There's a bit of a pattern emerging here....

OK, so I'm still running late with my blogging... this haul is from a few weeks ago and was another very exciting one for me. First stop was the MS shop in Glen Waverley were I found these old pattern books which I literally jumped on like a lion attacking its prey when I saw them. They were only $4 each!

 

I can't get enough of the illustrations from old patterns! This was one of my favourites (I have the actual pattern somewhere too!).

The only annoying thing is that, flicking through the pages, there are so many things I'd love to make, but of course I can't get the patterns any more unless I stumble on them in an op shop.... which is what happened with these...

After all this goodness, I thought I'd finished at the MS shop but just did one last check... I was rather glad I did as I found these tough-girl boots which are just my size, for $10. Although they are my size, they are VERY tight fitting around the legs and had holes in the back seams, so I had to get them fixed, which cost $32, but still, they're Italian-made and excellent quality. I have a slight problem taking them off due to the fit, but as long as someone is around to pull them from my feet I should be OK!! Love the studded detail in the arch of the foot.

Next up was the Salvos in Brandon Park, where I had a bit of an Asian theme going. I found this amazing colourful hat for $4.99...

... and these teacups (four of them for $1 each as orange ticketed items were half price). 

They're gold on the inside and black outside with mountain scenes handpainted onto them. I'm fairly sure that they are lacquerware rather than plastic, although lacquerware tends to chip when it gets old and these are still in fairly good condition, so can't say for certain. I have a feeling they may have been made as souvenirs in Japan in the 60s or so. Anyway, the kitsch quotient is perfect!! So another fine op shopping day was had by all ("all" being "me", of course!).