Thrifted Fabric

November 2, 2011

Written by Meg

I don’t normally post about fabric. But today I am particularly jazzed – so i had to share. Last week whilst on a trip to my favourite underpriced thrift store, I found that someone had donated their entire fabric stash – of UNUSED vintage fabrics STILL WITH THEIR PURCHASE TAGS ON! what?!?!!? freak out! Even better – i got the whole box for $20.

I wanted to cry with excitement. It’s so hard to find vintage fabric – I normally have good luck with vintage sheets (which i love working with), but unused fabric? wowza.

Almost all the pieces are over 2 yards in length, which leaves me with heaps of options for using them – and there were some amazing pieces. My favourite is a piece of 100% wool suiting, with tiny herringbone pattern. But I just can’t get over all the gorgeous plaids and unusual prints.

The photo above is of my favourite pieces – but that’s only half of what i got! I am dying over here people. I cannot wait to start using it all!

About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

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Claudia

11 years ago

what a great score!!! Do you have a huge smile going on right now? ;)

If you don’t mind me asking where is the store? I live in MD/VA/DC area too.

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Claudia

hehe i TOTALLY have a huge smile whenever i look at that fabric!! So nice to meet another local :) It was kind of a fluke, as they don’t normally have fabric at this thrift store – but it’s just called “thrift store” it’s in Warrenton va – it’s a charity place linked to a food bank (all proceeds go to the foodbank, so i love supporting it). I’ve been trying to find a link for you, but it doesn’t seem to show up anywhere.

Loren

11 years ago

This is an amazing find! Can’t wait to see some of the things you make!

Van@The Clothes We Wear

11 years ago

Wow, Megan! A lucky find.

Fabi

11 years ago

Woweee! I have to admit I’m kinda (more like reeeally) jealous! The fabrics are lovely, can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Fabi

hehehe thanks fabi!! i almost can’t bring myself to use them because i love them so much! silly me :)

Amy

11 years ago

Awesome find! I love getting fabric from the thrift store!

Sarah

11 years ago

I love buying thrifted fabric! Actually that’s where I get the majority of my fabric collection! I usually raid the thrift store stash once or twice a month and just buy whatever I feel drawn to (as long as it’s in good condition). I have it all sitting neatly in a pile, but I have yet to actually make anything with it! Haha! I’m sure I’ll get to it soon! Great find though! :)

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Sarah

i love doing that too!! i feel like the fabrics are so much more unusual – and then i don’t feel guilyt if i make a mistake :)

Portia

11 years ago

Gulp! Kudos indeed!!
Px

Meg

11 years ago

That is a seriously amazing find. I’ve never been able to thrift good vintage fabric (though I’m not much of a sewer, so I’ve not really tried). Congrats on your awesome score!

11 years ago

I’m so jealous! That’s a great find!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Jo

thanks jo!! i’m still over the moon about them!

shirly

11 years ago

i’m so jealous!! i never find good items in my thrift store, sadly…can’t wait to see what you end up making with it!

Melissa

11 years ago

I love thrifted fabric, and I’m so jealous of your haul! Those fabrics look gorgeous!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Melissa

Thanks Melissa!! It felt like my birthday hehehe I honestly can’t wait to use some, thrifted fabric is so my favourite – i love how unusual the prints are! XOXO

Claire from Handmade by ClaireBear

11 years ago

All of that fabric for only $20!

Author

Meg

11 years ago

Reply to Claire from Handmade by ClaireBear

lol! i know! i can’t get over it either hehe i feel very lucky :)

megan nielsen design diary - as seen on: Birds of a Feather

11 years ago

[…] I was so thrilled when Kelly told me about her version of the dress – i quite literally gasped when i saw it. I mean plaid? I had never thought of using plaid for this dress – and it looks amazing!!! Suddenly i’m getting ideas for all the lovely plaid I have lying aound! […]

Thrifted Fabric

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