Harvesting Handiwork Materials

Submitted by: Heather Schrock

If you sew, knit or crochet, but balk at the prices of yarn and notions, this one is for you. When I need buttons, zippers, clasps for a man's vest, or pretty yarn, I visit my local Salvation Army. Often, if you keep your ears open you will hear about 10-cent sales, 25-cent sales, etc. Even if you decide to shop Goodwill (slightly more expensive than Salvation Army), you can find shirts with usable buttons, beautiful wool sweaters which you can carefully cut and unravel and reuse, and dresses and skirts with great zippers. One of my favorites is buying a man's wool sweater, shrinking it, and sewing it into a beautiful and very agreeable diaper soaker (don't forget the lanolin!). I don't think there's been a time I haven't saved using this method. Also, if someone gives you a bag of clothing, even if you don't like the styles, glean the notions.

So, next time you go garage-saling or thrift shopping, broaden your perspective just a little and save lots!

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