Restless yet not at all in the mood for working out, I went out and cycled during my lunch break instead. I had some minor errands on my list that I thought I could get done.

To Sundbyberg where I can buy fabric for a bag I want to sew? Or to Vällingby, where there is a variety of shops for my other errands?

I aimed for Vällingby, mentally complaining about the frustrating lack of fabric shops nearby. There is only the one in Sundbyberg, unless I want to go all the way to central Stockholm.

And then I realized – there is a Stadsmissionen thrift shop in Vällingby, which can totally count as a fabric shop, and even be better than the real thing. Every thrift shop in Stockholm has piles of curtains, pillowcases and tablecloths. More eco-friendly than buying new fabric, and a more varied choice, too. The tablecloth I bought is 100% linen, thick and soft – a much more luxurious fabric than I would otherwise have bought for this.

I can feel a twinge of reluctance to cut up a perfectly functional tablecloth. Maybe someone would have bought and used it as a tablecloth? But then again, I’m pretty sure that Stadsmissionen can’t sell all the donations they get and some of it ends up recycled. So if I cut up that tablecloth to make it into a bag, it’s still getting a good new life.