I haven't contributed in many months as I have been working full time in the city, and unfortunately Op Shopping has had to take a back seat.

My visits have been quick 'once arounds' as shops are about to close for the day, and I have been collecting mostly vintage bone china teacups, saucers and side plates, as well as the usual tablecloths and hand embroidered doileys.

And I am proud to announce that I have passed my love of Op Shopping and collecting beautiful things from the past on to my daughters who are 27 and 18, and they are now coming with me on the rare occasions we all have a Saturday morning off at the same time, to hunt out their own treasures.

Here are a few of my recent finds, which are not just stuck in the china cabinet, but are used daily for a delicious hot chocolate or relaxing cup of tea.

Eastward distractions

Today was the perfect day for me to Op. I needed to get out of the house and have a good rummage!
I stopped in Boronia, Bayswater, Knox and Scorsby.

 I found 'Do Cats Need Shrinks' ($1.99) At Salvos Boronia, and thought it would be a good read! (I can't wait to find out what the author concludes, actually! Do cats need shrinks?)

 At Vinnies Bayswater I found the rest of my goodies- A nice weight knit cardigan for $6.00

 Some wide lace in a colour I suppose would be a 'nude' or 'blush' There are many metres, and I think I'll make a garter out of it, and possibly work out some kind of bouquet wraps, too

 (Above- all the lace. I think it is over 10 metres, and it was a dollar, which was lovely!)

I found this sweet Pyrex plate for my friend Miss A. We are both on the hunt for good Pyrex patterns!

I also found this little anomaly in google maps while plotting the route. This is the view near the Scorsby Community Op Shop.

Brotherhood of St Lawrence Eltham opshop

I was asked to fill in today for someone who was ill and I was happy to do so.  We were flat out all day!  Donations just poured in, and so did the customers.  Must be something about cold wet weather that makes people want to either stay home and have a clean up, or come into the shop to see what the cleaner-uppers have brought in!
I found a few bits and pieces to bring home...
Two shirts made out of Batik $1 each - these will be cut up into squares for patchwork

Three lengths of plain coloured cotton $3 each.  Always handy to have plain fabrics to go with all the patterned fabrics that quilters accumulate in their stash.

 Lovely cotton hand embroidered tablecloth, $5. 

 At first glance I thought it was machine embroiderery but believe it or not, it is stitched by hand.  Absolutely exquisite stitching.

 Two sketch books, 50c each.  A budding artist can never have enough of these.

 Crosby slippers $1.  They fit me perfectly, great for slopping around the house in.

monster trash and treasure sale

Blackburn North Lions Club will hold its next monster trash and treasure sale on Saturday, 25 May 2013.

Time: 8 am to 1 pm

Usual place: 1st Vermont Scout Hall, near the corner of Canterbury Rd and Mitcham Rd, Vermont.

As usual, there will be lots of bargains and something for everyone.

Vintage wedding gown

 I am in a bit of a muddle with my photos - I don't think I have shown this before.

I bought it at Vinnies in Tyabb Road, Mornington.

Whoever wore this must have been very slim.