Once a month or so I step into a thrift shop. Usually because I’m looking for interesting fabrics, or maybe towels, or cast iron pots or something. There are so many vintage linen towels and tablecloths still in circulation.

Most of the clothes in these shops are far too boring for my taste. Too much plain monochrome cheap cotton and polyester. But sometimes I’m lucky and I find good stuff that has been passed by by others because of minor damage. Reason enough for most people to donate the garment; an opportunity for someone like me who actually enjoys mending. Today I found a super soft knitted sweater by Tiger of Sweden, 100% wool. It must have cost at least 2000 SEK new, but was now priced at 150 SEK because of a small hole at one shoulder. A linen mix summer jacket, also for 150 kr, because of a mis-sewn sleeve seam that makes the lining pull at the outer material.

And, yes, another vintage linen tablecloth. Ingrid’s graduation party is coming up. We’ll be renting extra furniture to cater for all the guests, and the somewhat cheap-looking folding tables will need smartening up.