Best places to buy Second Hand in West Auckland

It has taken a few years of visiting op-shops in the western suburbs of Auckland to find my favourites. The ones that have clean and good quality stock with helpful staff.  I am keen on thrifting and living lightly but don't like to spend long at the shops.  I check out my favs before buying new.

Now that cublet is a little bigger I try to buy for the next season (and size) coming up. I keep a running list on my phone of bits and pieces she might need in her wardrobe. This system comes in handy for clothes/craft supplies for myself too. It helps me focus and remember exactly what I need to purchase.

The following stores consistently have a good turnover of quality stock.

In Henderson I tend to visit the St Johns op shop, SPCA op shop, Restore and the Hospice op shop. These all have great clothes for little ones and the Restore shop has brilliant furniture and home wares too.

When I am looking for clothes for Mae I always go to the huge SaveMart in New Lynn. This place has a huge selection of clothes at decent prices. There is a huge rack of togs most of which are nearly new. Recently I got some great winter gear here including a brilliant pair of lined, waterproof overalls.

The New Lynn Salvation Army Family Store is a real treasure trove for furniture. We got Mae's beautiful mid century drawers from this shop but it is super busy so I recommend getting there early in the day for a browse.

Finally if you are looking for a directory of op-shops in New Zealand this one is really comprehensive. It is a fantastic resource when you move areas (or if you are on holiday and fancy a quick hunt).  I'm curious to know if you have any favourites?

Terrarium

Ages ago I found this terrarium at the local op-shop. It was a bit unloved.  Having wanted to create a terrarium for a long time but never finding the right vessel I scooped it up.  I kinda love that this is in the style of an old Victorian glasshouse and appreciate the work that's gone into it (since Pa. Fox does makes lead light windows as a hobby). After sitting for months on the picnic table and filling up with water we finally got round to creating a miniature world. 

Terrarium prior to a soapy bath!

 It was fun going around the local hardware shops and nurseries one weekend morning picking out wee plants.  Mr. Fox and I luckily fancied similar plants. We chose cacti and succulents for easy keeping and longevity...the sun blazes through onto the coffee table so the plants needed to be hardy.  It didn't take long to position them in cacti potting mix and arrange two cheeky dinosaurs in the midst.

We both love how it looks and kinda wished we had got our act together sooner. It certainly adds some interest and greenery to our living space......if only we could find the perfect gravel to go on top of the dirt! I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for some. Not sure what I want exactly but know what I don't like. So far the garden stores and pet shops have proven fruitless. The search continues.

At home sick

Working with children, particularly medically fragile children requires staying home sick when in other jobs you would solider on and head into work.  So this week I am at home.  It is lovely to be cosy in the nest and has given me the chance to catch up with blogging and crafting.  My granny hexagon blanket is growing.  Only 7 more large hexagons to go and then onto the little ones.  Very glad I started out with the big ones first as I am looking forward to using up scraps and enjoying the quicker pace of the smaller hexagons.

I have some images of crafts I worked on in April and May.  They have been sitting in my camera waiting for a moment like this to be documented.   A while ago I found a tapestry kit, one that is small and less daunting than others that Mama Fox or I have thrifted before.   It made me wonder about who gave away this kit....was it a gift that didn't fit the recipients style, a lost kit at the back of craft cupboard that was part of spring clean or perhaps the crafty ambitions of someone who ran out of time to finish it??   The wondering about thrifty finds past lives is a big part of why I love thrifting.  Along with stepping more lightly on the planet and the great feeling of finding treasure.  Anyway this little tapestry came home with me and I have really enjoyed stitching it so far. Such a lovely way to stitch....like painting by numbers.

Thrifted tapestry

Little time to work on crafty projects lately spurred me to try this lovely pattern by Elisa McLaughlin's Designs blog.  It is such a fun project; ticks all the boxes.  Quick check, easy check , fun check , perfectly wearable check!  This pattern is a great stash buster and because it only takes less than one ball of yarn splashing out on a luxury yarn would feel less frivolous.

