osewme

Great idea ccryder752! I'll check it out next time hubby & I go to Home Depot.
Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

pal

How about a lid from those pod containers for the dishwasher or the side of a gallon size detergent bottle. What about the plastic lid from take out food or old tupperware lids?

tessagin

I have a large mail divider made of metal. It holds a few of my rulers and can also hold my cell phone and tablet. I think I paid $10.00. There are also smaller ones. I've had it for about 5 years. By the time you spend looking here and there, it's already done and it's sturdy. I've seen them in black and grey metal and clear black and grey plastic.

klswift

There are various thickness of Joann template plastic, also clear, with grids and opaque. But, when I need to have a sturdy base for stands, purse bottoms, etc. and want something 'better' than the stiff interfacing, I use plastic needlework canvas. It is easy to cut, fairly inexpensive and the holes keep it very breathable.

annette1952

I agree. Regular template plastic won't work. Those plastic cutting mats are all I buy for projects like these

meanmom

I made one of those. I used the corrugated plastic like signs are made from. Old political signs etc. It looks like corrugated cardboard but is plastic. I assume you can buy it, i have a supply of old signs I collected on trash day. Look for it after a festival or other event. It also make great bottoms for purses and totes. Free is alway good. More money for fabric.

QuiltnLady1

Meanmom -- this makes me smile. When I moved DSIL and DS thought I was nuts for all the useful non-sewing notions they found.

osewme

More great ideas....especially the free/cheap ones. I never thought of the plastic political signs, etc. Thanks!

pandamommy

Wal~Mart also has inexpensive place mats. I've seen them less than a dollar. Not sure if they would be sturdy enough or not. What about a heavy fusible like timTex it holds up pretty good for fabric bowls. Of course it isn't inexpensive like some of the ideas.