STUDIO THRIFTY4
- Words by Peppermint
If you’re anything like us, nothing makes your heart sing more than a well-stocked retro rail at your local op shop. Whilst the standard racks give you the chance to rummage for gold, the retro area is like a pre-rifled, expertly curated selection of the coolest vintage pieces on offer. IMAGINE THEN, if you will, an ENTIRE OP SHOP FILLED ONLY WITH THE VERY BEST YE OLDE TREASURES. We know. It’s a lot. Maybe have a sit down before we continue. Because that place is not only a real thing, but everything’s $5, there are MULTIPLE free racks, an outstanding coffee shop is literally attached to the store, and all money raised goes directly towards a charity that helps vulnerable people living on the streets. The existence of Brisbane’s Studio Thrifty4 essentially proves Belinda Carlisle was right on the money – heaven really is a place on earth.
We wanted to bring back the old-school op shop, where everything is amazing quality at prices everyone can afford.
The brains behind this paradise (and its Melbourne twin sister St.Co) are Michael and Ryan, the legends who run Pay a Sack Forward (PASF) – an initiative that provides support to the homeless in the form of ‘survival sacks’ containing basic food and hygiene essentials. For Michael, the store’s a way to Make Things Better on a number of levels. “Studio Thrifty4 started because I believe op shop prices have gotten out of control. We wanted to bring back the old-school op shop, where everything is amazing quality at prices everyone can afford. The shop covers the running expenses of PASF, and the rest goes directly into PASF. A sack coasts $5, and that has all the basic survival items for someone living rough. We encourage our customers to head out to the packing station in the cafe and pack the sacks while they’re here, so they can really experience what the whole Pay a Sack Forward ‘thing’ is about.”
Customers at coffee shops across Brisbane and Melbourne have long been making donations to fund the creation of these sacks, which are packed communally and taken straight to those most in need. Now, with the advent of The Most Wonderful Op Shop That Ever There Was, thrift shoppers can snap up some awesome threads and then pack a sack (and maybe kick back with some amazing eggs and a celebratory flat white afterwards). We’d write more but we’ve got some shopping/packing/eating and drinking to do…
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Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