Fun and stress free project

Mothers Day was a while ago.  A few family members have been given embroidered pillowcases from me.  Mum had dropped hints that she might like one but I ran out of time to stitch one up in time for Christmas so I whipped one up in time for Mothers Day.  I used the Made in France by Agnes Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet and Francoise Ritz book for inspiration (see here for great review by Feeling Stitchy but really just stitched what I thought she might like.  I was a bit worried that dragonflies might be tricky but they were lots of fun.

Stitching for my beautiful Mum

This space is for recording happy things in my life but I do not want to forget the real moments just because they are tough. My thoughts today have been with one of the children I work with.  He is not doing well and although on life support is not likely to pull through. Working with medically fragile children is so very rewarding but is a vivid reminder that life is not always fair or easy. Be strong little one. 

While the bread is baking.....

While the bread is baking I thought I would share a few more of my projects.  Here is another stash-busting project in the works; a crochet blanket.  The only rule is that I am not allowed to buy any yarn for this project.  The pattern is called "Rainbow Granny 'Ghan" and is from a special issue from Crochet Today magazine called 'All-Time Best Blankets'.  It's been lots of fun squirrelling around in my yarn finding the right colours and weight.



Progress from a week ago




Up to date progress.



The blanket is these lovely hexagons with granny squares in between.  I am using a charcoal grey colour to join and for the border.  It is a pure wool but is really scratchy so can't really be used for any other project. I love this grey yarn and have been searching for the perfect project to use it in.  I think I have found the right one now.....really makes the colours pop.  It is going to take me quite a while to finish this one but there is no pressure as it is not a gift. This one will stay in the den.

While my sewing machine was away being serviced I had an afternoon of cutting out. I used bits and pieces of fabric that I had. These are now mostly all sewn up and are waiting to be sold or given away. It was so nice to use material that I had on the shelves especially as I could use up little scraps.



Fabric waiting to made into purses



Mr. Fox and I are saving really hard for our big OE (overseas experience) so I have been avoiding second hand shops mostly....what the eyes do not see, the heart does not want!! However I don't think that abstaining completely from thrifting would be good for my soul so when I have been thrifting I have been terribly restrained. A few goodies have found their way home to the den but only my most favourite, I-love-it-so-much-I-just-can't-bear-to-leave-it-goodies have crossed the den's threshold! Like the gorgeous tablecloth below. It is so fresh and vibrant. Love when it is on the kitchen table...can't help but feel the joys of Spring.

Oooo lovely

As I was hanging out my washing this morning I noticed that almost all of the tea towels, hand towels and bath towels were given to me by my little Foxy family. It made me smile so big. The checked tea towels with appliqued hearts are handmade by Sister Fox, the doily adorned hand towel and pale green embroidered bath towel made by Mama Fox and the gorgeous little elephant towel was chosen by Pa Fox. It sounds silly but I felt so loved and content to be hanging out my washing today. What a lucky Fox.

Washing line of Love!! hehe

What I've been up too lately

Well aside from catching every bug in the neighbourhood (which serves me right for being so smug about not being sick in over 12 months!!)  I have been;

Sewing in my new little crafting nook;

This little corner of the kitchen has been great for sew-a-thon sessions at the Janome. It's light, I can see the garden and it's close to the coffee making goodies!

The crafting corner

My fabric stash has been growing steadily and I had the urge to make some more fabric baskets.

They are such a fun and quick way to use up fabrics. These wee baskets have a million and one uses.......I have only shown some of the ones I made (err I got a little swept up in a basket making storm)

Just some of the newly made baskets!

On my last trip down South I managed to find a couple of super cute tapestries. These were far too lovely to be stored away so with a little snipping and some sewing these are now some cushion covers. A stained and felted woollen blanket (found at a local charity store) was the perfect match.

The little fantail tapestry ( a native bird here in New Zealand) was thrifted by the gorgeous Ma Fox. This little birdy had been waiting for quite some time to be displayed....such a little sweety.

Tapestry cushions

This little fox is ever so happy to have these cushion covers made. The Basement Den is feeling like home.

Growing;

I unpacked my little sprouting kit and have been growing.....and eating some most delicious sprouts lately. Ma Fox kindly gave me some sprouting seeds from Kings seeds.  This company is the 'go-to' place to order seeds from and they have started a great blog too. Check it out here. Really worth a look if you fancy all things green.

Sprout farm crop.....onion sprouts. Yummy!

