Best Charity Shop Finds

[Oola]

I am desperate need of some jumpers for winter. So I was thinking of scouring the charity shops. The ones closest to me seem to only cater for older people, perhaps just a reflection of those that give their clothes away? I know my sister and I always give unwanted clothes to the charity shop, but I don't really know anyone else our age who does.

I'm aware that there are 'franchised' charity shops now that have sales targets and wotnot, our local Oxfam is much more 'hip' than it once was, but you see that in the pricing too. But unfortunately for my age group, these sorts of charity shops seem to be of the most interest sadly.

Anyway, I was wondering what people's best finds where in a charity shop? Do you shop or browse regularly? I know of Sheddie's Hyacinth Bucket lady...what a character!

[sunflower]

My best find this year has been a pair of vintage Laura Ashley curtains...yellow and pinky red wallflowers. I've covered the cushions on the kitchen settle with them. Makes it look very summery!!! It's a treat for me to do any type of shopping because I am always at work so probably miss out on a load of bargains. I also look out for hand knit jumpers and cardigans that I find have never been worn. I think people love knitting the project then lose interest when it is finished. How are you getting along with knitting at your Grandmother's house?

[Oola]

hi sunflower - I've yet to find a knitting pattern to start on! Plus she's got a friend over to stay as it was her birthday last week and we had a 'do' this weekend for her. So hopefully it will start in the next week or so :) Thanks for asking though, I'll keep you updated x

[SummerSkye]

Hi Oola, I always browse through our St Vinnie's store. A couple of years ago I found a brand new jumper in a pretty soft pink, I have worn and worn and worn it, it cost me $3. Our stores do have a pretty good range for all ages and another church has a chain of stores that sell excellent pre loved clothes mainly for the younger lot at budget prices.
I seem to take donations in and come out with a similar amount.

[Oola]

Ah well, at least you can say you're no better or no worse off! :)

[eleanor2]

i love looking in charity shops. i look at books , bric a bac and jewellry first. then childrens clothes and then adults. i always find good bargains.i am wearing a lovely modern top at the moment.i feel proud to wear second hand stuff.it is so important to recycle what you can.i find lovely leather objects made in england which i collect. i found a lovely silver broach with a black stone to wear to brigadoon. i will be looking for ideas what to wear for the bonfire extavaganza when i go to town on wednesday.

[SummerSkye]

Such as a pillar box red coat with deep pockets and a hood????

[Sandra]

I inherited my Grandmother's collection of Crown Ducal orange tree china. Periodically, someone I know finds a piece for sale, usually at antiques fairs, etc. My daughter was browsing The Lanes at Brighton, and there, in a charity shop, she found a large serving platter in the orange tree design. She managed to negotiate a bit, and ended up paying £20.00. It is worth, to a collector, about £150.00. Not bad.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

While trawling the depths of page three (?) I found this! So now with winter knocking on our doors, I resurect it.

There were two gorgeous jumpers at our local charity shop (run by the community and ploughs the takings back into local charities, organisations and groups) one was one of those Norweigan style sweaters and an Anglesey Wool jumper. Only problem was I should have bought them when I saw them.:(

[franbee]

That's the trouble with charity shops, you often only get one chance!