It is this Queen Anne shop's goal to use fabric offcuts or found items to make our dolls. There is still a considerable stash in the cupboard of fabric, notions and oddments to pull from. While there is lots of muslin and fibrefill for doll bodies, there is little fabric with patterns or stripes in the correct proportions for doll clothing. Since spending less is another goal, it's rare that more than $15.00 is spent on finds, and only occasionally is something brand new added to the flotsam and jetsam.
How does the buyer know what to hunt for on thrifting safari? Well, it's research, research, research. There is a ton of stuff on the internet about period textiles and clothing and the boss has collected quite a few screen shots of things she likes. Also, we have all learned a lot from years working in theatre and film Wardrobes. Don't forget the old fashioned library books! We gave up on counting how many research books are on the shelves.
Tips for thrifting:
-Do have a budget in mind. Scope out what is there first and then make your purchases. There might be something better over there.
-If you see the perfect thing, buy it. Next trip it will be gone. The buyer still sighs when thinking about a lacy curtain valance left behind.
-Build up a stock of items you can play with. Too many times the buyer were looking for something specific and ignored some other great stuff.
-Set aside a budget for some new purchases. It's unavoidable even for a hoarder like the boss. See list below.
Shopping:
Even without a specific garment or project in mind, go for a good dig in the following areas:
1. Bedding, curtains, cushion covers and tableware-
Pillowcases, place mats and table runners is where you'll have the most luck with doll sized stripes and patterns. Plus they have finished or piped edges you can incorporate in the garments. Quilted place mats for petticoats abound. Curtain valances are smaller items and have lots of lace and textured fabrics in them. Pillowcases have decorative edges and often teeny tiny floral patterns. Plus they are mostly real cottons with the occasional silk or embroidered pieces. Only once in awhile the buyer will pick up a full bed sheet. It has to be super duper good. Yesterday she found cushion covers with gold glitter embroidery and lace for a court gown. Nummy.
2. Tea towels, tablecloths and hankies-
Embroidery! Cut work! Lace! Cotton items galore! The designer has used many a lace edging to use as cuffs, ruffles and tuckers. There is now have a collection of old handkerchiefs that are too fragile to be washed again, but their finished edges make them perfect for fichu, aprons and caps.
3. Crafts, sewing and knitting-
The designer's favourite spot to dig. She's found flowers, ribbon, lace, leather or cloth patches (great for shoe making), embroidery thread, upholstery samples, and buttons. Everyone loves buttons, and the Great Aunt's button box is overflowing now. We even found some doll sized mother of pearl and metal ones.
The item we look for the most is fasteners. Since our babies wear costumes they have small hooks and snaps rather than pins. Though we do use 5/8 inch applique pins to attach some bows, tuckers and hats. They are handy for keeping wigs in place too.
You might even find some real doll stuff like little hats or jewelry in crafts too.
Beware of buying thread though. If it's old it will snap when you sew with it. Grrrrrr.
4. Neckerchiefs and scarves- Paisley. Indian cottons. Fancy fabrics. Lace edges and tassels. Smaller sized purchases. Need we say more?
5. Leather coats and vests- For shoe making. The cordwaier considered leather scraps on Amazon but it's cheaper to buy a coat or vest at the thrift store. Enough for a LOT of wee feet.
6. Exploring- You never know what you'll find. Doll trunks, decorative boxes, band boxes and . . .
Things the shop does purchase new:
-Wigs. The hairdresser tried. Really tried. Disaster. A waste of time too. So the little ladies wear and share purchased wigs that compliment different outfits.
-Hair pins or bobby pins. You can buy smaller ones in different colours. They work great styling those wigs. Tip: Use ribbon rather than elastic bands to prevent tangling.
-Shoe buckles. It took a while on Amazon but the buyer did find some in the right proportions.
-Applique pins. Not only useful for holding applique, but great for period correct pinning on doll clothes.
-Doll body patterns. Time savers and adaptable. Etsy has many, many of 'em. The designer started with a pdf download from Clairebearsfolly and built Charlotte. Great instructions and pattern worked well.
-Prebuilt blank bodies. Again Etsy has a wide variety. The boss wanted to get started on outfits NOW. Arabella is a TayaToy purchase. Beautifully made.
Whew. That seems like a lot. But it is so much fun going for a dig in the thrift shops, our buyer simply can't stop. So go have some fun yourself and start building your stock.