Opening mail;

From family and friends. I am one spoilt little fox. Here are some of the special goodies I have received.



Spoilt Fox!

I can't wait to use that gorgeous fabric tape on a crafty project....and that fabric...swoon!! The teeny hot water bottle has been in lots of use so far. Thanks so much again my wonderful foxy family. A friend and I have started a letter book.....its a lined notebook that we are planning to send back and forth with letters inside. So far it has travelled up and down the country once. Now it's my turn to send it back on it's merry way to my dear friend.

Thrifting;

Since resigning from my nursing position I am yet to secure a job....therefore thrifting and all other forms of shopping have been severely curbed. A wee few gems have jumped into my shopping basket over the past few weeks...



The little honey pot was sooo dusty and grubby, with a dip in a bubble bath it is now gleaming and perfectly cute.

The tray cloth has the most lovely edging....not one for the crafting basket that's for sure!

And this dear wee hat has been a wonderful find, it fits just right and has been on my head almost every time I walk out the door. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a particular fondness for vintage hats and enjoy wearing them. Most are being kept safe and warm at Ma and Pa Foxes den (thanks guys)...so it is so nice to have a warm vintage hat with me for the cool Autumn days.

Finding beauty in everyday moments;

Evening light

Last days of holiday...

Overnight it rained, this morning it drizzled and this afternoon it's pouring! All the better for guilt-free blogging and crafting. Yesterday the weather was less wet and I finally started on making a little herb/vege garden....ooo it felt lovely to have my hands in the soil again. For me a new abode never feels like home until a few herbs have there little feet firmly in some dirt and some vegetables are stretching towards a new little patch of sky.

Grow my little herbs...grow...

I am growing to love my new view....it is strange indeed not to have a birds eye-view anymore. The greenery is certainly refreshing though. We are lucky enough that there is a large vegetable garden on the steep slope in front of us (not ours) and then an empty plot. Its nice to have that space to rest our eyes upon.



The new view....see our little patio. Really loving this area, so lovely to have space to enjoy the evening sun. Perfect spot to read or craft the hours away.

When I was at home (sniff, sniff, missing home) Ma. Fox and I started what we thought would be a quick little project....well it wasn't quick and my Mum certainly had more patience than i did. It was a little snap close purse...it turned out super cute..we used vintage, embroidered napkins.

Gosh it was hard too chose which one to snip into, it seems so barbaric to cut into them. At the end of the afternoon we both had a special, 100% unique purse.....and isn't it such a good feeling to have made such a thing??!

Little, time-consuming lovely purse!



Detail of the embroidery, thrifted of course!



My darling Mum had got some gorgeous wool that was the perfect spectrum for a granny, stripe blanket. I used this tutorial from Attic 24. It is a great project for a holiday....minimal concentration required but the colour changes kept it fresh and interesting.

Granny stripe

Back to work tomorrow....back to reality. Darn I wish holidays could last much longer...hehe don't we all!  Here's a little spot I will be dreaming of when working tomorrow....

Under this little shelf is a perfect little reading seat with a view of the garden..bliss!

This Fox has been a-thrifting......

Thrifted treasure!

........and aren't these just such little sweeties!!  I just about skipped for joy as I left the shop.  They are stained in places but nothing that a good wash cant get rid of.  I think old doilies and napkins are such treasure. I'm looking forward to crafting with these.......but I am pretty sure I that cutting into the little cloth with a cottage and little bridge is not possibility!

This Fox has also been a-sewing.....



Unfinished sewing project






I fetched my sewing machine from the doctor with glee at the start of the week. I grinned like the Cheshire cat all the way home. With my sewing machine away all of last week i felt so fidgety. It was so odd not have it there, just in case an inspirational project needed to be started.  This is unfinished project from a sewing course I took last year. It's a ruffled shirt. The fabric is thrifted and is oh so soft. I'm really looking forward to finishing it.











This Fox has also been a-knitting...............

...........Slowly, slowly is this blanket growing.  Ah well, they say good things take time!

"Err those sheep are creepy" said the fox...

.........oh yes they sure are...and if you don't believe me have a look for yourself......

Creepy creepy sheep!!!

