also I like being different, in case you haven't noticed, not because I want people to look at me but because I'm not a sheep ^_^

So go plan a second-hand shopping trip some time soon! Some days you will turn up nothing you fancy, but don't give up because some days you have this STREAK and you can find some amazing stuff! Good luck!