Loot!

It's been a lucrative couple of weeks for me! First, I had my trip home and thrifted 'til could thrift no more. Here's what I snagged from Value Village:

I didn't realize until I got it home that this vest is reversible. I still prefer it red-side-out, but it's good to have options. It is the softest thing I own, and a steal at $4!

I must've been vest-crazy that day because I found this cute little denim number too. By the way, I'm not auditioning for a stage production of the Outsiders. I just chose to photograph myself in these items on the hottest day of the year, hence the rebellious tank-top/vest combo.

This Old Navy cardigan was a pasty pale pink when I bought it. One box of red dye later, I have a sweater I can live with!

Long cardigans often look a little like a bathrobe on me, but this one doesn't have a belt or buttons, so if I remember not to have the posture of a 90 year-old woman, I think it'll be okay.

And finally, one more cardigan in another bright colour. For some reason, I came home from the hottest place in Canada all decked out for winter. Go figure!

My best thrifty deal didn't come from Value Village. It came free from my mother's basement, which is actually a Value Village in its own right. We call it "Mom's Mini Mart" and if I'd had any more room in my bags, I'd have grabbed plenty more. Here's what I did come home with:

And here's what I've already made using some fabric she originally bought with curtains in mind:

I never let myself be limited by what fabric is supposed to be for. If I want a pair of skinny jeans made out of green-and-orange foam-backed upholstery fabric, then that's what I'm going to have!!

And on Canada Day we had our annual town fair. There's livestock, cotton candy and a hall full of homemade jams and baking and crafts. It's exactly like an episode of the Waltons...but with a demolition derby.

Firstborn and I once again entered some of our handiwork for judging. Bear in mind that in most categories, they don't often get more than 3 or 4 entries, but it's exciting to place anyway. We came home this year with a grand total of $10.25 in winnings!

Firstborn entered this original Lego creation and came second, which I thought was pretty great! Our neighbours' boys took first and third in the same category, so there's cause for celebration in our neighbourhood this weekend!

I entered this knitted toy and was flabbergasted to come first!

When I saw that my necklace had also come first in the jewellery category, I was tempted to go buy a lottery ticket before my luck ran out!! There were some great entries in all categories this year, and just walking around picking up inspiration from what other people have come up with is really the fun part of the town fair.

So there you have it! And now...I have some sewing to do!