There was no such thing as "ladies first" for bargain-hunters Tama Braithwaite and Jeff Robinson when the doors opened for a bustling crowd of buyers at the Presbyterian's Fabric Sale fundraiser at Burns Hall, First Church on Saturday.
The blokey browsers may have appeared somewhat un-chivalrous in their haste to find fabric ahead of the overwhelmingly female crowd, but there was a pattern to the pair's purchases.
"We're performers. We're looking for cheap material so we can make costumes," Mr Braithwaite said.
The two actors also found the perfect receptacle for their material-gathering: a bright orange suitcase that caught Mr Robinson's eye shortly after the pair came through the doors.
Princes St shop-owner Elena Poletti said the fabric sale was a great place to pick up bargains, such as pattern designs.
"The enthusiasm here is always great.
"People come because they really, really want to find treasures among everything else," she said.
Having never missed a fabric sale since the event started more than a decade ago, Ms Poletti was on the lookout for "fabulous fabrics and embroidered silk" items.
Sale organiser Chrissy Anderson said cloth, material, and fabrics for the annual event were donated to help raise funds for the Presbyterian Support Organisation's family service and community programmes.
