Did you grandmother give you her sewing machine, but you don’t know how to use it? Got a bundle of children’s clothes from your sister, but they’re too big for your kids? Want to learn how to play your dad’s old banjo, but don’t know where to start? Good news! There are plenty of websites that help you get the most out all your favorite second-hand goods, including…
* Sewing machines: You’ll find instruction manuals for dozens of makes and models at mastersewusa.com. Download one for $5 or order a print version starting at $12.
* Electronics: Get free operating instructions for everything from mixers and vacuum cleaners to cameras and TVs at instructionsmanuals.com and safemanuals.com.
* Clothes: Watch free three to five-minute videos at monkeysee.com to learn the easy steps for altering clothes, such as hemming pants, taking in a blouse and replacing an elastic waistband. To start viewing, enter “alter clothes” in the search box.
* Musical instruments: Begin by getting banjos, guitars, violins and other instruments back in tune by logging onto get-tuned.com and using their online tuners. Then follow online lessons for the guitar, drums, keyboard and trumpet from the famed Berklee School of Music (berkleeshares.com), piano at gopiano.com and banjo at banjolessons.net—all free of charge.
[photo: Sidewalk Flying]
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Speaking of hand-me-downs, I thought your readers might be interested in thredUP kids, an online kids clothing exchange community. It’s faster, easier and cheaper that alternatives (ie ebay, consignment, swap parties). It’s all done online through pre-paid mail and home delivery. Think: the affordability of consignment shopping meets the convenience of netflix.
Let me know if you are interested in more information. Thanks!
Best,
Karen
karen@thredup.com