crochet | creative | opportunity | retro | life
As you may know, I make stuff out of vintage blankets. Coats, bunting, chair covers. Search my tags for other posts.
Well, an adventure south of Sydney yesterday resulted in purchasing a recycled blanket coat. It’s not unlike the ones I make but the Colour!! 💚💚 ‘Spearmint’!
Bless the upcycler who created it.
Here’s my Instagram images @belnel
I am inspired again!
Bindy 💚
Here I am laughing at my future again (Prov 31:25).
Another #onlyopshopleather purchase – this time a beautiful cream leather jacket for $15.00.
Also ‘Wrangler’ jeans, ‘Eagle’ belt, ‘Sportsgirl’ leather shoes and ‘Witchery’ T are all pre-loved. Total cost of outfit = $25.00.
So, what’s my point?
It is easy to leave a small footprint and a big impression.
Bindy 👊🏼💪🏼
There are so many beautiful vintage woollen blankets at the Op Shops. All well washed and softened through use. My thought was to turn one into a felted winter coat.
Pink and dusty tones are currently popular so my first go involved an old pink blanket.
I’m happy with the first attempt.
Cost = $5.00
Time = 2 hours
Why buy new?
Bindy 💕
These near new boots were made for slaying the #onlyopshopleather spree I am currently on! 😂
I found them for $10! They are a perfect fit and look amazing after a quick polish. Instead of repair, someone decided to donate them all for the want of a buckle loop!
ABC iView is currently airing a documentary series on waste.
http://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/
Titled ‘The War on Waste’ it spurs me on to contribute less to the pile of discarded textiles and continue to buy clothes that already exist – essentially rescuing clothes from the waste stockpile while saving money too.
Bindy 👊🏼
That convict bag from my #onlyopshopleather purchase escaped captivity and is now a free bag – able to work and play!
Haha! Seriously though, how big and how cool is this satchel? Fits my 13″ MacbookPro easily, along with all my everyday gear. My work satchel doubles as my working week hand bag too and I think this one works well as both.
Bindy ❤️ 💼❤️
Sure! I like the sound of that.
Leather clothing is versatile and long lasting but very expensive and sometimes it’s manufacturing might not match our ethical shopping guidelines… the solution – pre-loved leather wear from thrift shops (‘Op Shops’ in Australia).
This black leather skirt was $12.00 and did not have a single flaw. ❤️
My current muse is to hunt down pre-loved leather items from local op shops. I ‘need’ to op shop – it’s addictive but I don’t need too many more items of clothing. That’s why I give myself boundaries. The current boundary #onlyopshopleather.
Feel free to join my muse and add the # to your Instagram uploads.
See you out there!
❤️ Bindy x
This time I have made a purchase of $3 for a bag that appears new with no indicators of having been worn. I checked the http://www.convictbags.com site and new…. it is $395.00: Australian made, soft brown leather.
So I’m taking bids… 😂😂
Here’s the link :
https://www.convictbags.com/collections/satchels/products/alex-satchel-dark-brown-leather
My #onlyopshopleather muse continues…
❤️Bindy
I am changing gears for winter.
My new op shop muse is #onlyopshopleather. Follow the # on instagram!
The #onlyopshopsilk summer has passed and I have found some of the most amazing items in my hunting and gathering. But I think I have exhausted all the silk supply in Perth!
So with winter approaching and my love of op shopping not waining, I have decided on a new focus. I will continue to enjoy the fun of op shopping but only buy leather items! Shoes! Bags! Jackets! Skirts …. whatever fits, is made of leather and suits my winter style.
Here’s my first purchase!
Three bags for less than $12.00. ‘Witchery’ buff leather handbag, ‘Seed Heritage’ tan nubuck tote bag and a black leather ‘Rugged Gear’ cross body bag. They are clean and only slightly pre-loved with so much more life in them. In fact the patina, that soft sheen that develops on the surface of the leather, imparting a character and personality, is only just developing. There is so much more character to add as I wear them and enjoy them.
❤ Bindy
I had the occasion recently to attend a beautiful wedding. My recent #onlyopshopsilk summer project provided me with the most elegant outfit: A stunning cream and brown two piece cocktail ensemble!
Designed by Stellini of Melbourne it really needs no elaborate description as you can see what a quality garment it is. It is 100% Shantung Silk. Luxurious to wear. $15.00 from a local Salvation Army Store. Shoes also courtesy of a ‘pre-loved fashion’ outlet.
Here I am outside the chapel laughing at the future with my darling daughter. (Prob 31:25)
I recently celebrated an evening with my darling husband and family for our 30th ‘Pearl’ Wedding Anniversary in preloved luminous silk.
Robe $15 from North Sydney Vinnies over grey ‘Silky’ pants $4 from Good Sammy’s. 100% silk ‘Gregory’ top was gifted to me rather than being sent to the Op Shop!!! New tan leather Court shoes $2 from Good Sammy’s (Cannington).
Honestly, why buy new clothes?
I am wearing something new though! You may spot it! 😉 After all, 30 years married does require a special little something to commemorate it.
My secret to a long and happy marriage is simple. LOVE!
I don’t mean ‘falling in love’ or romantic love – as important as that is in establishing and maintaining a beautiful reationship.
I mean ‘choosing’ love.
Every day. In every conversation. In every reply. In every attitude.
Choosing to be patient, kind, hopeful, not envious or boastful, not seeking to show ones-self up as better than the other and not resentful. Choosing love means choosing to be truthful, selfless and forgiving.
1 Cor 13:1-7
Much love,
Bindy ❤
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