Craigslist: A Source for Vintage Patterns, Fabrics and Sewing Supplies.

A big thank you to those of you who tuned in to my interview on "That Sewing Blab". I had a good time chatting and answering questions. As promised, here are the steps to get up to the minute alerts on Craigslist for patterns, fabric, machines of whatever you like.  I have also included items I have recently purchased at a recent estate sale. It is proof that these alerts pay off. (I am so sorry for the photo quality. I was having trouble with my phone for clear screenshots. I went old school and took pictures of my monitor. You will get the idea.)  

Open Craigslist for your city and enter the search terms you want.

Your search results will open.

To the right of the search bar, click "save search". 

Log in or create an account

Your search criteria will be confirmed as saved

Your alerts will remain in your account until you delete them. If you want a break from alerts, you can turn them off and on.

I have built my fabric and pattern stash at reasonable cost over the years through my Craigslist purchases. Last month, I received a late night alert about an estate sale for a seamstress in a nearby city that was happening the next day. After reading the details of merchandise, I knew I had to go and be there when it openned.

I ended up making two trips to the sale and scored big! The first trip was to be sure I got what I wanted. The second trip was a leisurely one without my kids. Because I was friendly, enthusiastic and made friends with the staff the day before, I got great deals on the second trip.

I love this iron! I suggest you set an alert to snag one of these if it comes available.

Wiss brand scissors, pinking shears and sewing pins.

Rare (and awesome) June Tailor Pattern Weights and an expandable Gauge

Sewing Books for $1

This is just one of the fabric tables I took my pick from.

There were hundreds of patterns and I looked at everyone!  Scroll below to see what I got. 

There was a wealth of items that I admired, but decided to pass on. I set a budget and wanted to stay within it. I had to consider the available space at home and my mortality. This Bernina Cover-stitch/Serger combo however, was hustling hard to join my family. I have a serger and have been wishing for a coverstitch. I had to utilize my "phone a friend" option to have her talk some sense into me. She wisely advised against the purchase. Apparently, owners prefer separate machines and don't like switching between the two. It was still available on the second day at $200 less than the day before. I have no regrets passing on this one.

                                   

As I shopped, I chatted with other sewists. We admired the sellers stash and vowed to honor her with our makes. We all reflected on the fact that someday we will leave our stashes behind. We promised to try to pass our passion onto others so our treasures can bring joy to our loved ones. Knowing that is not always possible, we delighted in the thrills we will bring to bargain-hunting sew sisters like ourselves.

    

Happy sewing,

Bianca                                

Cabin Fever + Craigslist = Massive Pattern Haul!

So my microfracture, torn meniscus and chondromalacia knee surgery recovery is coming along very slowly. I am still on pain meds and in physical therapy several times a week. It is gruelling and painful, but I am seeing improvements with each session.  

While it is frustrating to be laid up, I have been able to get some sewing projects completed. I am not up for photographing them on me just yet. If you follow on Instagram, you can see them and my daily musings there.

While laid up, I  found a listing for 600 retro/vintage sewing patterns for $125! I was intrigued knowing full well I do not have the space to store them, or life expectancy to sew them. I contacted the seller and asked to see sample pattern covers in my size hoping she would split the lot. She shared some beauties, but said she was unwilling to break it up. In a moment of great restraint, I told her I could not take them all, but asked her to let me know if she changed her mind.

600 patterns

Fast forward 2 weeks, and she had no takers! She called and I now have 96 more patterns in my stash. I don't have room to store them, but I can probably get these made in my lifetime.

My haul

Here are my new additions. I have decided not to tell you why I chose a particular pattern. I think you guys know my style and can see what appeals to me in them. Some of these "are so me" it will be easier for you to spot the odd pattern. I chose a couple of them to round up the price to a whole number. I wonder if you can tell which those are?  

Whew! Did you look at all of those? High Five! I think I got some good ones in there. Did I get too many jumpsuits and bodysuits? How many shift dresses are too many?  What do I make first? I will contemplate those questions while I continue to heal. 


Happy Sewing,
Bianca