I have a very large knitting library and when I’m on the “hunt” for a new book to add to my collection, I typically visit eBay and my all time favorite website, Thriftbooks. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind paying retail for books but when I can get gently used books that look brand new for a steal and often free shipping I have to take advantage.
For eBay, I have one seller I’ve purchased a lot of books from. They are reliable, accurate and their books are always like described, brand new! For the other sellers, I always check their rating, their reviews and the photos of their books. I’ve only had one bad experience for Thriftbooks, and they remedy the issue promptly with a replacement book.
I’m in love with sock knitting lately and wanted to grow that portion of my library. I decided to see what books were available, well as the current retail price and shipping costs. I was amazed at the prices I was seeing so I decided to do a bit of online “thrifting”.
The first of the month I was excited to get a brand new copy of Cookie A’s book Sock Innovation for a total of $7.34, including shipping. Retail total would have been $22.95 plus tax. Buying used, I saved a total of $15.61! By the way, my favorite seller has this listed for a buy it now price of $2.98 plus $3.99 shipping ~ just thought you might like to know 
I then purchased two used library books, Favorite Socks and Folk Socks, from Thriftbooks and paid a total of $15.33 with free shipping. One thing I love about this particular website, all of their shipping is free within the US.
Retail total would have been $44.90 plus tax. Buying used, I saved a total of $29.57!
I also purchased one new book, Around the World in Knitted Socks, and two gently used books, Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns and Knitted Socks East and West, online at eBay.
My total cost, including shipping came to $26.55. Retail total would have been $60.20 plus tax. Buying used, I saved a total of $33.65!
Don’t forget to go to your local thrift shops for bargains too. I’ve found wonderful books, including collectibles, for under $3.00 each. I’m very fortunate to live near a huge retirement area, so craft books are very plentiful, especially knitting and crocheting.
So, have you ever purchased a wonderful used book online? If so, what website did you use?
Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving and crafting!
Thanks for the tip on the Thriftbooks website. I’ve been wanting that Sock Innovation book also, but am waiting until we get moved.
You’re welcome Darlene!
Thank you for the heads-up for thrift books. I have never heard of it, but am going to go check it out right now. I love getting books for a bargain!
You are so welcome Nina and I hope you find a good bargain or two
I love secondhand books.
I never find any craft books in my local charity shops (still have wild dreams about finding Alice Starmore’s Tudor Roses for a fiver!) but my fiction book collection is mainly based on books that cost no more than a pound or two. Wonder if there’s a version of Thrift Books over here?
I do too Kate
. I’ve only found one Alice Starmore book out in the local thrift shops, but like you still have hope of finding more. You might check out Abesbooks.com – they are an affiliate and have sellers based in the UK. 
Love it! Yes, I’ve gotten a few great Alice Starmore books on ebay (not the Tudor one) and the Sasha Kagan Sweater Book. All way too advanced for me at this stage of my knitting game, but I love to look. Thanks for the Thrift Books site, it is new to me.
You’re welcome Jenny! Sounds like you’ve gotten a few great bargains that will be wonderful for you as you progress in your knitting
I love secondhand books, although the charity shops around here never have any craft books, they’ve been the reason for my huge collection of paperbacks.
We have a shop here called The Works which I think is similar to Thriftbooks, although the craft selection is patchy, they recently had Inspired Cable Knits for £2.99. Shame I already had it. 
Paperbacks and hardbacks are plentiful at the shops near me. You can typically pick up paperbacks 5 for a dollar and hardbacks a dollar to two dollars each. I’ve picked up vintage knitting magazines and patterns for twenty- five cents which sell in the antique shops for over ten dollars.n I do love my bargains.
I love second hand books as well. Vintage pattern books/booklets seem to be the most common types to find in my area (got some really great vintage sock patterns for 25 cents). Also, our local library is a great spot for finding more current pattern books. They have a lot of the interweave books available for borrowing.
I love the vintage pattern books/booklets and often find them near me. The library is always a great source – you get to look and decide before you buy!
I homeschool and buy almost all of our books through stores that I find on dealoz.com. I purchased two knitting books recently 1/2 price through yarn stores while on vacation. I know I’m going to love thriftbooks.com…thank you!
You’re most welcome. I’ve not heard of dealoz.com Leslie, thank you for sharing
Thanks for the tip on Thriftbooks. You might also want to check out half.com. I always get GREAT deals there!
You are most welcome and Maddy I totally forgot about Half.com – thank you!!!!