I mean what were they thinking....and its a double page spread....there are more of them!!! They almost look like sheep, almost but they do seem to be thinking rather sinister thoughts about that young boy....run boy run!!  Tee Hee what a crazy pattern and its soo BIG too.

I found this in a craft magazine i have never seen before; American Home Crafts, Vol 2, No.1 from 1974.

And amongst the pages i also found this pattern that is sooo cool...i love the styling.....



Awesome crochet!!



I mean whats not to love...alll that colour, those cute kids bundled up in rainbow woollies and so many of those 'Roly Poly Pillow Seats'. I just wish that my sky den was a little bigger so i could go crazy and craft a great big colouful pile of Roly Polys

Heres my thrifty finds from today, some more balls of wool and a cute little tapestry that I think i will hang up...too cute to craft with. And some delicate little hankerchiefs to add to my collection. I do love hankerchiefs. They really are beautiful little artworks and some have such tiny stitches it would seem that a pixie must have been the crafter.

Here is the off cut from the owl t-shirt I had thrifted. The t-shirt was so cute i tried it on and voila it was perfect but too long!! So no grocery bag goodness from this little gem but it is now one super cute headband and a perfectly fitting tee


Well i must get dinner started, my tummy is grumblin

Thrifty goodness

This little fox has been-a-thrifting!! and a-sewing and a-crocheting....................

I have a great love of books, and especially childrens books. I find them so inspiring and positive.

Golden books are always special but the ones I found recently are the cutest. Donkeys are special to me ( there are three at Mama and Papa Fox's house in the countryside.....oh sweet creatures).
 

So when I found this a Golden book about a sweet little donkey I was so excited.



Sweet donkey Golden book


















 This wants to make me head straight to the beach....

Double page spread from 'The Golden Book of Numbers'

Some other thrifting finds, the Santa spread is from the beautiful 'Ideals Christmas Issue, Vol 11, No.6, December 1954.  It is a scrumptious collection of poems, songs and pictures all with a christmas theme.

 I will share some more pictures from this gorgeous book as the weeks lead up to Christmas

Hiding at the bottom of a dusty shelf under some old Womens Day mags was some more treasure.... 

......a sewing book for infants...minus its cover but not missing any pages.

And another collection of Mon Tricot patterns. Love these so much.
 

Other thrifting finds are of the 'Top Secret Christmas' variety but the cute owl T-shirt is destined to be sewn into a wonderful new grocery bag as seen on http://pm-betweenthelines.blogspot.com/ . A great blog i stumbled upon over the weekend.  Lots of really cool tutorials that I am itching to try out.

There is a bag of grey wool that is trying to edge into the photo....what a score! Hidden between the acrylic balls are three balls of 100% merino wool . Oh i was pleased!

Crafting....

Well i have photos of the tapestry i sewed edging onto..

Thrifted tapestry with soft, grey cordrouy edging



And i finished MY beautiful 'raspberry beret'.......and i adore it.  Love how soft the undyed brown wool is. Love that it holds its shape without being too stiff. And love, love, love the gorgeous petal pattern in the center! So here it is.....

My 'raspberry beret' !!



Spout Farm!



I have been growing things too....living in a sky den limits ones gardening oppurtunities, oh how i miss putting my paws into a vegetable garden! Anyway i have my little sprouting kit...what a find at a local Salvation Army store!

I tucked it under my arm a few weeks ago and have been growing Mung bean sprouts since. Such a treat to watch them grow and so scrumptious to eat.

Dont you love the little coffee grinder sitting on the bench!!

I have been a industrious little fox of late, am trying very hard to finish some WIPs at the moment. Finally stopped procrastinating about weaving in the ends on a little crochet blanket made from scraps of thrifted yarn, all the colours of the sea. I started it when i was on holiday in Sydney, Australia with Mr. Fox and his family. Great for passing the time away on the trains and plane trips.

Holiday blanket finally done. Woohoo!

The beautiful fragrence is of Honeysuckle and Carnations is wafting through the sky den....the Honeysuckle vines have been 'thrifted' from a local carpark where they grow untamed, and the Carnations are from the supermarket. Hehe reminds me of the 'town mouse' and 'country mouse' seeing them in the vase together...one so tame and the other wild and rambling

Sweet flower joy!

Love Little Fox xx