Why thrift stores are a paradise for crafters and creatives: 5 true stories.

Second-hand stores are not just places to buy items like clothing or shoes, even if they are used, at a much lower price than regular stores; they are also a true treasure trove for those who engage in crafts. Among my acquaintances, there are many who are passionate about sewing, knitting, and upcycling. After speaking with some of them, I compiled a list of what creative people most often look for in second-hand shops and their reasons. All names are real, but I won't mention last names for obvious reasons, as that’s not the focus of this article.

Valery and His Dolls

My good friend Valery makes author dolls. It started with a couple of trial pieces, but over time it grew into a serious endeavor with participation in international exhibitions and victories. His creations are characterized by a deep philosophical subtext and detailed craftsmanship, from facial expressions to the last button on the clothing. In one conversation, he mentioned that he exclusively buys fabrics for his dolls from second-hand stores and flea markets. He particularly loves the Parisian flea markets, where vintage lace can be found. But let’s get back to our local second-hand shops. Valery most often looks for items made of natural silk, richly embroidered with beads and lurex (shout out to the boxes of Indian saris and Japanese kimonos), as well as silk men's ties, which stand out not only for the quality of the fabric but also for their intricate patterns.

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There are two reasons why he chooses to source fabrics for his creations from second-hand stores. The first is the price of quality natural silk, which is much lower than in fabric stores. The second is the thrill of the hunt. Like any creative person, he seeks something unique and interesting. Therefore, he has a plethora of supplies at home and a sea of ideas in his mind.

Julia and the Tildas

Julia, my close friend, is passionate about sewing dolls from fabric. These are not only Tildas but also interior dolls and clothing for regular dolls. Tildas require natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and the prices in craft stores are quite steep. A piece of fabric measuring 40x50 cm costs from 100 UAH, and that’s the lowest price. Therefore, Julia found a solution in second-hand stores. She buys fabric scraps, sheets, and duvet covers in beige and cream colors for the bodies, and for the clothing of the Tildas – children's dresses. According to her, they are made from natural materials and, just as importantly, the fabric patterns are usually small, which is perfect for her purposes.

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Among Julia's other finds are lace, sequins, buttons, and sets of broken costume jewelry, often sold bundled together, which she uses for decorating toys, and much more.

Irina and the Secrets of Her Cozy Home

Irina, who studied with me at university, has recently immersed herself in decorating her country house. She purchased it in the central region six months before the war as a place for relaxation, but due to well-known circumstances, it became her main home after losing her residence in the frontline zone. Since finances have been tight lately, but she still wants to turn her corner into a dream home, she discovered second-hand stores. Fortunately, her home is not too far from the regional center, and Irina occasionally goes "hunting." It’s there that she acquired most of the textiles for her home, from bedspreads and tablecloths to curtains and tulle, and she also found quite a few scraps of dense fabric, which she used to reupholster old chairs and even an armchair. Her initial sewing skills and YouTube tutorials have been a great help in this endeavor, and now she is even slowly selling bags made from fabric scraps, kitchen potholders, and patchwork bedspreads on social media.

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Valentina Petrovna and Socks for the Armed Forces

Valentina Petrovna is my neighbor, who can't imagine her life without knitting needles and a ball of yarn. After she retired, she found plenty of time for knitting, but not much money for yarn. When a second-hand store opened near our neighborhood, the woman came to life. There, she buys knitted items that she unravels after washing and re-knits into socks for the military, hats and mittens for displaced persons, and trendy items for her granddaughter in elementary school. According to her, she often manages to snag whole skeins of yarn with labels, which still cost less than in specialized stores.

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And Finally – A Bit Off the Craft Topic

Marina, finding herself on maternity leave, began visiting second-hand stores for clothes for her son, who was growing by the hour. But after a couple of years, these trips ended up not only dressing her child in quality and durable clothes but also sparking a side hustle. She started buying luxury or high-quality items and, after processing them, creating outfits that fly off her social media page. Marina initially informs her followers "where the wood came from," but this doesn’t stop them. Moreover, she now offers stylist and shopping consultant services in second-hand stores. Fortunately, over several years of maternity leave, she has studied them very well. You might be surprised, but she has more than enough clients, including many who are not exactly poor.

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If one desires, anyone can find something meaningful for themselves in such stores. Fortunately, fewer people now view second-hand shops, flea markets, and consignment stores as something shameful. Moreover, conscious consumption of goods and attempts to give old items a new life are trends in the modern world.