The Crowded Closet

In Iowa City I've discovered some great new thrift/vintage stores.

So far I've been to the vintage stores Decorum, The Savvy Boutique, Artifacts. The Coraville branches of Stuff Etc. and Goodwill are pretty good.

Today my friend Kesa took me to The Crowded Closet (1213 S. Gilbert Court).

The Crowded Closet is a little different because it's run by the Mennonite Central Committee, a relief and development agency. Thrift goods purchased at the the store support MCC's mission of "meeting human needs in Christ's name."

The store also has the International Gift Shoppe, a fair-trade section, that supports non-sweatshop handicrafts made by artisans around the world.

One can find the usual thrift good plus some beautiful handicrafts and gifts from the thrift store. There's some really nice stuff here but what makes me feel good about shopping there is knowing that I'm supporting an organization that has a clear humanitarian mission.

Wanna see what I got?

This tin, I think it's a flour/cookie jar, will go in my freezer with a produce bag insert for compost collection. I separate my veggie and fruit scraps, eggshells, and save them in the freezer for my friend who composts. By freezing the scraps, I don't have to worry about odors of putrefaction. $0.75

Two very ugly pillows. $0.50

The dark green cloth are fancy pillowcases that I plan on cutting and re-sewing for the two ugly pillows. I'm not sure where I'm going to put them when I'm done. The lighter cloth has lemons on it. Kesa suggested making dish towels but I'm not sure what I'll do with it. $0.35 ea., $0.90


Small Hamilton Beach glass mixing bowl with spout. Utilitarian yet attractive. My favorite kind of kitchenware. $2.00

This is my proudest purchase. Steel, I guess. This utility table on wheels has collapsible sides. I'm in love with it and will be even more so when I paint it a sunny yellow to match of the same color. It doesn't have a home in my apartment but it will find one soon. $5.00 1/2 off

I also bought a fitted sheet to put around my box spring.

Total: $11.00

I'll keep you posted on my pillow sewing and table painting projects.