Thrifted Finds #1

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts, but definitely not because I haven't found anything worth buying! Some of the stuff here dates back to before Christmas, so I've just picked out some of my favourite buys from the past couple of months of second-hand shopping.

This saddlebag is surprisingly roomy - it has five different compartments! Recently, I've been using larger handbags, and I've become tired of having to rummage through so much stuff to find what it is I'm looking for. This one is such a great size, as it's not too large, but still has enough space to carry around a paperback, and is a much needed replacement for my other, rather tatty saddlebag. It cost me the grand total of 50p, and I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of use out of it.

A staple piece in my wardrobe is the pinafore dress, and this velvet one is a welcome addition to my small collection. It's great for layering throughout the winter months (especially with a long sleeved stripy t-shirt), and is a colour that will go with everything. I forget how much it cost me, but I'm pretty sure it was under the £3 mark. Bargain!

How cute is this vintage cat chocolate box? I'm not sure how old it is, but I know it's a long time since Cadbury chocolate used packaging that was so adorable. Of course it's useful for putting paperwork in, but I bought it for that cat picture alone. After I've taken down my remaining Christmas decorations (sob!), I think I'll place it on my desk, and use it to keep a few stationary supplies in.

I've been on a little fabric splurge recently, even though I've told myself on countless occasions that I should work through my stash first. But I rarely find fabric second-hand, so when I see a nice piece, I tend to buy it. Both the check and the brocade are smaller pieces, so were about 50p each, but are both large enough to make a simple skirt. The floral rayon is a larger size, and I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to make with it yet. I'm thinking it would perhaps make a nice camisole, or a blouse - any thoughts?

I was fortunate enough to receive a lot of exquisite sewing patterns for Christmas, so whilst I hardly need any more, this one had to come home with me. The illustrations on the packet positively screamed Betty Draper, and it's not very often you can buy a sewing pattern for £1. When it comes to buying vintage patterns, I prefer to buy a larger size if possible, because I find that it's easier to downsize than it is to upsize. I'm hoping to take part in the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge this year, so I'm thinking that Simplicity 7120 would be a nice simple one to start with, considering I've never actually used any of my vintage sewing patterns.

Next week I'm starting a short Uni module on architecture, and whilst I'm excited about it, I also know next to nothing about architecture. I'm hoping this mini architecture book will guide me through the basics, and at £2.50 was a very lucky find.

I'm a complete sucker for anything with a deer on it, and so this tiny little deer figure leapt out at me from the shelves of a local charity shop. His legs are very dainty, and he has a definite wobble when he's standing up, but at 99p, I don't think I'll be too heartbroken if I manage to knock him over. He's set to become a permanent fixture on my bedside table.

This Eye-Spy Butterfly Book was from one of my favourite charity shops, which is where I also found the Cadbury cat chocolate box above. I love collecting old books with interesting illustrations, as they are really nice to flick through, and I find also make a great prop for blog photos. This one is made all the more adorable by the fact that a past owner has filled in some of the sections.

In the past few months, I haven't been reading as much as I would like to be, so I'm going to make a conscious effort to set time aside for reading. I love buying old sewing technique books, as they often contain techniques which are not used in the modern day. This Needlework and Crafts Book contains a few different techniques over a lot of different topics, and I'm sure will come in useful for a future project or two.

After reading The Great Gatsby a while ago, I've been wanting to read more Fitzgerald. When I came across Tender is the Night in a charity shop, I picked it up and added it to my reading list. It looks set to be a great read, so I think I'll read it after finishing The Bone Clocks, by David Mitchell, which I got for Christmas. I'm really enjoying it so far, but I think I won't say too much about it until I've finished reading it.

Have you found any amazing charity shop finds lately?