I try to be a savvy thrifter. When I spied this pink cotton sweater, my first thought was - that's a lot of pink pearls around that v-neck!
And since Mlle Magpie is always collecting things, trying to build up her crafting supplies, this sweater was perfect.
After cutting off the pearls, I ended up with a nice bowl of them to add to my crafting room supplies. And the sweater, after a quick wash, was all spiffed up and ready to provide raw material for other projects - maybe a stuffed animal or a little pink cable throw pillow for my littlest one's room?
Mlle Magpie
THAT'S what I'm talking about! I buy things all the time to salvage just one element of them! Good for you!
Posted by: sue | January 18, 2010 at 09:43 PM
isn't it wonderful when that happens?!? i recently found an old handmade doll, comprised mostly of strips of cotton/sheeting (picture a modified octopus!) and took it apart to use the strips for stamped ribbon:) all for 50 cents - i'm thrilled!
mary
Posted by: mary | January 18, 2010 at 10:47 PM
You're just too clever! Great idea, Zita!!
Posted by: marcela & clara | January 18, 2010 at 10:55 PM
That was a great find and good thinking!
:) The bowl of pearls even looks pretty just as it is!
Posted by: Laura | January 18, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Gosh, those pearls are a pretty color, aren't they? Good eye!
Posted by: Wanda @ Just Vintage | January 19, 2010 at 12:29 AM
I hope I get better at looking at things and seeing what they can be. Great find.
Posted by: jeanne | January 19, 2010 at 01:26 AM
great thinking Zita!!!
Posted by: Lori | January 19, 2010 at 05:42 AM
Have you seen the wreaths that are covered in sweaters? They are precious!
Love the pink pearls...they look gorgeous just in the bowl.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie York | January 19, 2010 at 08:10 AM
I do the same. I just found this summer an ugly sweater at Goodwill, with shoulder pads, that screamed 80's. Its only saving grace was that it was covered in hundreds of tear drop crystals and pearls. I cut them all off for a far better and grander use. The sweater was 50% off so I got alot of beads for my $2.00.
Posted by: Sherrie | January 19, 2010 at 09:15 AM
Zita, you are amazing with your ideas and creative insight. I for one, sometimes lack seeing potential in things. Thanks for the reminder, and the pink pearls are gorgeous!
hugs,
Debra
Posted by: Common Ground | January 19, 2010 at 02:49 PM
I love the color Zita, and you are creative so I am sure these will be added to something wonderful!
Posted by: Tara | January 20, 2010 at 02:10 PM
I look forward to seeing what the rest of the sweater becomes!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 22, 2010 at 08:08 PM
This is one of my favorite thrifty tips ever. My favorite consignment has $1 clothing and it's basically my fabric store :)
Posted by: Angela Harris | February 04, 2010 at 12:36 AM